The Emirate of Dubai has enacted Law No. 8 of 2025 Concerning the Settlement of Disputes Arising from the Execution of Citizens’ Housing Construction Contracts, issued on 8 July 2025 and effective as of 1 January 2026. The law applies to disputes arising from the execution of citizens’ housing construction contracts in Dubai, subject to the […]
We are pleased to share that our colleague, Merline Dsouza, Associate at Alsuwaidi & Company, has been featured in a GAR Academy Spotlight Interview. In this feature, Merline reflects on her journey in international arbitration, the evolving dispute resolution landscape in the Middle East, and her commitment to building expertise and contributing to the arbitration
GAR Academy Spotlight: Merline Dsouza and Her Journey in International Arbitration Read More »
Recent developments reflect a jurisdiction that continues to support arbitration while maintaining a high bar for procedural discipline. Five recent perspectives illustrate how the UAE courts and their counterparts abroad are shaping the enforcement and monetisation of awards. 1. Legacy DIFC–LCIA Clauses Courts in the UAE, Singapore, and the United States have confirmed that references
UAE Enforcement Landscape: Key Themes and Practical Takeaways Read More »
Converting Arbitral Awards into Real Value: Navigating Monetisation in the UAE Securing a favourable arbitral award is often only half the battle. The greater challenge usually lies in turning that award into actual recovery. Even well-intentioned counterparties may face liquidity constraints or simply refuse to pay, forcing the award creditor into a prolonged enforcement phase
Monetising Arbitration Awards: Turning Paper Wins into Tangible Value Read More »
Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in the UAE: A Practical Guide The recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have evolved significantly over the past two decades. Today, the UAE’s onshore courts generally adopt a pro-enforcement approach aligned with international standards. Nonetheless, procedural nuances and formal requirements continue to
The Role of the UAE Local Courts in Enforcing Foreign Arbitration Awards Read More »
Understanding the Impact of Decree No. 34 of 2021 When Dubai issued Decree No. 34 of 2021, it formally abolished the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre and the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC), consolidating their roles into the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). This reform aimed to streamline Dubai’s arbitration landscape, but it also raised a critical
What Happens to DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Clauses After Its Abolition? Read More »
In 2025, the latest developments in UAE arbitration include significant judicial decisions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and the clarification of federal procedural rules, which together reinforce the country’s pro-arbitration stance. Landmark rulings have solidified the authority of arbitral tribunals and streamlined award enforcement, while institutional updates continue to improve the dispute resolution landscape. Landmark judicial
Enforcement proceedings often move beyond purely legal questions. When a judgment or arbitral award is brought before the UAE courts, issues such as asset valuation, calculation of interest, or compliance with accounting standards can arise. Courts routinely appoint experts from approved rosters to examine the evidence, verify calculations, and provide an objective assessment on technical
The Role of the Expert in Enforcement Proceedings in the UAE Read More »
We draw your attention to this engaging talk where our Senior Associate, Rajiv Suri, joins hands with Thomson Reuters to examine the practical effectiveness of cease-and-desist notices in intellectual property enforcement in UAE. The session explores how such notice/s function as a strategic tool to resolve conflict/s involving such intellectual property rights without immediately resorting
Cease and Desist Notices as Instruments of Legal Enforcement Read More »
On 9 October 2025, the DIFC Courts issued Practice Direction No. 1 of 2025 – Access to Justice in Employment Disputes (PD 1/2025) pursuant to Resolution No. 3 of 2025. This new direction aims to enhance access to justice in employment-related disputes by establishing a proportionate, fair, and efficient procedural framework for all employment claims brought before the Court of First Instance (CFI).
