This is Part II of a two-part article that deals with the phenomenon of free zone arbitration in the United Arab Emirates. Part I, which was published in the last issue of this journal, discussed in some detail the concept and practice of free zone arbitration in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This Part II discusses free zone arbitration in the more recently established Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and highlights the main differences between the two. In doing so, Part II will take a closer look at the judicial and legislative framework of the ADGM, including in particular the main provisions and the operation of the 2015 ADGM Arbitration Regulations, the institutional framework of arbitration in the ADGM, the curial function of the ADGM Courts in ADGM-seated arbitrations and the recognition and enforcement of domestic (non-)ADGM and foreign arbitral awards in the ADGM. Part II also explores to what extent the ADGM Courts are envisaged to serve as a host or conduit jurisdiction in the terms proposed and practiced by their DIFC counterparts.
Journal of International Arbitration