Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP Assists The Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre in its Restructuring and Drafting of the Centre’s Arbitration Rules and Founding Instruments

• 3.19.2024

On February 1, 2024, a new arbitration centre was launched in Abu Dhabi known as the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre or “arbitrateAD.” The Centre introduced a set of modernized and forward-looking arbitration rules which aim to capture the latest domestic, regional, and global best practices. The rules reflect a deliberate effort by the Centre to position itself as a significant forum for international dispute resolution in both the MENA region and globally. The Centre’s efforts to promote the adoption of international arbitration in the MENA region are complemented by advancements in the region, such as the UAE’s ratification of the New York Convention and the recent updates to its Federal Arbitration Law in 2023, in line with the UNCITRAL Model Law.

The Centre, with its progressive Rules and new structure, allows disputing parties to take advantage of an impartial, efficient and modern administration of arbitral proceedings and fosters a more accessible and accommodating arbitration environment for global participants. The modernized Rules also enhance the credibility of awards rendered pursuant to the Rules and administered by the Centre, and help to ensure their global enforceability. These developments position the UAE not only as a favorable jurisdiction for arbitration but as one of the future leaders in setting global arbitration standards, reflecting its commitment to excellence and innovation in dispute resolution.

Our International Arbitration Group is delighted to have worked with the Centre and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the restructuring of the Centre, establishment of a Court of Arbitration, as well as on drafting of the Centre’s new Rules and other founding instruments. Partner Gary Born and Senior Associate Michael Greenop led the Group’s work with the Centre. Associate Tahmineh Madani assisted with legal research, analysis, and drafting.

As part of the International Arbitration Group’s continuous cooperation with the Centre and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Born has also been appointed as the Vice Chairman of arbitrateAD’s Board of Directors and will be actively engaged in the Centre’s operations.

Partner Gary Born, Senior Associate Michael Greenop and Associate Tahmineh Madani have further discussed, in a Kluwer Arbitration Blog post, the most significant features of arbitrateAD’s 2024 Rules.