Clyde & Co is delighted to be participating in Dubai Arbitration Week 2026.
On Monday 9 November 2026, we invite you to join us for an engaging discussion on:
Procedural efficiency: “Due process paranoia” and strategies for reducing time and cost in international arbitration.
We will host two panel discussions revolving around the hot topic of procedural caution versus procedural efficiency. Bringing together leading arbitrators, counsel and experts, we will explore how the industry is responding to growing demands for efficiency, proportionality and commerciality in dispute resolution, while maintaining confidence in the integrity of the arbitral process. Particular focus will be given to the management of expert evidence, procedural innovation and the role of tribunals in driving more effective outcomes.
Each session will conclude with an interactive Q&A, providing an opportunity to engage directly with our panel of experts and share insights with fellow arbitration practitioners.
Agenda
8:15 – Registration, networking, and refreshments
08:55 – Introduction
Speaker: Susie Abdel-Nabi, Partner and Head of Arbitration and Litigation, Middle East Clyde & Co
09:00 – Panel one: “Due Process Paranoia” in Construction Arbitration?
As parties continue to strive for a faster and more cost-effective dispute resolution process, this session will examine whether modern construction arbitration continues to respond to that need or whether it currently risks losing its competitive advantage over litigation as a result of a fixation by tribunals on due process.
This panel discussion will draw on practical experience from first-rate Arbitrator, Counsel and Expert individuals, who will discuss procedural efficiency in the arbitration process, focusing on expert evidence and picking up on Lord Neuberger’s comments at LIDW 2026 in which he encouraged arbitrators to be more courageous in managing the arbitration process.
Moderator:
• Alexa Hall, Partner, Energy and Construction, Clyde & Co
Speakers:
• Tom Anderson, Senior Associate, Energy and Construction, Clyde & Co
• Sean Brannigan KC, Barrister, 4 Pump Court
• Guy Elkington, Senior Managing Director, Ankura
• Sarah-Jane Fick, Head of Arbitration, Dubai Holding
10:00 – Networking and refreshments
10:30 – Panel two: Procedural Efficiency in Commercial Arbitration
As clients continue to demand faster and more cost-effective dispute resolution, this session will examine the procedural tools, strategies and innovations available to parties and tribunals.
Through a discussion of summary disposal, interim measures, mediation and alternative procedural approaches, the panel will explore how disputes can be resolved more efficiently without compromising the quality or fairness of the process.
Moderator:
• Keith Hutchison, Partner, Arbitration and Litigation, Clyde & Co
Speakers:
• Sherif Akl, Director Arbitration & ADR Middle East, ICC
• Lucy Nash, Legal Director, Arbitration and Litigation, Clyde & Co
• Robert Lewsley, Senior Legal Counsel, Head, Disputes and Government Investigations Legal, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank
• Tom Parkin, Senior Associate, Arbitration and Litigation, Clyde & Co
11:30 – Closing remarks and session wrap-up