Merline is a UAE-based dispute resolution lawyer with more than 12 years of experience in international arbitration and litigation. She represents claimants and respondents in complex maritime, international trade, commercial and construction disputes. She has experience in proceedings under leading institutional rules, including DIAC, ICC, LCIA and ADCCAC, as well as ad hoc arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules. She also advises clients on disputes before the UAE onshore courts, DIFC Courts and ADGM Courts.

Merline has particular experience in maritime and international trade disputes. She advises shipowners, shipping companies, lenders, suppliers and other businesses on cargo and carriage claims, charterparty and vessel-lease disputes, shipbuilding-related disputes, maritime debt recovery, vessel arrest and attachment, ship mortgages, and vessel sale and purchase transactions.

Her recent experience includes acting in arbitrations concerning vessel investment and lease arrangements and disputes arising from contracts for systems designed for the shipbuilding and maritime industry. She has also advised on the recognition and enforcement of foreign maritime arbitral awards, vessel arrest, judicial sale and related enforcement strategies in the UAE.

Merline was a member of Alsuwaidi & Company’s team named Maritime & Transport Team of the Year at the LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2025. She was also part of the firm’s team shortlisted for Arbitration Team of the Year at the same awards.

In addition to her maritime practice, Merline acts in complex construction, corporate and commercial disputes. Her experience includes claims involving unpaid contractual amounts, retention, delay, wrongful termination, loss of profit, performance guarantees and contingent-payment defences. She also advises on arbitration procedure, jurisdiction, interim measures, and the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.

Merline also advises on complex criminal and quasi-criminal matters, including corporate fraud, cybercrime, forgery, embezzlement, breach of trust and extradition. Her cross-disciplinary experience is particularly relevant to disputes involving overlapping civil, commercial and criminal issues.

Merline takes a strategic and commercially focused approach, working closely with clients to develop dispute strategies that address legal and evidentiary issues while remaining aligned with their commercial objectives. She has authored and co-authored publications on arbitration, enforcement of arbitral awards, construction disputes and developments in UAE contract and procedural law.