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10 - 14 NOVEMBER 2025

Format: In Person

Stand-up Disputes Show

The event will feature a series of dynamic sessions, each lasting approximately 15 minutes, led by individual speakers. Offering an alternative to the traditional seminar style, each session is designed to be interactive, with speakers engaging directly with the audience to foster open discussion and knowledge sharing on construction disputes.

Discussion Topics will include:

  • The DAB process in practice 
  • Parties Conduct in Dispute Resolution
  • Hot tubbing v single cross examination
  • Risk and Change Management
  • Defects: From Snags to Showdowns.

Clause and Effect – Arbitration Trends in the UAE, India & Saudi Arabia

Join leading legal experts as they explore the latest legal and regulatory developments across the UAE, India, and Saudi Arabia.

The session kicks off with a dynamic overview of key arbitration reforms and emerging trends in each jurisdiction, followed by a live Q&A where our expert panel will address audience-submitted questions. Whether you’re navigating cross-border challenges or ensuring local compliance, this is your opportunity to gain direct insights from leading legal minds in these jurisdictions.

Recent Developments in Sports Arbitration

The FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the preparation to Olympic Games in the KSA, the ATP Tour and World Judo Championships, Formula 1, swimming, triathlon, etc., in the UAE as well as sport sponsorships and athletes’ contracts and arrangements, have triggered a growing interest in sports law and, as a consequence, in sports arbitration in the ME.

The first and most prominent sports arbitration institution is the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The CAS, initially derived from the International Olympic Committee, has gained its independence and legitimacy and has become the most recognized arbitration institution in sports.

Three CAS-approved lawyers and arbitrators are proud to present the most topical aspects and issues in the international sports arbitration.

Expert Opinion on Law – From Founder to Foundation The transformation of “expert opinion” from individual practice to full industry.

Renowned counsels adducing expert evidence on governing law before international arbitral panels and courts trained in legal systems other than the governing law, will discuss considerations and challenges arising from such a sensitive exercise with experienced experts on law to maintain the tightrope balance between assisting the courts versus descending into the arena and how to deal with the judicial approach on the reception of evidence on law from experts in particular in jurisdictions having special nature such as DIFC and ADGM.

Success or Stress? Real World Challenges and Wins Experienced on Complex Projects: Construction Edition

We are inviting the audience to join the interactive discussions with a panel of Baker McKenzie experts and guest speakers, including in-house counsel, on the topics relevant to the execution of major construction projects, viewed through the lens of experience of dispute resolution, avoidance, and prevention, from private practice and in-house.

Some of the topics we will discuss include:
What are the most common causes of disputes on major construction projects and how can they be avoided from the outset?

  • How important is initial contract structure in dispute resolution and what clauses are
    often overlooked?
  • What early warnings should project managers watch to detect a potential dispute before it escalates?
  • What role can documentation play when defending claims or enforcing entitlements?
  • How effective are Dispute Adjudication Boards or standing boards in resolving issue quickly?
  • What are the most common points of contention when it comes to technical experts in construction disputes? How are issues such as disruption and concurrent delays usually handled?
  • Is it possible to agree on time-bar provisions under domestic law? Are such clauses enforceable? Does a DAB procedure interrupt the statute of limitations? How Middle East legislation deal with this point?
  • What are the legal procedures for suing government entities in the Middle East, and what enforcement challenges arise?

Fraud and Arbitration: a view from England and the UAE / Middle East

A discussion of how the courts in England and the UAE deal with allegations of fraud, and what practitioners can do.
Issues to be discussed will include:

  • Standard of proof (both during arbitration and in setting-aside/enforcement proceedings). “Red flags” v “smoking guns”.
    Ethical obligations: when can fraud be pleaded?
  • Difference between fraud discovered during the arbitration, raised as a ground for setting-aside or as a defence to enforcement
    Categories of fraud / illegality
  • Procedural fraud during the arbitration
  • Confidentiality in major arbitrations involving a State

Enforcement Battlefield: What Actually Happens After the Award?

Many arbitration teams underestimate the complexity of enforcing awards in the UAE. This session will bring clarity to the post-award enforcement landscape and highlight the strategic role of local counsel in overcoming obstacles. The discussion is designed to provide international firms, in-house counsel, and practitioners with practical insights into navigating enforcement from paper to payment.

Key Topics:

  • Filing for recognition and enforcement
  • Defending against public policy objections
  • Setting aside applications and post-award delays
  • Navigating practical challenges in enforcement
  • The role of local counsel in closing the loop

Courtside with arbitrateAD: Reflections, Connections, and the Road Ahead

Join us for an engaging and exclusive evening during Dubai Arbitration Week as we open the doors to arbitrateAD’s leadership and progress. This special event offers a rare opportunity to connect with distinguished members of the arbitrateAD’s Court of Arbitration, the Case Management Office, and the Advisory Boards of the Mediation Rules and Arabic Rules. Set in an elegant reception setting, the evening will feature both social networking and substantive updates, offering insights into arbitrateAD’s development and growth since its launch.