Arbitration & Settlement

Resolve disputes quickly, confidentially, and at the lowest cost — before they turn into cases that drag on for years in court and burn through both relationships and money.

About the Service

The Smarter Path to Ending a Dispute

Ordinary litigation can take years, your files become public, and you spend thousands of dirhams in fees, costs, and lost opportunity. Arbitration and settlement offer a faster, more confidential alternative — recognized internationally in more than 170 countries under the New York Convention.

We represent you before the leading arbitration centers in the UAE — the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), the Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation & Arbitration Centre (ADCCAC), and the DIFC and ADGM courts — and we also guide you through amicable settlement tracks that preserve your commercial relationships and save you the cost of a long dispute.

60%

faster than ordinary litigation in most cases

100%

confidentiality for arbitration hearings

170+

countries recognize and enforce arbitral awards

What We Offer

Comprehensive Alternative Dispute Resolution Services

We represent you at every stage of arbitration, and lead settlement negotiations in your favor at the lowest possible cost.

Domestic Commercial Arbitration

Representing you in commercial disputes before accredited arbitration centers in the UAE.

International Arbitration

Cross-border disputes under ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, and other major rules.

Amicable Settlement & Conciliation

Direct negotiations to resolve disputes amicably — faster and lower-cost than arbitration.

Mediation

Engaging a neutral mediator to bridge viewpoints and reach a solution both parties accept.

Drafting Arbitration Clauses

Drafting arbitration clauses in your commercial contracts with precision that protects you if a dispute arises later.

Challenging & Setting Aside Awards

Challenging arbitral awards issued against you or defending awards rendered in your favor.

Enforcement of Arbitral Awards

Ratifying and enforcing arbitral awards inside the UAE and abroad under the New York Convention.

Specialized Arbitration

Arbitration in construction, real estate, corporate, and intellectual property disputes with specialist arbitrators.

How We Work

A Calculated Methodology From Assessment to Enforcement

Four steps ensuring the highest chance of success — whether at the negotiation table or before the arbitral tribunal.

Dispute Assessment

Analyzing the file and choosing the most suitable track: amicable settlement, mediation, or formal arbitration.

Strategic Preparation

Preparing pleadings, documents, and witnesses, and building an integrated legal strategy.

Advocacy & Negotiation

Representing you in arbitration hearings or managing negotiation rounds to reach the best possible outcome.

Enforcement & Closure

Enforcing the arbitral award or activating the settlement agreement, and following through until you actually receive your right.

FAQ

Your Questions on Arbitration & Settlement

Key differences:

• Speed: Arbitration is settled in months; litigation may take years.
• Confidentiality: Arbitration hearings are closed; courts are public by default.
• Expertise: You choose an arbitrator specialized in the type of dispute.
• Finality: Arbitral awards are final and binding, with limited grounds for challenge.
• International Enforcement: Enforceable in 170+ countries thanks to the New York Convention.

Amicable settlement is the better choice when:

• You want to preserve the business relationship with the other party
• The amount in dispute doesn't justify arbitration costs
• There are signals of willingness from the other party to settle
• Speed is a top priority and you need closure within weeks

We assess your situation and direct you to the best track with complete honesty from the first meeting.

Yes — an arbitral award is final and binding on the parties from the moment it is issued, and has the force of a court judgment after ratification by the competent court. Challenges are very limited and only accepted in exceptional cases (violation of public order, the tribunal exceeding its jurisdiction, or fundamental procedural defects). This finality is precisely what makes arbitration a serious option for major disputes.

Timing depends on case complexity and number of parties:

• Simple cases: 3–6 months
• Medium cases: 6–12 months
• Large, complex cases: 12–18 months

Even the longest arbitration is usually shorter than an equivalent case in ordinary courts with their multiple levels of appeal.

Yes. The UAE is a party to the 1958 New York Convention on the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, alongside 170+ countries. This means an award rendered in the UAE can be enforced against the losing party's assets in most countries of the world — a major advantage not available with ordinary court judgments, which require separate bilateral treaties for foreign enforcement.

Arbitration costs include: institution fees + arbitrators' fees + lawyer's fees. These may seem higher than court fees upfront, but once you account for:

• Time saved (months instead of years)
• Multiple levels of appeal in court
• Opportunity cost of time and resources

Arbitration is generally cheaper overall for medium and large disputes. We provide a detailed, transparent cost estimate before starting.

A commercial dispute about to escalate?

Don't waste years in court. Arbitration or amicable settlement may end your case in months with complete confidentiality. Contact us to assess your situation and pick the optimal track.

Start the Settlement Path Quick Consultation