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Is the arbitration clause in my contract enforceable if it just says 'Dubai arbitration'?

Asked by Anonymous·May 15, 2026·2 answers
My supplier contract has 'any dispute shall be settled by arbitration in Dubai'. No institution, no seat clarification, no rules. Is this enforceable?

2 answers

Best answer
Marcus WhitfieldVerified Lawyer

dispute-resolution-arbitration, construction

0.0 · Apr 21, 2026
Likely enforceable as a Dubai-seated DIAC arbitration by default — DIAC is the residual institution under Decree 34 of 2021 once DIFC-LCIA was abolished. But the clause is borderline: 'Dubai' alone does not specify mainland Dubai vs DIFC seat, and the lack of designated rules invites jurisdictional challenges that delay early steps by 3-6 months. If both parties consent, sign a separate arbitration agreement now specifying DIAC, DIAC Rules 2022, English, and the seat as 'onshore Dubai' or 'DIFC' explicitly. If one party refuses, proceed under DIAC with the clause as-is — likely to hold but with friction.
Helpful (3)
Yousef HaddadVerified Lawyer

banking-finance, dispute-resolution-arbitration

4.7 · Apr 23, 2026
Add: if your counterparty is based in the DIFC, the DIFC Courts would likely accept jurisdiction for a 'Dubai' clause given DIFC's mature curial regime. Confirm where enforcement would ultimately happen before fighting the seat question.
Helpful (9)

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