Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce Introduces arbitrateAD

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially launched the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), a cutting-edge international arbitration hub situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Effective February 1, 2024, arbitrateAD will assume the governance structure and arbitration rules, superseding those of the Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Centre (ADCCAC). 

The establishment of arbitrateAD aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a prominent regional and global center for efficient and swift dispute resolution, emphasizing principles of impartiality, independence, transparency, and efficiency. The center’s dispute resolution services aim to bolster Abu Dhabi’s stature as an optimal environment for businesses to thrive and cross-border relations to flourish. 

His Excellency Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazrui, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will lead as arbitrateAD’s Chairman of the Board, accompanied by Vice Chairman Gary Born, Chair of the international arbitration practice group at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr. Maria Chedid, global co-chair of Arnold & Porter’s international arbitration practice group, assumes the role of President of the Court of Arbitration, while Kristin Campbell–Wilson, former Secretary General of the SCC Arbitration Institute, serves as the Executive Director of arbitrateAD. 

Chairman Al Mazrui expressed his pride in witnessing the realization of extensive efforts to establish arbitrateAD, emphasizing its commitment to excellence and integrity in dispute resolution. He highlighted the global expertise brought by some of the world’s renowned arbitration practitioners to Abu Dhabi. 

CEO Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi echoed the sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the official launch of arbitrateAD in early 2024. He emphasized the center’s commitment to global collaboration and equitable resolutions for businesses, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s mission and the economic vision of empowering businesses and enabling the private sector to reach its full potential. 

Vice Chairman Gary Born emphasized the introduction of Abu Dhabi’s international arbitration center to the business and arbitration community, ensuring the highest standards of impartiality, independence, and transparency in dispute resolution. 

President of the Court of Arbitration Maria Chedid described her honour in serving as the first President, expressing confidence in arbitrateAD’s commitment to excellence, fairness, and efficiency in dispute resolution. 

Executive Director Kristin Campbell-Wilson expressed delight in launching arbitrateAD, committing to delivering efficient and expeditious dispute resolution services. She emphasized the collaboration of global industry experts and the establishment of arbitrateAD as the arbitration center of choice in the region. 

Pending cases under the existing rules of ADCCAC will continue to be administered by the existing team until February 1, 2024. From that date forward, new disputes will be administered by arbitrateAD under its new Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre arbitration rules.