If you are dealing with a dispute in Dubai, one of the first questions that arises is – which forum are we in, as the answer determines everything, including how the case runs and how the expert prepares their evidence. 

Most large commercial disputes go through the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, which is commonly referred to as DIAC. It is the main arbitration body in the region and handles a large volume of construction, real estate, and commercial disputes. 

Then there are the DIFC Courts. These operate more like English courts and are based in the Dubai International Financial Centre. The ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) is widely used for major international disputes, especially in oil and gas or infrastructure. The parties often choose ICC for its global structure and enforceability. 

More recently, the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre, known as arbitrateAD, has been established as Abu Dhabi’s main arbitration centre, replacing ADCCAC.  

Across all of this, arbitration in the UAE is governed by the UAE Federal Arbitration Law, which follows international standards. Each forum has its own expectations, and expert evidence needs to be structured accordingly from the beginning itself.