DIAC, ICC & ADGM proceedings
Representation in arbitration proceedings before DIAC, the ICC, and the ADGM Arbitration Centre.
Arbitration · DIAC · ICC · ADGM · Dubai, UAE
Arbitration Lawyer Dubai
Starting, defending or enforcing an arbitration - or your contract still names the now-abolished DIFC-LCIA? Get the current position before you act.
MBM represents businesses in UAE-seated and international arbitration - DIAC, ICC and ADGM proceedings, drafting and reviewing arbitration clauses, and enforcing or challenging awards. We also advise specifically on contracts that still reference the DIFC-LCIA, abolished in 2021 and folded into DIAC.
The framework
DIAC is now the institution - and the DIFC-LCIA no longer exists
Onshore UAE-seated arbitration is governed by Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 Concerning Arbitration. Institutionally, Dubai Decree No. 34 of 2021 formally abolished the DIFC-LCIA, transferring its caseload and administration to the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), which has also absorbed the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre. DIAC is now the sole Dubai-based domestic arbitration institution, alongside international options such as the ICC and ADGM Arbitration Centre.
Which institution and rules apply to a specific dispute depends on the arbitration clause in the contract. This page describes the general framework; it is not advice on your matter.
A live issue for older contracts
Does your contract still say “DIFC-LCIA”?
Many contracts signed before 2021 still name the DIFC-LCIA as the seat or administering institution for arbitration. Since Dubai Decree No. 34 of 2021 abolished it, that reference now points to a body that no longer exists in that form - a genuine, recurring legal question for any business relying on such a clause.
Step 01
Identify the clause
Confirm exactly what your arbitration clause names as the institution, rules and seat.
Step 02
Assess how it now applies
DIAC has generally assumed the DIFC-LCIA's caseload, but how a specific clause should be read can still raise genuine questions.
Step 03
Decide whether to amend
For ongoing or future contracts, updating the clause to name DIAC directly removes any ambiguity.
Step 04
Proceed with confidence
Whether starting a new arbitration or continuing an existing dispute, we advise on the correct current position before you act.
Matters we handle
Arbitration matters MBM is instructed on
These are the situations that most often reach us. If yours is not listed, it is still worth a call.
Shareholder & commercial arbitration
Arbitrating shareholder, partnership and general commercial disputes under an existing arbitration clause. See shareholder & partnership disputes.
Arbitration clause drafting & review
Drafting or reviewing an arbitration agreement or clause before a dispute arises, including updating legacy DIFC-LCIA references.
Award enforcement
Enforcing a domestic or foreign arbitral award through the competent UAE court.
Challenging an award
Assessing the limited grounds available to set aside an award, and pursuing a challenge where they exist.
International & cross-border arbitration
Arbitration involving parties, assets or enforcement across more than one jurisdiction.
Our approach
What MBM actually does on an arbitration matter
Concrete steps, in the order they usually happen.
Read the arbitration clause first
Institution, rules and seat decide almost everything that follows - we confirm these before anything else.
Prepare or respond to the case
We prepare the request for arbitration or the response, and manage the proceedings through to a hearing or award.
Advise on settlement where realistic
Many arbitrations settle once each side's position is clearly and credibly presented.
Enforce or challenge the award
Once an award is issued, we pursue enforcement or, where grounds exist, a challenge.
Coordinate with court proceedings where needed
Where enforcement or interim relief requires the courts, we coordinate with MBM's civil litigation team - see civil litigation & enforcement.
Why MBM
Current on institutional change, not just the statute
The DIAC/DIFC-LCIA consolidation is exactly the kind of institutional change that outdated advice misses. MBM works from the current position, not the position as it stood before 2021.
- Litigation and arbitration in-house. The people advising you are the people who would represent you before the tribunal.
- Current institutional knowledge. We advise on DIAC's consolidated role, not outdated references to the DIFC-LCIA.
- Straight answers on merits. If a claim or challenge is weak, we will tell you that early.
- Two offices. Dubai and Sharjah.
17Years in practice as MBM Businessmen Services L.L.C.
90+Years of shared experience across the team
10Lawyers, litigation and arbitration capable
95%Win rate in high-stakes disputes, as published by the firm
Common questions
Arbitration in the UAE, answered directly
General information, not advice on your matter. Positions and procedures can change and depend on your specific facts and contract.
My contract says DIFC-LCIA arbitration - is that still valid?
The DIFC-LCIA was formally abolished by Dubai Decree No. 34 of 2021, with its caseload and administration transferred to the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). A contract still naming the DIFC-LCIA as the seat or administering institution names a body that no longer exists in that form, which can raise a genuine question about how the arbitration clause should now be read and applied.
What is DIAC, and is it now the main arbitration institution in Dubai?
Yes. DIAC (the Dubai International Arbitration Centre) is now the sole Dubai-based domestic arbitration institution, having absorbed the DIFC-LCIA's caseload following its abolition and also absorbed the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre.
What law governs arbitration seated in the UAE?
Onshore UAE-seated arbitration is governed by Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 Concerning Arbitration, which sets out the framework for the arbitration agreement, the conduct of proceedings, and the recognition and enforcement of awards.
Can a shareholder or partnership dispute be arbitrated?
Yes, where the shareholder agreement, articles of association or partnership agreement contains an arbitration clause.
How is an arbitral award enforced in Dubai?
Enforcement generally requires an application to the competent court, following Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 and, for foreign awards, the UAE's accession to the New York Convention. MBM can advise on and pursue enforcement, including cross-border enforcement.
Can an arbitration award be challenged or set aside?
Yes, in limited circumstances defined by law - for example a defect in the arbitration agreement, a breach of due process, or the award exceeding the tribunal's jurisdiction. A challenge is not available simply because a party disagrees with the outcome.
Is construction arbitration covered here?
Construction-specific arbitration, including FIDIC-clause disputes, is handled under MBM's dedicated construction dispute practice rather than as part of this general arbitration service, since construction arbitration typically involves distinct contractual mechanics.
How long does arbitration take in Dubai?
Timing varies considerably depending on the institution, the complexity of the dispute, and whether the parties cooperate procedurally. Arbitration is often, though not always, faster than court litigation for complex commercial disputes.
Is arbitration or litigation better for a commercial dispute?
This depends on what the contract already provides, the nature of the dispute, and factors such as confidentiality, enforceability across borders, and the desired finality of the outcome. Where no arbitration clause exists, the question is usually moot - the contract's own terms decide the forum.
How much does arbitration representation cost in Dubai?
The initial consultation with MBM is free. Cost thereafter depends on the institution, the complexity of the dispute, and its value. MBM provides a scope and fee position before you instruct.
Free consultation
Tell us about your matter
Tell us briefly about your situation. Our team will review your enquiry and advise you on the appropriate next step. Everything you send is treated as confidential.
- +971 4 570 0204Dubai office · Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00
- WhatsApp +971 54 596 1111Send the arbitration clause or contract as a photo if it is easier
- info@mbm-co.comAttach the contract and any arbitration notice
Practice area: Arbitration
Jurisdiction: Dubai, DIFC, ADGM & UAE
Last reviewed: September 2026
Thank you — your enquiry is with our team.
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Arbitration clauses reward getting it right early. Start with the current position.
Whether you are starting, defending or enforcing an arbitration, or checking an older DIFC-LCIA clause, the earlier the position is confirmed, the more options remain open. The first consultation is free.