The New ADCCAC Arbitration Rules

Analysis

In a significant development for arbitration in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Commercial, Conciliation and Arbitration Centre (“ADCCAC”) has published new procedural regulations for the conduct of arbitration, which include a new set of rules (“the Rules”), effective from 1st September 2013. The Rules apply to existing as well as new arbitrations.

The Rules are published in a slim booklet, similar in format to the rules published by the ICC, DIAC and the DIFC-LCIA. The Rules contain 42 Articles which cover all stages of the ADCCAC arbitration process, including the initiation process, the formation of the arbitration panel, arrangements for the issue of an Award and the fees and remuneration of the Panel and the administration centre at ADCCAC (“the Centre”).

Important features of the Rules include the following:

Initiation of proceedings (Article 2)

The matters to be included in the Arbitration Request broadly follow modern arbitration practice, as exemplified by the equivalent rules of the ICC. Allowance is made for the service of a statement of case at the same time (here called a “Memorandum”). A registration fee of AED 1,000 is payable on lodgment.