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Facing a dispute that needs resolving outside court? Our arbitration lawyers in Dubai bring deep expertise in Dubai arbitration law, handling commercial and international arbitration cases with clear strategy and complete confidentiality. Contact us today for a private consultation.
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20+ Years Dubai Family Courts
- Practice Areas
Arbitration Cases Our Dubai Lawyers Handle
Our arbitration lawyers handle disputes across industries and across borders. Here are the most common types of arbitration cases we work on.
Commercial Contract Disputes
When a business contract breaks down and the parties cannot agree, arbitration is often the fastest way to get a binding decision. We represent both claimants and respondents in all types of commercial contract arbitration in Dubai.
UAE Specific
UAE law recognizes arbitration awards as binding and enforceable, but the arbitration clause must be drafted correctly upfront.
Construction and Real Estate Arbitration
Construction disputes and real estate disagreements often involve large sums and complex contracts. We handle arbitration in construction delays, defects, payment disputes, and real estate contract breaches across Dubai and the UAE.
UAE Specific
UAE construction contracts often specify DIAC or DIFC arbitration, and choosing the wrong forum can delay enforcement significantly.
Joint Venture and Partnership Disputes
Disagreements between business partners or joint venture parties are well-suited to arbitration. Private, efficient, and less damaging to business relationships than a public court case. We handle JV and partnership disputes through arbitration.
UAE Specific
UAE partnership disputes resolved through arbitration stay private, unlike court cases which become part of the public record.
Employment and Workforce Arbitration
Some employment contracts in Dubai include arbitration clauses. When a dispute arises between an employer and a senior employee, we handle arbitration proceedings efficiently and get results without drawn-out court proceedings.
UAE Specific
UAE labour law limits which employment disputes can go to arbitration, most standard worker claims must go through labour courts.
Arbitration Award Enforcement
Winning an arbitration award is one thing. Getting the other side to pay is another. We enforce arbitration awards through Dubai courts and internationally, making sure you actually receive what you were awarded.
UAE Specific
UAE ratified the New York Convention, allowing foreign arbitration awards to be enforced domestically through local courts.
International Commercial Arbitration
When one or both parties in a dispute are based outside the UAE, international arbitration rules apply. We represent clients in international arbitration cases involving UAE businesses, contracts, and investments through ICC, LCIA, and DIAC.
UAE Specific
UAE law recognizes party autonomy in choosing governing law and seat, but the arbitration agreement must state this clearly.
- For Expats & Internationals
If You Are an International Business or Expat Dealing with Arbitration in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s top arbitration hubs. International businesses choose Dubai for arbitration because of its strong legal framework and its ability to enforce awards globally. Here is what international clients need to know.
DIAC arbitration awards are enforceable in over 160 countries under the New York Convention. If you win in Dubai, you can enforce the award almost anywhere in the world.
You do not need to be based in Dubai or the UAE to use Dubai arbitration. If your contract names Dubai as the seat of arbitration, we can represent you wherever you are.
International arbitration cases can be conducted in English. All filings, submissions and hearings can run in your language. You do not need Arabic for international arbitration in Dubai.
If the other party is in Dubai but you are outside the UAE, we act on your behalf fully. We handle everything in Dubai while you stay informed from wherever you are.
- Your Situation
Are You Dealing with One of These?
Arbitration is used when two parties have a dispute and want a faster, more private solution than going through the courts. If any of the situations below sounds like yours, we can help.
- Know Your Rights
What Is Arbitration and How Does It Work in Dubai
Arbitration is a way to resolve disputes outside of court. Both sides agree to let a neutral third party called an arbitrator hear the case and make a binding decision. It is private, usually faster than court, and the decision is enforceable in over 160 countries.
Arbitration Work Dubai
Arbitration in Dubai — DIAC and the UAE Law
The Dubai International Arbitration Centre, known as DIAC, is the main arbitration body in Dubai. The UAE Federal Arbitration Law governs how arbitration works in the UAE. If your contract has an arbitration clause, your dispute will usually go to DIAC or another agreed body. Our arbitration lawyers know the DIAC rules and the UAE Arbitration Law inside out.
