The initial dispute involved non-payment for hire of construction equipment. A key issue was whether the DIFC courts had jurisdiction and what law should apply. The Local Purchase Order which had begun the relationship of the parties included a clause on the use of arbitration for dispute resolution and the use of Abu Dhabi and UAE law. This had not been signed by the claimant. The claimants stated this had been overwritten by terms on bills which were stamped by the defendant and included a DIFC optin clause.