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The Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre has concluded its Annual Court of Arbitration Summit, held in conjunction with the International Bar Association’s 27th International Arbitration Day on February 4, 2026. The summit showcased the full composition of the arbitration court, featuring leading legal experts and internationally recognized arbitrators from around the world, with presentations led by Maria Shedid, President of the Court of Arbitration, and Maria Mazzawi, Registrar of the Centre.
According to the Centre, the event brought together senior judges, prominent international arbitration practitioners, decision-makers, and business leaders from the United Arab Emirates and globally. The summit highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a leading regional and international hub for dispute resolution.
Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre Strengthens Regional Position
Dr. Ali bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre, stated that hosting the summit sends a clear message to the global business community. He emphasized that the emirate not only provides a vibrant investment environment but also maintains a comprehensive legal framework aligned with modern commercial developments that supports transaction stability while preserving long-term business interests.
Additionally, Al Dhaheri noted that the Centre believes such intellectual and institutional platforms form a fundamental pillar for enhancing confidence, attracting quality investments, and supporting sustainable economic growth. The emphasis on institutional development reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to establishing itself as a premier destination for international arbitration.
Court Composition and Institutional Excellence
Maria Shedid remarked that the annual summit reflects the advanced level of institutional development and momentum achieved by the arbitration centre. She highlighted the pivotal role the Court of Arbitration plays in establishing the highest standards of independence, efficiency, and excellence in dispute management and resolution.
Furthermore, Shedid stated that gathering such a large and distinguished number of participants in Abu Dhabi sends a clear message that the emirate has solidified its position as a dynamic global platform for dispute prevention and efficient settlement. The event provided attendees with a close look at the court’s operational mechanisms and the case management office’s working methods.
Growth and Institutional Expansion in 2025
Gary Born, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, confirmed that the annual summit demonstrated the Centre’s evolution. According to Born, this reflects the rapid institutional progress achieved over the past two years toward establishing its position as a leading global dispute resolution centre adhering to the highest international standards of independence and procedural efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Centre began 2025 with significant recognition, receiving the Global Arbitration Review award for Most Impressive Debut by an Arbitral Institution. This followed major achievements in its first year, including forming a distinguished arbitration court and appointing a new registrar and court president.
Record Caseload and Service Expansion
The summit highlighted major accomplishments throughout 2025, which represented a pivotal milestone in the Centre’s institutional journey. The number of registered cases at the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre increased by 30 percent during 2025, according to the Centre, reflecting growing confidence among the business community and their legal advisors.
In contrast to previous years, the Centre expanded its case management team in 2025 by appointing Maria Mazzawi as new Registrar, alongside new legal counsel Peter Barna and Ramzi Haddad. These appointments reflect the Centre’s ongoing commitment to strengthening institutional capabilities and elevating operational excellence standards.
Arabic Language Integration and New Rules
However, institutional growth extended beyond personnel. The Centre issued the official Arabic version of its Arbitration Rules 2024 and made its website fully available in Arabic, confirming its commitment to enhancing accessibility at regional and international levels. These steps promote inclusivity and improve service availability for Arabic-speaking users while supporting transparency and ease of use.
The Centre launched its 2026 Mediation Rules and 2026 Rules for the Appointment of a Party-Nominated Dispute Resolver, demonstrating commitment to dispute prevention and encouraging early-stage settlement. These additions expand the Centre’s service offerings, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive, flexible, and cost-effective dispute resolution hub serving users in Abu Dhabi and beyond. The Centre has not announced specific timelines for further institutional developments beyond these recent rule implementations.
