Federal Law No. (6) of 2018 Concerning the Arbitration
Federal Law No. (6) of 2018
Establishes the UAE federal arbitration framework for arbitration agreements, tribunals, proceedings, awards, court assistance, annulment and recognition/enforcement, including domestic and qualifying international arbitration.
Overview
What this legislation covers
Establishes the UAE federal arbitration framework for arbitration agreements, tribunals, proceedings, awards, court assistance, annulment and recognition/enforcement, including domestic and qualifying international arbitration.
Who or what it applies to
- Businesses and individuals entering arbitration agreements within the law's scope.
- Arbitral tribunals and arbitrators.
- UAE courts exercising statutory support, annulment and enforcement functions.
- Domestic and international parties choosing UAE-seated arbitration.
Key points
Important points at a glance
Applies to arbitration conducted in the UAE within its statutory scope and to certain international commercial arbitration where the parties choose UAE law.
Requires arbitration agreements to satisfy the law's written-form requirements.
Regulates tribunal appointment, independence, challenges, jurisdiction and termination of mandate.
Gives tribunals procedural powers while preserving defined court-assistance functions.
Regulates hearings, evidence, expert assistance and use of technology in arbitral proceedings.
Regulates the form, contents, timing and correction/interpretation of arbitral awards.
Provides procedures for setting aside awards and for recognition and enforcement.
Repealed the former arbitration provisions in Articles 203–218 of the previous Civil Procedure Code.
Federal Decree-Law No. (15) of 2023 amended provisions of the Arbitration Law; use the current consolidated text.
Practical explanation
Understanding the law
Purpose and scope
The Arbitration Law provides the principal federal legal framework for resolving qualifying disputes through arbitration rather than ordinary court litigation.
Arbitration agreement
The agreement to arbitrate is foundational. Parties should ensure that the clause is in writing, is made by persons with the necessary authority, identifies the disputes covered and is consistent with mandatory UAE law.
Tribunal and procedure
The law supports party autonomy while imposing procedural fairness, independence and equal-treatment requirements. Courts retain defined support and supervisory functions.
Awards and enforcement
An award must satisfy statutory form and procedural requirements. Recognition, enforcement and annulment are governed by the law and involve the competent UAE court.
Practical example
A commercial contract may provide for UAE-seated arbitration. If a dispute arises, the tribunal's appointment, procedure and award will be assessed under the arbitration agreement and the current Arbitration Law, including the 2023 amendments.
Practical notes
- The arbitration clause should be checked for written form, authority to agree, scope and seat.
- Court deadlines for annulment or enforcement-related applications can be strict; verify the current consolidated article.
- The 2023 amendments should be reviewed before relying on older commentary or templates.
Legislation text
Text and provisions
Official-text notice. This package provides a structured English rendering based on the official UAE legislation source identified in the manifest. It is not represented as the legally controlling Arabic text. For interpretation and application, consult the original Arabic text and the latest consolidated official UAE legislation.
Verified legislative metadata
| Instrument | Federal Law No. (6) of 2018 |
|---|---|
| Issued date | 2018-05-03 |
| Effective date | 2018-06-16 |
| Status | Active / in force; amended |
| Official Gazette | Official Gazette No. 630 |
| Official source | UAE Legislation |
Chapter One — General provisions
The law defines arbitration concepts and states its scope. It applies to arbitration conducted in the UAE unless the parties validly choose another arbitration law that does not conflict with UAE public order and morals, to qualifying international commercial arbitration abroad where the parties choose this law, and to disputes concerning legal relationships governed by UAE law unless specially excluded.
Chapter Two — Arbitration agreement
The law regulates capacity to enter an arbitration agreement, written form, incorporation by reference and the effect of an arbitration agreement when a dispute is brought before a court.
Chapter Three — Arbitral tribunal
The legislation governs the number and appointment of arbitrators, independence and disclosure, challenge and replacement, tribunal competence, jurisdictional objections and related court assistance.
Chapter Four — Arbitral proceedings
The tribunal must treat parties equally and provide a full opportunity to present their cases. The law regulates the seat and language, statements of claim and defence, hearings, evidence, experts, interim matters, court assistance in taking evidence, and procedural consequences of default.
Chapter Five — Arbitral award
The law regulates applicable substantive rules, decision-making, settlement awards, form and contents of awards, time limits, delivery, correction and interpretation, additional awards, termination of proceedings, costs, annulment and recognition/enforcement.
Final provisions
The law applies to pending arbitrations in accordance with its transitional rule, repealed the former arbitration provisions in Articles 203 through 218 of the earlier Civil Procedure Code, and entered into force after publication as prescribed by the statute.
Amendments
Federal Decree-Law No. (15) of 2023 amended the Arbitration Law. The latest consolidated official text should therefore be used when citing current requirements.
Verification
Official source & references
Official legislation sourcehttps://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/1069Open ↗Official Gazette: Official Gazette No. 630
This page is a research and educational resource. Legislation can be amended, repealed, supplemented by regulations or interpreted by courts and authorities. Obtain advice before relying on it for a live matter.