Background

Filing a Request for Arbitration with the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) is only the first step in the arbitral process. Many parties are unfamiliar with what happens immediately after filing, how quickly DIAC acts, and when the tribunal becomes involved. This short guide outlines the typical stages following a DIAC filing and what parties can normally expect under the DIAC Arbitration Rules 2022.

1. DIAC Registers the Case and Notifies the Respondent

Once a claimant submits a Request for Arbitration and pays the registration fee, DIAC conducts an administrative review to confirm that the filing contains the mandatory elements, including the parties’ details, the arbitration agreement, a brief description of the claim, and the relief sought.

If the request is complete:
DIAC formally registers the case and notifies the respondent(s), providing a copy of the Request and inviting a Response.

If information is missing:
DIAC typically requests clarification or supplemental documents before registering the case.

Registration usually takes place promptly, making DIAC one of the more efficient regional arbitration institutions at the initial stage.

2. The Respondent Files Its Response

The respondent is invited to submit a Response to the Request for Arbitration, addressing any jurisdictional objections, preliminary comments on the dispute, and proposals regarding the number and identity of arbitrators.

This is not yet the stage for detailed arguments or evidence, but it is an important opportunity to:

raise initial objections;
propose the tribunal’s composition;
set the overall tone of the arbitration.

3. Tribunal Appointment

DIAC then proceeds to constitute the arbitral tribunal. Under the rules, this may involve:

a sole arbitrator, unless otherwise agreed or unless the complexity of the dispute requires three arbitrators;
a three-member tribunal, where required by the arbitration clause or justified by the nature of the dispute.

Depending on party agreement:

the parties may jointly nominate an arbitrator;
each party may nominate one arbitrator (in a three-member tribunal);
DIAC may appoint the arbitrator(s) directly if the parties fail to agree or deadlines expire.

DIAC’s Appointment Committee supervises this process and ensures the independence and impartiality of all nominees. Appointment timelines have improved significantly since the 2022 Rules came into force.

4. Tribunal Acceptance and Declarations

Once appointed, each arbitrator must sign:

a Declaration of Impartiality and Independence; and
a Statement of Availability.

After all arbitrators complete these steps, the tribunal is considered properly constituted. At this point, the case file is transferred to the tribunal, and procedural control shifts from DIAC to the tribunal, subject to DIAC’s administrative support role.

5. First Procedural Order

One of the tribunal’s first actions is to convene a Preliminary Meeting (Case Management Conference) to agree on key procedural matters, including:

the procedural timetable;
document production;
confidentiality measures;
hearing format (in-person, virtual, or hybrid);
the number of written submissions;
expert evidence;
translation requirements.

The resulting document, commonly referred to as Procedural Order No. 1, establishes the procedural roadmap for the arbitration and plays a central role in ensuring efficiency.

6. Exchange of Written Submissions

Following Procedural Order No. 1, the arbitration typically moves into the written submissions phase, which usually includes:

Statement of Claim
Statement of Defence (and any Counterclaim)
Reply
Rejoinder

Witness statements, expert reports, and documentary evidence are submitted at the appropriate stages. In many DIAC cases, the tribunal limits the number of submissions to maintain procedural efficiency.

7. Hearings and Post-Hearing Steps

Depending on the case, the tribunal may conduct:

witness examinations;
expert conferencing (hot-tubbing);
oral submissions.

Hybrid hearings are now common in Dubai, particularly where witnesses or experts are located abroad. After hearings, the tribunal may invite post-hearing briefs or formally close the proceedings.

8. Issuance of the Final Award

Once deliberations are complete, the tribunal prepares the final award. DIAC conducts a limited administrative review before formally issuing the award to the parties.

The award must comply with:

the DIAC Arbitration Rules 2022; and
the UAE Federal Arbitration Law (Law No. 6 of 2018).

Once issued, the award is final and binding and may be enforced through:

the DIFC Courts;
the UAE onshore courts;
internationally, pursuant to the New York Convention.

Conclusion

The stages following a DIAC filing are structured, predictable, and aligned with international arbitration practice. Understanding the full lifecycle—from registration and tribunal constitution to the issuance of the final award—allows parties to prepare strategically and manage expectations regarding cost, timing, and procedure.

Rubert & Partners remains available to guide businesses and individuals through DIAC proceedings and related enforcement strategies.

Related Resources

Arbitration Publications

Explore our arbitration articles covering procedural orders, evidentiary issues, enforcement challenges, and strategic considerations: https://www.rubertpartners.com/category/arbitration/

YouTube: Arbitration & Dispute Resolution Insights

Watch practical explanations on DIAC procedures and arbitration strategy on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MariaRubert/videos

For a curated arbitration playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlauK-0RUo0RZnu7aM0Ym2_oKyXDqc8lO

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional advice should be obtained based on the specific circumstances of each case.