Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD) has concluded its Annual Court Summit, in conjunction with the 27th International Arbitration Day of the International Bar Association (IBA).
According to Emirates News Agency, the Summit was led by Maria Chedid, President of the arbitrateAD Court of Arbitration, and Maria Mazzawi, the Centre's Registrar. The event showcased the full Court of Arbitration, featuring globally recognized legal and arbitration experts who provided insights into the Court's operations and the workings of the Case Management Office (CMO).
The Summit gathered senior judges, leading international arbitration practitioners, policymakers, and business leaders from the UAE and beyond, emphasizing Abu Dhabi's burgeoning status as a regional and global dispute resolution hub. Dr. Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre, noted that hosting the Summit in Abu Dhabi signals to the global business community that the Emirate offers a comprehensive legal framework supporting transactional stability and long-term commercial interests.
Maria Chedid emphasized the Summit's reflection of arbitrateAD's institutional development and the pivotal role of the Court of Arbitration in maintaining high standards in dispute resolution. She highlighted the dynamic global platform Abu Dhabi has become for efficient dispute avoidance and resolution. Gary Born, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated that the Summit affirmed the Centre's rapid institutional progress toward becoming a global hub for dispute resolution.
In early 2025, the Centre was awarded the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) Award for Arbitral Institution That Impressed, showcasing its strides in forming an impressive arbitration court and appointing new leadership. The Summit underscored key achievements in 2025, marking a milestone in the Centre's development with a 30 percent increase in caseload, reflecting growing confidence among the business community.
The Centre expanded its Case Management team in 2025, appointing Maria Mazzawi as Registrar and two new Legal Counsel, Peter Barna and Ramzi Haddad, demonstrating its investment in operational excellence. It also issued an Arabic version of its 2024 Arbitration Rules and made its website accessible in Arabic, promoting inclusivity and transparency.
Moreover, arbitrateAD introduced 2026 Mediation Rules and Adjudicator Appointment Rules, reinforcing its commitment to dispute avoidance and early resolution. These initiatives expand the Centre's services, bolstering its role as a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective dispute resolution hub for users in Abu Dhabi and beyond.