Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in the UAE: Practice and Procedure
Gordon Blanke & Soraya Corm-Bakhos
ABSTRACT
The present article discusses the practice and procedure of the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under presently prevailing bi-and multi-lateral enforcement instruments. In doing so, it takes account of the role of the Dubai International Financial Centre as a jurisdiction of enforcement in its own right. The UAE Courts' recent enforcement practice under the New York Convention in particular has sent a strong signal to the international arbitration community that the UAE is willing and committed to complying with its obligations under international enforcement instruments to which the UAE is a party. Occasional setbacks like those witnessed in the Canal de Jonglei case will hopefully remain isolated instances in the enforcement practice of the UAE Courts and will soon be considered historical deviations from the norm that remains in line with best international practice and sets a guiding example for other jurisdictions in the Middle East.