The amendment of Article 257 of Federal Law No. 3/1987 (the UAE Penal Code) has raised concerns and criticism among arbitration professionals in the UAE which are not really substantiated in my view. The criminal liability of arbitrators per se is not something new. The principle of criminal liability of arbitrators is accepted and is crucial for arbitrators and judges because of the essential nature of criminal matters which justifies punishment.

Although the imprecise drafting of Article 257 of Federal Law No. 3/1987 may raise questions, it should not raise concerns.