Should a UAE contract choose arbitration or the courts?
Arbitration is usually the effective route for cross-border disputes involving a UAE party: it is confidential, neutral, and enforceable abroad under the New York Convention, to which the UAE is a party. Its value depends entirely on the clause drafted at the outset. Prosilame handles the full cycle:
- Draft the arbitration clause — seat, institution, language, governing law, tribunal composition.
- Select between DIAC, ICC, DIFC-LCIA or ad hoc against the enforcement target.
- Build the case theory and manage the evidentiary record.
- Represent the client throughout the proceedings.
- Obtain recognition and enforcement of the award in the UAE and abroad.
Common failure points
The situations we handle.
- Poorly drafted, even unenforceable arbitration clause
- Choice of institution and seat not under control
- Favourable award left unenforced
- Proceedings endured for lack of strategy
Deliverables
What you get.
Arbitration clause
Drafting a solid clause: seat, institution, language, governing law.
Litigation strategy
Building the case file and the theory of the case.
Representation
DIAC, ICC, DIFC-LCIA and ad hoc arbitration.
Enforcement
Recognition and enforcement of awards, including cross-border.
Our approach
Our approach to arbitration.
For cross-border disputes, arbitration is often the most effective route: confidential, neutral and enforceable in most countries under the New York Convention. But the arbitration clause must have been drafted properly upstream, and the proceedings must be run with a real strategy, not merely endured.
We draft solid arbitration clauses — seat, institution, language, governing law — and, when a dispute breaks out, we build the theory of the case, select arbitrators carefully and run the proceedings end to end. Our work does not stop at the award: we secure its recognition and enforcement, including abroad.
Clause drafting
Arbitration clauses calibrated to be enforceable and effective on the day of the dispute.
Institutional proceedings
Representation before DIAC, ICC, DIFC-LCIA and in ad hoc arbitration.
Award enforcement
Recognition and enforcement in the UAE and in the relevant foreign jurisdictions.
Frequently asked
Arbitration — your questions.
Which institution: DIAC, ICC or DIFC-LCIA?
It depends on the seat, the parties and the intended enforcement. Each institution has its own rules and costs.
Is an award enforceable in the UAE?
Yes, the UAE is a party to the New York Convention. Enforcement nonetheless requires a rigorous procedure.
Arbitration or local courts?
Arbitration offers confidentiality and neutrality, at a higher cost. The choice is made case by case.
Related practices and analysis
Related practices, and the analysis behind them.
A matter on arbitration?
A 30-minute call to review your arbitration clause or the enforcement of an award.
See matters the firm has handled and what clients say about them.
AED 600 individuals · AED 1,000 professionals
Payable before the call, by card or bank transfer. See fee details.