The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) is the region’s largest alternative dispute resolution centre. As an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation, DIAC administers and supports arbitration, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, facilitating the settlement of commercial disputes outside judicial courts for parties of all nationalities and jurisdictions.
The Centre was established in 1994 as the Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Centre, an initiative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (currently “Dubai Chambers”). It was renamed the Dubai International Arbitration Centre by Dubai Decree No. 10 of 2004. Since September 2021, DIAC is no longer an initiative of the Dubai Chambers and has a three-tier structure, comprising a Board of Directors, an Arbitration Court, and an administrative body.
Since its inception, DIAC has gained extensive expertise in arbitration case management, administering nearly 5000 cases, varying in value, complexity, and economic sector. The combined amounts in disputes of total registered cases reached more than AED 80 billion, equivalent to USD 21.8 billion.
As part of DIAC’s commitment to continuous development and efforts to consolidate Dubai’s position as an international dispute resolution hub through alternative methods, the Centre introduced its new Arbitration Rules in 2022. These rules address the evolving needs of arbitration and business communities and optimise and improve the efficiency of arbitration procedures.
