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About DIAC

About DIAC

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.

Vision

“To be the ultimate global destination for dispute resolution.”

Mission

“To provide unmatched ADR services by embracing Excellence as a Standard, Integrity as a Compass and Equity as a Principle.”

Values

Equity | Integrity | Diversity | Collaboration | Pioneering | Sustainability

History of DIAC

Why DIAC?

  • DIAC’s main office is in Dubai, UAE. One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and home to more than 200 nationalities.
  • DIAC has a world-class branch in DIFC, the leading financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
  • DIAC’s default seat of arbitration is DIFC, where the DIFC Arbitration Law applies to the arbitral proceedings, and the DIFC Courts act as the supervisory courts.
  • DIAC is an independent, neutral entity with a 3-decade legacy of providing efficient, impartial, and cost-effective alternative dispute resolution services. To date, DIAC has successfully managed nearly 5,000 cases, including complex and high-claim disputes, with an average yearly amount in disputes exceeding AED 5.5 billion.
  • DIAC’s 2022 Arbitration Rules foster the proceedings’ swiftness, effectiveness, and sustainability. They have been drafted to reflect the arbitration community’s demands while adhering to the best international practices in arbitration
  • DIAC takes pride in having a growing portfolio of seasoned DIAC registered arbitrators from all six continents and diverse legal and sectoral backgrounds. Our dispute resolution capabilities span a range of sectors, including Real Estate, Engineering & Construction, Corporate & Commercial, Finance & Investments, Logistics, Energy, and Oil & Gas.
  • DIAC’s case management department comprises a team of seasoned legal professionals from different cultural, educational, and legal backgrounds. Our team will support the delivery of excellent dispute resolution while applying the best-in-practice rules and procedures.