Photo Credit : WAM
The Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre, known as arbitrateAD, recorded a 67% increase in new arbitration filings during the first half of 2026, marking its strongest period of growth since operations began.
By 30 June 2026, the total value of disputes submitted to the Centre for administration had reached AED985 million, bringing it close to the AED1 billion mark. arbitrateAD is also handling its highest caseload since launching in February 2024.
Since its establishment, the Centre has administered 122 matters, reflecting increased demand from both local and international companies seeking commercial dispute-resolution services in Abu Dhabi.
The Centre received 31 arbitration cases in 2024, its first year of operations, followed by 40 cases in 2025. Growth continued to accelerate in 2026, with 20 arbitration cases filed during the first six months of the year, compared with 12 cases in H1 2025 and eight cases during the same period in 2024.
Most arbitration proceedings handled by arbitrateAD have been conducted in English, highlighting the international nature of the companies and commercial disputes being brought before the Centre.
The organisation has also expanded its dispute-resolution services. In January 2026, arbitrateAD introduced new Adjudicator Appointment Rules and Mediation Rules, adding to the Arbitration Rules introduced when the Centre launched in 2024.
The expanded framework is designed to provide businesses with a wider range of options for preventing, managing and resolving commercial disputes.
Dr. Ali bin Harmal Aldhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of arbitrateAD, said the increase in filings demonstrates growing confidence in both the Centre and Abu Dhabi as a jurisdiction for commercial dispute resolution.
He said the Centre’s wider objective is to develop an internationally respected institution based on independence, efficiency and global best practice, while maintaining a strong understanding of the region’s business environment.
According to Aldhaheri, expanding into mediation and adjudication forms part of that strategy by giving companies greater flexibility in choosing how commercial disputes are addressed.
He added that as Abu Dhabi continues to attract investment and strengthen its position as an international business hub, arbitrateAD will continue developing the institutional framework needed to support fair, efficient and internationally recognised dispute resolution.