On 14 January 2025, the Dubai Courts and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to simplify and accelerate reciprocal enforcement of judgments. Far from a technical footnote, the MoU speaks to a growing demand for certainty, efficiency, and trust in how judgments are recognised within the UAE’s
The Dubai ADGM MoU Strengthening Trust in the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Read More »
The launch of ArbitrateAD represents a turning point for arbitration in Abu Dhabi and, by extension, the wider UAE. Effective from 1 February 2024, the ArbitrateAD Arbitration Rules replace the Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Center (ADCCAC). This shift positions Abu Dhabi alongside the world’s leading arbitral centers, offering businesses a forum that is
ArbitrateAD and the UAE’s Arbitration Future: Key Rules and Takeaways Read More »
The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step toward strengthening its reputation as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction. On August 04, 2025, the Committee for the Unification of Federal and Local Judicial Principles (Committee) issued a landmark clarification: only the final page of an arbitral award must be signed for the award to be valid. This
UAE Clarifies Arbitration Awards: Only Last Page Signature Required Read More »
Legal Update | Law No. 9 of 2025 Dubai has introduced sweeping reforms to its pre-litigation settlement process, signalling a move toward faster, more efficient dispute resolution. Now in effect, Law No. 9 of 2025 amends key provisions of Law No. 18 of 2021, introducing new procedural powers for the courts and the Centre for Amicable Settlement of
Dubai Enhances Pre-Litigation Dispute Resolution Framework Read More »
Alsuwaidi & Company is proud to announce a significant legal victory in a landmark criminal case involving one of the UAE’s most complex cross-border financial crime prosecutions. The case, which spanned several years and jurisdictions, involved criminal activities committed across multiple countries, including the UAE, and encompassed multiple layers of judicial oversight. It sets a
Cassation Judgments 595/2025 and 608/2025 | July 2025 The Dubai Court of Cassation has issued a landmark ruling confirming that late payment interest clauses in Islamic finance agreements are unenforceable, regardless of how they are labelled. The judgment reinforces the position that Sharia-compliant finance must fully adhere to Islamic legal principles, including the prohibition on
Judgment dated 3 July 2025 | Strengthening Tribunal Autonomy Under UAE Arbitration Law In a landmark decision, the Dubai Court of Cassation has confirmed that arbitral tribunals seated in the UAE have the authority to issue interim anti-suit injunctions to prevent parties from initiating parallel court proceedings during arbitration. Crucially, the Court ruled that such
Dubai Court of Cassation Confirms Arbitral Tribunals May Issue Anti-Suit Injunctions Read More »
We are pleased to share with you our contribution to the Chambers Global Practice Guide, Litigation 2024 for the UAE. The latest guide provides expert legal commentary on litigation funding, initiating a lawsuit, representative or collective actions, pre-trial proceedings, discovery, injunctive relief, settlement, damages, appeals, costs, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and arbitration. Many thanks to Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Reda
Chambers Global Practice Guide UAE: Litigation 2024 Read More »
“ESG, Environmental, Social & Governances, is a hot topic for every business discussion and on top of the agenda for every business strategy meeting.” Mr. Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Managing Partner of Alsuwaidi & Company, and Mr. Suneer Kumar, Head of Corporate and Commercial team, shed light on ESG engagement and litigation in various jurisdictions in
ESG Engagement & Litigation 2024-UAE Read More »
بالتعاون مع غرفة تجارة وصناعة عجمان سيقيم مكتب السويدي ومشاركوه ندوة حول قانون تنظيم علاقات العمل يقدمها المستشار/رضا حجازي يوم الاربعاء الموافق 13 سبتمبر 2023 الساعة 10 صباحاً. تأتي هذه الندوة ضمن سلسلة فعاليات تهدف إلى تعزيز الوعي حول القوانين والأنظمة والتي سيتم تقديمها من خلال خبراء في المجال القانوني. ندعو جميع الشركات والأفراد المهتمين بموضوع
ندوة حول قانون تنظيم علاقات العمل بالتعاون مع غرفة تجارة وصناعة عجمان Read More »
بالاشتراك مع المنظمة العربية للمحامين الشباب نظم مكتب السويدي ومشاركوه بتاريخ 25 يوليو 2023 ندوة علمية من خلال الانترنت حول موضوع : المحاماة والرقمنة تحديات وآفاق، وخلال هذه الندوة تولى عدد من المستشارين من بلدان عربية مختلفة تقديم عروضا تناولت محاور مختلفة بعلاقة مهنة المحاماة بالرقمنة وتحدياتها من ناحية وما يمكن أن توفره من فرص
ندوة علمية من خلال الانترنت حول موضوع : المحاماة والرقمنة تحديات وآفاق Read More »
We are pleased to share with you Craig Cothill’s article which featured in the Legal 500 Disputes Yearbook 2023. ‘Legal 500’s ‘Disputes Yearbook 2023’ contains an important article on data flows and data privacy issues in the UAE by Mr. Craig Cothill, Senior Associate resident in Alsuwaidi & Company’s Abu Dhabi office. Cothill’s analysis will
Legal 500-Dispute Yearbook 2023 Read More »
We are pleased to invite you to attend the Zoom Legal Webinar ‘A Tale of 3 Cities: Overview of the legal systems of Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Hong Kong SAR’ which will commence on Thursday 1st June at 11.00 am UAE time (3:00 pm Hong Kong time). Legal experts from Abu Dhabi and Dubai are
A Tale Of Three Cities-Webinar Read More »
“ESG, Environmental, Social & Governances, is a hot topic for every business discussion and on top of the agenda for every business strategy meeting.” Mr. Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Managing Partner of Alsuwaidi & Company, and Mr. Suneer Kumar, Head of Corporate and Commercial team, shed light on ESG engagement and litigation in various jurisdictions in
ESG Engagement & Litigation 2023-UAE Read More »
We are pleased to share with you our contribution to the Chambers Global Practice Guide, Litigation 2023 for the UAE. The latest guide provides expert legal commentary on litigation funding, initiating a lawsuit, representative or collective actions, pre-trial proceedings, discovery, injunctive relief, settlement, damages, appeals, costs, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and arbitration. Many thanks to Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Robert
Chambers Global Practice Guide UAE: Litigation 2023 Read More »
We are pleased to share with you Abdelhak Attalah’s article which featured in the Legal 500 Disputes Yearbook 2022. The article provides a comparative analysis in bunker litigation under the Laws of England and Wales and the United Arab Emirates and takes a look on some circumstances under which bunker suppliers, who have the right
Legal 500-Dispute Yearbook 2022 Read More »