What is DIAC and how does arbitration at DIAC work in Dubai?

DIAC, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, is Dubai's principal institution for administering arbitrations. After Dubai Decree No. 34 of 2021 reorganised arbitration in the emirate, DIAC became the main consolidated centre, taking over the role previously played by other Dubai bodies. When a contract contains a DIAC clause, a dispute is administered under the DIAC Arbitration Rules: the claimant files a request for arbitration with the centre, the respondent answers, the tribunal is constituted, and the proceedings run under the centre's procedural framework and fee schedule, with the centre providing case administration. The seat is determined by the parties' agreement; absent a choice, the rules supply a default. DIAC handles commercial, construction, and cross-border matters and offers mechanisms such as expedited procedures and emergency relief in appropriate cases. Because institutional rules and the version in force matter, you should check which DIAC Rules apply to your clause. For help running or defending a DIAC arbitration, you can compare verified UAE arbitration professionals on LEXAI.