Arbitration and Commercial Disputes
Protect your business interests in the UAE with MIRAD's arbitration and commercial litigation services. From contract breaches to enforcement, we provide full legal support.
Arbitration and Commercial Disputes in the UAE
Business in the UAE is a legal system that allows you to protect your interests through both commercial court and arbitration. The choice of mechanism depends on the nature of the dispute, the content of the contract, and your priorities—speed, confidentiality, or the possibility of appeal.
What is Arbitration?
Arbitration is an alternative method of resolving commercial disputes where parties refer the case to an independent arbitrator. The decision has the same force as a court ruling and is enforced under the New York Convention. It is regulated by Federal Arbitration Law No. 6 of 2018 (based on UNCITRAL).
- Breach of commercial contract.
- Disputes with contractors and suppliers.
- Agency and distribution conflicts.
- International transactions and cross-border projects.
- Disagreements between founders and partners.
Main Arbitration Centres
| Centre | Features |
| DIAC | Largest centre in Dubai, English-speaking, replaces DIFC-LCIA |
| ADCCAC | Centre at Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, civil law |
| ICC / SIAC | International platforms, can use UAE as jurisdiction |
What is a Commercial Claim?
- Non-fulfillment of contract and payment delay.
- Recovery of damages.
- Supply of substandard goods.
- Violation of agency or distribution agreement.
- Unfair competition.
Where are Claims Heard?
| Jurisdiction | Court | Law |
| Mainland | Dubai / Abu Dhabi Courts | Civil Law (UAE civil law) |
| DIFC | DIFC Courts | Common Law, contracts in English |
| ADGM | ADGM Courts | Common Law, FSRA regulations |
Arbitration vs. Commercial Court
| Criterion | Arbitration | Commercial Court |
| Publicity | Confidentially held hearings | Open hearings |
| Appointment of Judge/Arbitrator | Parties choose arbitrator | ❌ Court appoints judge |
| Language | Any (by agreement) | Arabic / English in DIFC/ADGM |
| Appeal | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Speed | 6–12 months | Longer |
| Cost | Higher (especially international) | Lower, but longer process |
| Enforcement | Through court or New York Convention | Court order in jurisdiction |
Is Your Contract Breached? Partner Not Paying?
MIRAD will help choose an effective path: arbitration or court. We will prepare a claim, protect your interests, and achieve results.
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