Which UAE arbitration law governs arbitration agreements and awards?

Onshore (mainland) arbitration in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2018 on Arbitration, the country's standalone arbitration statute. It is closely modelled on the UNCITRAL Model Law, the international template many jurisdictions follow, which makes it familiar to foreign parties and counsel. The law covers the essentials: what makes an arbitration agreement valid, how the tribunal is formed, the conduct of proceedings, the form of the award, and the grounds on which a court may refuse to recognise or may annul an award. It applies to arbitrations seated within the UAE and, in some respects, to the recognition of awards. Note that the UAE's financial free zones, the DIFC in Dubai and ADGM in Abu Dhabi, are separate common-law jurisdictions with their own arbitration laws and courts, so a DIFC- or ADGM-seated arbitration follows those regimes instead. Identifying the correct seat and governing law is a foundational drafting decision. A UAE dispute-resolution lawyer, who you can find among verified professionals on LEXAI, can confirm which framework applies to your specific clause.