5 Key Takeaways from Our Panel on Maritime Arbitration and Mediation in the Middle East

At Dubai Arbitration Week, the only event dedicated to maritime arbitration was co-hosted by ArbDB Chambers and Stephenson Harwood — and it was a full house.

Our distinguished panel brought together perspectives from counsel, P&I clubs, arbitrators, and arbitration institutions to explore how maritime arbitration and mediation are evolving across the UAE and wider GCC region.

Here are five key insights from the discussion:

1. Growth across the GCC:
The regional maritime market is expanding rapidly, attracting international business and investment from across the globe.

2. Familiar dispute types, local dynamics:
Charter party and bunker oil disputes remain common, alongside increasing work linked to the energy sector.

3. Shifting away from the LMAA:
Where once nearly all maritime disputes were resolved under LMAA terms, that figure now sits around 70%. DIAC rules are gaining traction, particularly among regional parties.

4. English law remains dominant:
Even in DIAC maritime arbitrations, English law is the governing law in over 80% of cases.

5. Untapped potential for mediation:
Mediation is still underutilised in maritime disputes, offering significant room for future growth and adoption.

We concluded with a lively discussion on disclosure standards in maritime and international arbitration, a topic that never fails to spark debate.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging and insightful session.