The United Arab Emirates (“UAE”), in particular Dubai, has a long-standing maritime tradition dating more than 7,000 years which includes pearl diving, ship building, importing and exporting of goods and much more. Some of the well-known maritime accomplishments include building Jebel Ali Port, the world's largest man-made harbour as well as being the leading and busiest port in the region. Dubai Drydocks, the only large dry docks in the Arabian Gulf, is another example of Dubai's recent maritime achievements. However, the fact is that while Dubai is an ever-expanding maritime hub, Dubai is rarely used as an arbitration seat for shipping disputes, even where the parties are UAE domiciled. The Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (“EMAC”) is hoping to change this fact.