The UAE has introduced a new Federal Decree-Law amending the long-standing Civil Transactions Law originally enacted under Federal Law No. 5 of 1985. The amendments constitute a structural refinement of the civil law framework, responding to the expansion of specialist legislation and the increasing sophistication of commercial and private transactions in the UAE. At its […]
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 »
Alsuwaidi & Company is a finalist at The Oath Middle East Legal Awards 2025 in four categories: Arbitration Team of the Year Litigation Team of the Year Employment Team of the Year Law Firm of the Year – UAE The Oath Awards recognise law firms and practitioners for their work across key practice areas in
Alsuwaidi & Company Finalist at The Oath Middle East Legal Awards 2025 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 »
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 »
When beauty goes to court, who bears the greater burden, doctor or patient? The Case in Context The case arose from a tragic incident involving liposuction and fat transfer, which led to the death of a patient. A report from the Higher Medical Committee found gross negligence and breach of established medical protocols. On this
Federal Supreme Court Clarifies Enhanced Duty of Care in Cosmetic Surgeries 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 »
Rajiv Suri’s recent contribution to the Gulf News focuses on how UAE gratuity calculated. AS PUBLISHED IN GULF NEWS Dubai: Many workers in the UAE are unsure how their gratuity is worked out – does the calculation include only the basic salary, or the full wage with allowances? A Gulf News reader raised this question, and a
Is UAE gratuity calculated on basic salary or gross salary? Read More »
We are pleased to announce that the UAE Chapter of the Chambers Global Practice Guide UAE on Enforcement of Judgments 2025 is now live. Authored by Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Ali Alraeesi, Merline Dsouza, and Rajiv Suri, the chapter offers insight into how local and foreign judgments are recognised and enforced in the United Arab Emirates, recent case
Chambers Global Practice Guide UAE: Enforcement of Judgments 2025 Read More »
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 »
Alsuwaidi & Company has been recognised as the Maritime & Transport Team of the Year at the LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2025, in recognition of the firm’s work on high-value, complex shipping and transport matters in the UAE and beyond. This award highlights the work of the winning team: Mohammed Alsuwaidi, Merline Dsouza and
Alsuwaidi & Company has been named among the finalists for five categories at the LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2025. The firm has been shortlisted in the following categories: Arbitration Team of the Year Employment Team of the Year Maritime & Transport Team of the Year Real Estate Team of the Year Trial Advocacy Excellence
Alsuwaidi & Company successfully challenges tribunal’s attempt to block court access Alsuwaidi & Company successfully challenged an arbitral order barring court access during ongoing proceedings. The Court confirmed that judicial access is constitutionally protected and cannot be overridden by interim measures unless expressly permitted by law. Background An arbitral tribunal seated in Dubai under ICC
When an expert committee’s findings are deemed final, does that mean they are truly beyond challenge? This was the question at the centre of a recent case before the Federal Supreme Court – Cassation Division, where Alsuwaidi & Company successfully argued that judicial oversight remains a fundamental safeguard—even in cases where the law suggests otherwise.
Alsuwaidi & Company is pleased to announce that we have joined the Greener Arbitration Pledge, furthering our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This initiative reflects our dedication to adopting responsible and sustainable practices across our arbitration work and wider operations. The Greener Arbitration Pledge promotes concrete steps to reduce the environmental impact
Mohamed Elmasry’s recent contribution to the Gulf News focuses on how to maximise your annual leave without breaking rules. AS PUBLISHED IN GULF NEWS Dubai: Scrolling through social media, you have likely stumbled upon hacks for maximising annual leave by aligning it with public holidays. The idea of turning a handful of days into extended
UAE public holidays 2025: How to maximise your annual leave without breaking rules Read More »
We are pleased to share with you our contribution to the Chambers Global Practice Guide UAE: Enforcement of Judgments 2024 This guide provides the latest legal information on the identification of another party’s asset position, the costs and time involved in the enforcement of domestic and foreign judgments, challenges to enforcement, and the process of enforcing arbitral
Chambers Global Practice Guide UAE: Enforcement of Judgments 2024 Read More »
Mohamed Elmasry’s recent contribution to the Gulf News focuses on how to protect your end-of-service benefits to navigate job transitions smoothly. AS PUBLISHED IN GULF NEWS Dubai: Many UAE employees rely on their end-of-service benefits or gratuity as a financial cushion during job transitions. But did you know that UAE banks can freeze or utilize
UAE: Gratuity frozen because of loan? Here’s how you can avoid the situation Read More »
Check out our latest insight of LexisNexis, authored by our Senior Associate, Rajiv Suri, which elaborates on the criminal liability of Directors under UAE law. Criminal liability of directors under most of the texts of law do not necessarily apply on directors by virtue of their titles but rather on the basis of the abuse
Criminal Liability of Directors under UAE Law 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 »