This session will provide a practical overview of the evolving arbitration and enforcement landscape across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, examining why an increasing number of disputes are being resolved through arbitration rather than the courts. Participants will gain insights into current market trends, recent legal developments and the factors driving greater confidence in arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism.
The discussion will explore the enforcement regimes in both jurisdictions, including recent developments affecting the recognition and execution of awards, the practical application of public policy and Sharia principles, and the implications of legislative reform. The session will also focus on the realities facing in-house legal teams, including asset tracing, managing stakeholder expectations, budgeting for enforcement and developing effective recovery strategies from the outset of a dispute.
Finally, we will consider the cross-border dimension of enforcement, including the interaction between the New York Convention and regional enforcement frameworks, and share practical strategies for enforcing awards internationally, particularly where there is a heightened risk of asset dissipation.