The language of the court is Arabic. You need a lawyer who is fully fluent and knows how the Dubai Personal Status Court operates, not someone learning it on your case.
Arbitration Work Dubai
Why Choose Arbitration Over Court?
Arbitration is private — no public hearings, no public records. It is usually faster than going through the Dubai courts. You can choose an arbitrator with specific expertise in your industry. And the final award is binding and enforceable internationally. For most commercial disputes, arbitration is the smarter choice.
You have more flexibility than many expats realize. The law has changed significantly since 2023. Get advice early; the options available to you now may not be available later.
- Client Outcomes
What Our Clients Say | Real Families, Real Outcomes
Real clients sharing their experience working with our family law team, in their own words.
- Our Team
The Lawyers Who Will Handle Your Family Case
At Leaders Advocates, every client is assigned to a named lawyer. These are the advocates who will personally manage your family law case.
Faris Raian
Founder Partner
Faris Raian has represented clients across Dubai courts for over 15 years, handling hundreds of commercial arbitration and contract dispute cases under Dubai arbitration law. He is fully fluent in Arabic and appears regularly before Dubai’s arbitration centers.
“Arbitration cases are not just legal matters to me. I understand the personal weight of every decision we make together.”
Ekaterina Butseva
Founder Partner
Ekaterina Butseva specializes in international arbitration for non-Muslim expatriates and international clients. She handles complex cross-border commercial disputes, joint venture arbitration involving parties in multiple countries, and cases through ICC, LCIA, and DIAC.
“Every arbitration case is different. I take the time to understand yours before I give you any advice.”
Frengie samaan
Partner / Head of litigation
Frengie supports clients through every stage of their arbitration case, from initial consultation to hearing and final award. She works closely with businesses navigating Dubai arbitration law for the first time, making sure every step is explained clearly and handled professionally.
“I make sure no client feels lost in the process. Every question gets a clear, honest answer.”
- How It Works
What Happens After You Contact Us
- FAQs
Answers to the Questions We Hear Most Often
Arbitration raises a lot of questions, especially if you have never been through it before. Here are the ones we get asked most.
What is arbitration and how is it different from going to court?
Arbitration is a private way to resolve disputes where a neutral arbitrator makes a binding decision instead of a judge. It is different from court in three main ways. It is private no public hearings. It is usually faster months rather than years. And you can choose an arbitrator with specific expertise in your type of dispute.Â
How do I know if my contract requires arbitration?
Look for an arbitration clause in your contract usually near the end under dispute resolution or governing law. It will say something like disputes shall be resolved by arbitration. If you are not sure, send us the contract. We will check it for you and tell you exactly what it says about dispute resolution.
How long does arbitration take in Dubai?
Most DIAC arbitration cases in Dubai are resolved in 6 to 18 months. This is significantly faster than going through the Dubai courts which can take 2 to 3 years for a complex commercial case. The timeline depends on the complexity of the dispute and how cooperative both sides are during the process.
How much does arbitration cost in Dubai?
Arbitration costs include DIAC registration fees, arbitrator fees, and lawyer fees. For smaller disputes, arbitration can cost less than court. For larger commercial disputes, costs are higher but so is the speed and certainty of outcome. We give you a full cost estimate at the first consultation so there are no surprises.
Can I enforce an arbitration award in Dubai?
Yes. Arbitration awards in Dubai are enforced through the Dubai courts. If the losing party does not comply with the award, you apply to the court for enforcement. The court can then freeze assets, seize property or take other steps to make the other side pay. We handle the full enforcement process.
What is DIAC and do I have to use it?
DIAC is the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, the main body for commercial arbitration in Dubai. If your contract names DIAC as the arbitration body, you must use it. If your contract just says arbitration in Dubai without naming a body, DIAC is usually the default. We can advise on which body applies to your contract and your dispute.
Arbitration Lawyers In Dubai. You Do Not Have To Handle This Alone.
Arbitration is faster than court, but it still needs the right lawyer to get the right result. Whether you are starting an arbitration, responding to one, or trying to enforce an award, our arbitration lawyers in Dubai are ready to help. With deep experience in Dubai arbitration law, we guide you through every stage. Book your first consultation.
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