Abu Dhabi Global Market hosts Bespoke Mediation Forum

As a part of Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) efforts to position the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for dispute resolution, ADGM, the award-winning international financial centre, hosted a bespoke half-day forum at the ADGM Arbitration Centre on Al Maryah Island. Remaining committed to fostering and supporting the development and rise of mediation in the region, the forum explored examples of mediation at work in the UAE and across the region and exchanged ideas from thought leaders on the future of mediation in significant sectors, with a focus in construction. The event was concluded with a networking session at Rosewood Hotel.

Bringing together experts from all over the region and beyond, the forum provided an opportunity for  some of the most experienced lawyers specialising in construction disputes, highly regarded mediators from across the world and experts in jurisdictions that are embracing mediation to share their thoughts during a highly interactive and engaging discussion. Following a welcome address delivered by Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of ADGM Courts, the audience was delighted to hear a keynote speech given by Mr Chuan Wee Meng, CEO of the Singapore International Mediation Centre. ADGM was pleased to host experts from centres with a proven track record of mediating disputes: the Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration, the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, The Lebanese Arbitration and Mediation Centre and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

Commenting on the Forum, Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of ADGM Courts said: “As we have witnessed growing interest and receptiveness of parties in the region to embrace mediation, it was our pleasure to hold a forum which enabled a spirited discussion to take place on the benefits, challenges and opportunities of mediation, particularly in the construction industry. We feel a strong sense of responsibility when it comes to sharing our own ideas and experiences, and this forum has been another example of our thought leadership efforts in dispute resolution. I believe that through cross-cultural dialogue, experimentation and generation of ideas, mediation is on its way to becoming a significant part of the dispute resolution fabric for civil and commercial disputes.”

Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party, a mediator, helps parties involved in a dispute to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement through facilitated communication, promotion of understanding, identification of needs of all involved parties and the use of creative problem-solving techniques. Unlike litigation or arbitration, a mediator does not make a decision and impose it upon the parties; the parties reach their own solution with the careful assistance and expertise of the mediator.  Some of the advantages of mediation include: affordability; time efficiency; flexibility; party empowerment; and complete confidentiality. To find out more about the mediation process at ADGM, please visit: https://www.adgmac.com/mediation/

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About Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international financial centre (IFC) located in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, opened for business on 21 October 2015. Established by a UAE Federal Decree as a broad-based financial centre, ADGM augments Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trade and business hub serving as a strategic link between the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and the rest of the world.

ADGM’s strategy is anchored by Abu Dhabi’s key strengths panning over private banking, wealth management, asset management, derivatives and commodities trading, financial innovation, sustainability and more. Comprising three independent authorities: ADGM Courts, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the Registration Authority, ADGM as an IFC governs the entire 114 hectares (1.14sqkm) of Al Maryah Island which is a designated financial free zone.

It enables registered financial and non-financial institutions, companies and entities to operate, innovate and succeed within an international regulatory framework based on common law. Since its inception, ADGM has been awarded the “Financial Centre of the Year (MENA)” for four consecutive years for its initiatives and contributions to the financial and capital markets industry in the region.*

ADGM stands out in the dispute resolution community with its modern pro-arbitration framework modelled on the UNCITRAL Model Law, with tailored enhancements to resonate with the needs of the region and global community. This framework is now complemented by the ADGM Arbitration Centre (ADGMAC), a world-class arbitration hearing facility with state-of-the art technology.  ADGMAC was established to support Abu Dhabi as a world leader and preferred destination for international dispute resolution. It offers to all parties outstanding digital hearing facilities in a strategic location, raising the standards of dispute resolution and business confidence in the region. The Centre caters to the ongoing strong demand for arbitration and mediation as parties’ preferred form of dispute resolution for their commercial or civil disputes.  

ADGMAC is not an institution. Its facilities and fully digitised services can be used by parties regardless of the seat or institution they choose to administer their arbitration. 

For more details on ADGM, please visit www.adgm.com or follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @adglobalmarket and LinkedIn: @Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

For more details and to contact ADGMAC, please visit www.adgmac.com, or follow us on Twitter: @adgmArbitration and Linkedin: ADGM Arbitration Centre

* Source: The Global Investor Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Awards

© Press Release 2020