BrazilNew partnership advances dispute resolution practices in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre and the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (ArbitrateAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to embed world-class dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms across Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure ecosystem.
Signed during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, the partnership between the two organizations reflects their joint commitment to advancing dispute management efforts in the UAE’s capital emirate.
The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (established in 2023) is an institute that oversees and manages capital projects in Abu Dhabi, in areas such as housing, infrastructure, tourism, community facilities, and education. With oversight of a capital portfolio exceeding AED 200 billion, the centre plays a critical role in reviewing, approving, planning, and designing capital projects.
ArbitrateAD meanwhile is Abu Dhabi’s flagship arbitration centre, offering a framework for the resolution of commercial disputes for both commercial and governmental entities. The centre was launched by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023, and is fully operational since 1 February 2024.
Under the agreement, ArbitrateAD will serve as the official appointing authority for adjudicators and the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Boards (DAABs), ensuring consistency in the deployment of dispute resolution practices and enhancing delivery certainty in major infrastructure developments.
Solving disputes before they are a real dispute
DAABs are independent expert panels appointed at the outset of infrastructure projects. Their role is to resolve disputes before they escalate and maintain alignment across complex delivery timelines. As a globally recognised best practice, DAABs contribute to stronger governance, reduced delays, and improved risk-sharing across stakeholders.
“DAABs are an incredibly smart approach to resolving challenges before they escalate,” said Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of arbitrateAD. “This partnership supports the emirate’s broader drive to deliver world-class infrastructure projects through transparency, efficiency, and rule of law – positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading model for effective public-private collaboration.”
Maysarah Eid, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre, added: “This partnership marks a significant step in our efforts to integrate global best practices into the way Abu Dhabi delivers its infrastructure ambitions. By appointing ArbitrateAD as the official authority for dispute adjudication, we are strengthening our approach to proactive risk mitigation and effective dispute resolution while ensuring delivery excellence.”
“More importantly, we are sending a clear signal to our partners, local and international, that Abu Dhabi is committed to creating a project environment defined by stability, transparency, and long-term strategic value.”
At the time of writing, ArbitrateAD has around 120 arbitrators in its network – they work at law firms and in the Forensic arms of consulting firms.
