DIAC Arbitration Lawyer in Dubai

The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) is the leading onshore forum for resolving commercial disputes in Dubai through binding, confidential arbitration.

DIAC is the primary institution administering commercial arbitration seated in onshore Dubai. Since 2021, DIAC has also absorbed the caseload previously handled by Dubai's former DIFC-LCIA arbitration centre, making it the default institution referenced in most arbitration clauses used in Dubai-based commercial contracts.

The firm acts for both claimants and respondents at every stage of DIAC arbitration — advising on the request for arbitration or the response, appointment and challenge of arbitrators, jurisdictional objections, document production, hearings, and the drafting of submissions — through to the final award and, where necessary, its enforcement.

Because a DIAC award is final and binding, with only narrow grounds for challenge, the strength of a case is often determined long before the tribunal issues its decision. Getting the arbitration clause and the initial filing right matters.

How DIAC Arbitration Works

1. Request for ArbitrationThe claimant files a Request for Arbitration with DIAC, setting out the claim, relief sought, and the arbitration agreement relied on.
2. Response & CounterclaimsThe respondent files an Answer, which may raise jurisdictional objections or bring counterclaims of its own.
3. Tribunal FormationDIAC facilitates the appointment of a sole arbitrator or a three-member tribunal, in line with the parties' agreement or the DIAC Rules.
4. Case Management & Document ProductionThe tribunal issues procedural orders and the parties exchange evidence, witness statements, and expert reports.
5. HearingAn oral hearing takes place (or, for smaller cases, submissions are decided on the papers), where parties present arguments and examine witnesses.
6. Final AwardThe tribunal issues a binding, reasoned award, which can then be enforced domestically or abroad.

When You Need a DIAC Arbitration Lawyer

• Your commercial contract contains a DIAC arbitration clause and a dispute has arisen.
• You have received a Request for Arbitration and need to file a response within DIAC's deadlines.
• You want to challenge the jurisdiction of a DIAC tribunal over your dispute.
• You need to appoint, or challenge the appointment of, an arbitrator.
• You are preparing to file a claim and want the strongest possible case before filing.
• You need to enforce a DIAC award — or resist enforcement of one — in the UAE or abroad.

Services We Provide

• Drafting and filing Requests for Arbitration and Answers
• Advising on tribunal appointment and arbitrator challenges
• Full case management: pleadings, document production, witness statements, and expert evidence
• Hearing representation and advocacy before DIAC tribunals
• Jurisdictional and procedural objections
• Award enforcement, and defense against enforcement, in the UAE and internationally
• Applications for interim or emergency relief connected to DIAC proceedings

Frequently Asked Questions