Merline Dsouza is a UAE-based international dispute resolution lawyer and Senior Associate at Alsuwaidi & Company LLC, with over 12 years of experience in arbitration and litigation. Her practice focuses on complex, high-value commercial, construction, aviation, and maritime disputes, frequently involving cross-border elements and multi-jurisdictional issues.

She has acted for individual and corporate clients in arbitrations conducted under the DIAC, ICC, LCIA, SIAC, and ArbitrateAD Rules, and regularly represents clients before the DIFC and ADGM Courts, in addition to advising proceedings before the UAE onshore courts.

Merline has advised clients across a range of sectors, including construction and real estate, aviation, and maritime industries, on disputes arising from project delays, contractual disruptions, flight cancellations, and shipping-related issues. Her work includes advising on cargo delays, port restrictions, and trade disruptions affecting international transport, infrastructure projects, and logistics operations.

Alongside her commercial practice, Merline advises on criminal and quasi-criminal matters, including cybercrime, corporate fraud, breach of trust, extradition, and medical negligence. This multidisciplinary background enables her to bridge civil and criminal perspectives and provide strategic advice across all stages of dispute resolution, from risk assessment and pre-action strategy to arbitration, litigation, and enforcement of awards and judgments.