According to the GAR 100 Data Report, a prestigious global standard released by Global Arbitration Review (GAR), the industry’s leading publication, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) has achieved the highest ranks.

Dubai surpassed more than 405 cities and arbitration seats, including New York and Geneva, to rank as the fifth most popular arbitration seat worldwide by case volume, according to the research. Dubai also outperforms cities like Seoul and Frankfurt, ranking ninth in terms of the total value of arbitration cases.

Compared to over 315 arbitration centers worldwide, DIAC was recognized as the ninth most valuable arbitration center and the tenth most busy arbitration center in terms of the number of cases processed.

DIAC is the only arbitration center from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region listed in the top 10 worldwide. Dubai is the only arbitration seat, according to the report.

According to DIAC Executive Director Jehad Kazim, the high rankings that Dubai and DIAC achieved show the trust that the global business community has in the city as a leading arbitration center, which directly supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

DIAC operates under a carefully structured work plan and overseen by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 

The strategy supports the goal of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, who is also the ruler of Dubai, to place DIAC in the top five arbitration centers in the world.

According to Kazim, DIAC has handled over 5,000 cases worth Dh100 billion over three decades. The center draws various complex, high-value conflicts because it offers a strong legal framework and trustworthy enforcement procedures for arbitration rulings.

Since 2022, DIAC has improved its services even more by updating its arbitration rules, redesigning its arbitration court, and growing its board of directors. DIAC is dedicated to efficient and effective conflict resolution, guaranteeing fair results for all parties.

The world’s top law firms with arbitration activities are listed in GAR’s annual GAR 100 directory, from which the GAR 100 Data Report is a thorough analysis. The analysis covers approximately 11,200 arbitration cases between 2015 and 2023 and offers important insights into case volumes, institutional performance, and arbitration user preferences.

Implications for Businesses and Investors

Dubai’s strong performance in the GAR 100 rankings further solidifies its appeal as a jurisdiction that welcomes arbitration for investors and companies. Important advantages include:

• Legal Certainty: A stable and open arbitration system is available to businesses doing business in Dubai.
• Efficiency and Speed:  Compared to traditional litigation, arbitration in Dubai provides an easier way of resolving conflicts.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The faster arbitration processes lower parties’ financial risks and legal expenses.
• International Credibility: Dubai’s standing as a top location for international arbitration is strengthened by the GAR 100 recognition.

Implications for the Future

The following are some implications for the future of international arbitration in the region of Dubai’s recognition in the GAR 100 Data Report:

• Attracting Global Disputes: The recognition encourages more foreign companies to think of Dubai as a favored arbitration location, which raises the number and complexity of cases that are processed in the area.
• Economic Growth: A strong arbitration structure promotes economic growth and creates an atmosphere favorable to investment by giving companies confidence that disputes may be settled quickly and fairly.
• Regional Leadership: Dubai’s leadership role in establishing standards for arbitration practices in the area is further strengthened by its exceptional standing as the only MEASA arbitration seat in the top 10.

Conclusion

Dubai’s strategic goal and DIAC’s coordinated efforts to create a top-tier arbitration framework are the reasons behind its rise in the GAR 100 Data Report. 

The city is well-positioned to further solidify its position as a top location for international arbitration as it continues to innovate and adjust to the changing demands of the global business community.