Leading global law firm Dentons recently hosted a gathering of construction and energy practitioners to consider the growing trend of the use of arbitration through the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as a method of dispute resolution in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The discussion, led by partner Ian Dalley and senior associate Beau McLaren, explored the merits of using the DIFC as the seat for arbitration, and the complex questions surrounding enforcement of DIFC Court judgments and DIFC arbitration awards outside of Dubai.

The forum also examined the newly-opened Abu Dhabi Global Market in the context of its future potential for dispute resolution in the emirate through arbitration.

Dispute resolution provisions requiring parties to arbitrate their disputes in the DIFC are becoming increasingly common for construction and engineering contracts in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the trend, partner Ian Dalley said: "The DIFC's arbitration-friendly procedural law makes it very attractive for parties wishing to seat their arbitration within the UAE."

"Of particular importance is the development of protocols between the DIFC and the local courts in other Emirates in relation to the enforcement of awards," noted Dalley.
 
Dentons top-rated Middle East construction and dispute resolution team has an in-depth understanding of the nuances of each local market, stemming from more than 50 years of experience advising on disputes relating to major projects in the region, he added.-TradeArabia News Service