Arbitration in UAE Free Zones: DIFC vs ADGM vs Mainland Compared
When structuring a contract in the UAE, one question often determines how disputes will unfold: where will arbitration take place? The UAE offers a unique, multi-jurisdictional framework that includes mainland courts (civil law) and two financial free zones: DIFC and ADGM that operate under common law systems. This distinction is not just academic. The choice […]
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Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the UAE: A Practical 2026 Guide
The legal setup of Emirates has established a more structured and dependable system in 2026 to enforcing foreign arbitral awards in the UAE that it was in previous years in order to help businesses recover their financial claims. Companies across the world now prefer arbitration to settle disputes because it is faster and more flexible […]
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14th ICC MENA Conference on International Arbitration in Dubai
On 27 January 2026, Dubai welcomed 250 dispute resolution professionals from 30 countries for the 14th ICC MENA Conference on International Arbitration. Widely regarded as a flagship event for the region, the conference once again highlighted the growing relevance of ICC arbitration in Dubai as a preferred mechanism for resolving complex cross-border disputes. The gathering […]
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How to Write a Valid Arbitration Clause in the UAE
Contracts are meant to reduce uncertainty, but disputes can still arise, even in well-drafted agreements. That is where an arbitration clause plays an essential role. In the UAE, arbitration has become one of the most preferred methods of dispute resolution for commercial, construction, and cross-border contracts. However, simply inserting an arbitration clause is not enough. […]
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What Happens If an Emirati Company Gets Added to the SDN List?
Being added to the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List is one of the most serious sanctions-related consequences an Emirati company can face. Inclusion on the SDN list can immediately disrupt business operations, freeze assets within the US jurisdiction, sever international banking consequences, and expose the company and its counterparties to significant legal and regulatory […]
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Does OFAC Apply to UAE Companies Without U.S. Presence?
For many businesses operating in the UAE, U.S. sanctions compliance can feel like a distant concern, something relevant only to American companies or firms with offices in the United States. However, this assumption has proven costly for numerous organizations across the Middle East. In today’s interconnected financial system, the reach of the U.S. Treasury’s Office […]
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