Dubai – 13 November 2026
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has highlighted its role in strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading center for resolving international business disputes during Dubai Arbitration Week 2026.
As part of the event, DIFC Courts hosted a panel discussion on how arbitration, mediation and court proceedings can work together to resolve complex business disputes, particularly those involving companies from different countries.
Titled “The Evolving Relationship Between Arbitration, Mediation and the Courts: Strategic Pathways to Resolution”, the session brought together judges, legal experts and business representatives to discuss how different approaches to resolving disputes can help businesses reach fairer, faster and more practical outcomes.
The panel included H.E. Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of DIFC Courts; Rozana ALTayyar, Founder and Managing Director of Taswea; Noradèle Radjai, Partner at LALIVE; and Rima Hadid, General Counsel at Emirates Investment Authority. The discussion was moderated by H.E. Justice Michael Black, Court of Appeal Judge and Judge in Charge of the Digital Economy Court at DIFC Courts.
The discussion focused on when mediation should be used during arbitration, how courts can help parties reach agreements, and how businesses can ensure that settlements reached across different countries can be legally enforced.
H.E. Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of DIFC Courts, said that the Courts’ Arbitration Division plays an important role in supporting arbitration proceedings. Together with its Mediation Service Centre, DIFC Courts offers businesses different ways to resolve disputes, supported by experienced judges, clear procedures and established enforcement processes.
He added that DIFC Courts will continue developing its services to meet the needs of international businesses and strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a leading destination for dispute resolution.
H.E. Justice Omar Al Mheiri, Director of DIFC Courts, highlighted the importance of having an effective legal system to support businesses and attract international investment. He noted that as Dubai continues to grow as a global business and investment center, DIFC Courts remains focused on providing accessible, efficient and modern services that support business confidence and legal certainty, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
DIFC Courts provides businesses with several options for resolving disputes. Its Mediation Service Centre offers confidential services both in person and online, helping parties reach agreements without going through lengthy court proceedings. Where applicable, these agreements can also be enforced through DIFC Courts.
The Courts’ specialized Arbitration Division, established in 2020, also helps speed up legal proceedings, particularly when urgent decisions or temporary court orders are needed. During the first half of 2026, the division recorded 37 claims worth a combined AED 3.2 billion. This represents almost 65% of the AED 4.95 billion in claims recorded throughout 2025.
First held in 2011, Dubai Arbitration Week has grown into a major annual event bringing together arbitration and legal professionals from around the world. The event highlights Dubai’s growing importance as an international center for resolving business disputes.
Through its arbitration, mediation and court services, DIFC Courts continues to support businesses operating across borders while helping strengthen Dubai’s position as a trusted destination for international dispute resolution.
Source: DIFC Courts News
