In brief The UAE Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has recently launched an electronic mediation (“e-mediation”) platform as a tool to be used by parties for alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The launch of the e-mediation platform is in line with the MOJ’s goal to facilitate the access to ADR services. The platform will assist parties in settling civil and commercial disputes outside of the UAE courts (both onshore and offshore) or arbitration proceedings through registered mediators.…
In brief The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) has recently released its Annual Report for the year 2022. The Report highlights the new vision and future strategies of DIAC and provides helpful statistics for 2022, including regarding the overall caseload, caseload by value of disputes, sectors represented and the nationalities involved.[1] The statistics show a growth in the number and the value of the cases registered, as well as a broad outreach in terms of…
In brief The Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) opened its first office outside of Saudi Arabia in the DIFC. SCCA Dubai has started operating on 2 February 2023 and offers a comprehensive suite of ADR services to local and international businesses based in the UAE and/or operating in the Middle East.[1] In the latest developments, the SCCA has released its second edition of the SCCA Arbitration Rules (SCCA Rules), effective 1 May 2023. The…
In brief The recently issued Rules of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (the “New DIAC Rules“) have come into effect on 21 March 2022. Following the joint press release of the DIAC and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), all arbitrations, mediations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings submitted to the DIAC after this date will be governed by the New DIAC Rules. The New DIAC Rules also align with the procedural developments entrenched in…
In brief Following the issuance of Decree No. 34 of 2021 which abolished the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) have now confirmed the administration of DIFC-LCIA cases going forward. According to their joint press release issued on 28 March 2022, all cases commenced and registered with the DIFC-LCIA on or before 20 March 2022 will now be administered by the LCIA. Cases commenced…