Expanding access to world-class arbitration across the region: The Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD) has announced the publication of the official Arabic version of its Arbitration Rules, as announced at the Centre’s Courtside with arbitrateAD event during Dubai Arbitration Week.
This marks a milestone that enhances procedural certainty for Arabic-speaking parties, facilitates the inclusion of arbitration clauses in Arabic-language contracts, as well as expanding access to world-class arbitration to Arabic user-base and parties across the region and internationally.
In parallel, the Centre also announced the launch of its Arabic-language website, a comprehensive digital platform that provides access to the Rules, guidance, its arbitration cost calculator, and other key resources in Arabic. This initiative strengthens transparency and facilitates the initiation and administration of arbitration proceedings for Arabic-speaking users.

His Excellency Dr Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), said: “The launch of arbitrateAD’s Arabic Rules marks more than a translation - it’s a strategic expansion that empowers Arabic-speaking parties to engage in administered arbitration in their own language.

By introducing Arabic-language Rules and a dedicated website, arbitrateAD enhances access for Arabic-speaking businesses, improves the drafting of arbitration clauses, and supports informed decision-making throughout the process. This initiative reinforces our commitment to international best practices while aligning with local legal frameworks, further cementing the UAE’s role as a global arbitration hub.”

The launch was announced at arbitrateAD’s event titled “Courtside with arbitrateAD” which was held as part of Dubai Arbitration Week, on 11 November to spotlight the Centre’s achievements to date. The President of the Court of Arbitration, Maria Chedid, as well as several distinguished members of the Court of Arbitration – Dr. Hassan Arab, Ali Al Aidarous, Lara Hammoud, Kathleen Paisley, and Sami Tannous - participated in a panel discussion moderated by the Centre’s Registrar, Maria Mazzawi.

The Centre’s Registrar, Maria Mazzawi, also participated in several specialised sessions throughout the week, including “Navigating the New Norms: Recent Developments in Institutional Arbitration Rules” organised by ArabArb; “Arbitration Auction: Bidding for the Future of Dispute Resolution” organised by Brevia Law Offices in collaboration with Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty; and “Enforcement and Challenge of Arbitral Awards in the Mainland UAE” organised by the British University in Dubai.
In addition, Ramzi Haddad, Legal Counsel at arbitrateAD, took part in “Navigating a New Reality: Arbitrating Commercial and Investment Disputes in a Deglobalising World” organised by Cardinals Law Firm.