Dispute Resolution Landscape Examined in Survey Report

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai, in collaboration with Hogan Lovells, has unveiled the first edition of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Arbitration Survey, offering valuable insights into the state of arbitration practices in the region.

This comprehensive report sheds light on key trends, challenges, and preferences within the growing field of commercial arbitration, particularly in construction and energy disputes.

The research was led by Yasmin Sebah, Senior Law Lecturer, MDX Dubai, in collaboration with Emerson Holmes, Partner, Hogan Lovells, and Ashleigh Gray, Associate, Hogan Lovells. 

The survey, conducted between November 2023 and October 2024, comes at a transformative moment for the MENA region, which is undergoing rapid growth and legislative reforms aimed at modernising its arbitration framework. 

The report provides a snapshot of the region’s arbitration landscape, capturing the views of over 100 legal professionals, including arbitrators, legal practitioners, in-house counsel, and academics.

The report highlights key findings including:

• 61% of respondents expressed a preference for institutional arbitration within the MENA region, citing regional arbitration centres like the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) as trusted venues. 
• 78% of respondents preferred institutional arbitration seated outside the region. London, Paris, and Singapore were the most favoured locations for international arbitration proceedings.
• Within the MENA region, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the most popular seat for arbitration, followed by Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh. These cities have become established hubs for arbitration proceedings in the region. 

As the MENA region embraces significant infrastructure development, particularly in energy and construction sectors, arbitration activity is expected to increase. Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, will likely see a surge in arbitration due to the complex, high-value disputes arising from large-scale projects. 

This inaugural MENA Arbitration Survey provides consistent, data-driven insights into the evolving arbitration landscape, offering stakeholders a clear understanding of both the progress and challenges in arbitration within the region. 

Yasmin said: “This survey provides a unique perspective on the arbitration landscape in the MENA region, highlighting key developments and the challenges that still need to be addressed.

“Since its release, the survey has already informed discussions among key stakeholders and contributed to a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing arbitration in the MENA region. It serves as an essential resource for those engaged in shaping the future of dispute resolution.”

For further information, and access to the full report, please visit MENA Arbitration Survey.