Our dispute resolution team is recognised as one of the strongest in the UAE. Our in-depth knowledge of the law and court procedure, commercial approach and ability to offer workable solutions is valued by clients. We represent clients in civil and criminal matters with a number of our lawyers having advocacy rights to appear before the DIFC Courts. In the local courts, our team assists and coordinates litigations with local advocates to develop strategies, evaluate facts and formulate legal positions for clients in the enforcement of awards and judgments. We built very close working relationships with UAE advocates which enable us to instruct the right advocate for the job and in supervising the case. We also work closely with notable and leading barrister chambers in London to provide clients with the best options for advocacy in arbitral proceedings (up to senior Queens’ Counsel level), if such is required.
Our team is very active in arbitrations under various arbitration rules including the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre and the Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation & Arbitration Centre (ADCCAC). We represent clients in international and ad hoc arbitrations. Such cases have involved concessions, constructions contracts, contractual payment claims, banking matters, commercial agencies, partner disputes, foreign currency, futures trading and other investment matters.
Representing a leading international brokerage house in DIFC proceedings against a global brokerage company in relation to breach of restrictive covenants and breach of confidence by an employee. Successfully defended an anti-suit injunction and it was the first “springboard injunction” proceedings before the DIFC Court.
Acting for a publicly listed company in Sri Lanka in the DIFC Courts against a DFSA regulated company regarding fraudulent transactions conducted electronically, in which the firm was successful in obtaining broad injunctive relief for the client.
Successfully acting for a Singaporean shipping company in a cross-border maritime dispute regarding the arrest of a vessel in the UAE. The vessel was released through an anti-suit injunction issued by the Singaporean Court, which is rare.
Representing the defendant in an action filed by a major international bank before the DIFC Courts in respect of personal guarantees amounting to over USD 15 million. Afridi & Angell has raised a number of defences which would be tested for the first time in the DIFC Court.
Successfully representing the UAE agent of an international container transportation and logistics services company in a national security case where a container that transshipped through Jebel Ali was discovered to be carrying goods deemed a threat to the UAE’s national security. This case was heard before the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi.
Representing the claimant, a BVI registered company, in a multi-party dispute before the DIFC Courts. We were successful in helping our client recover amounts repayable pursuant to a loan agreement where approximately five million dirhams were advanced to the defendant borrowers and repayment was tied to an insurance claim to the amount of circa AED 40 million.
Successfully acting for a client in criminal and civil litigation for the recovery of approximately AED 16 million worth of dishonoured payments as a consequence of fraud and conspiracy perpetrated by parties in the UAE and Switzerland.
Representing Deyaar Development in a claim brought against it by Taaleem before the DIFC courts in Taaleem PJSC (Taaleem) v (1) National Bonds Corporation PJSC (NBC) (2) Deyaar Development PJSC (Deyaar).
Representing a Dubai-based property developer in a DIAC arbitration proceeding based on breach of commercial property sale and purchase contract. Award issued upholding defense and award of legal costs.
Acting for the defendant in a AED 170 million claim involving delays and defects in the construction of a well-known hotel in Dubai. The dispute was heard under the DIAC Rules and the Chairman of the Tribunal was a leading authority on FIDIC contracts.
Acting against a notable property developer in arbitral proceedings under the DIFC-LCIA Rules in proceedings for the termination of seven sale and purchase agreements for seven apartment units due to inordinate delay in construction.
Representing a Dubai-based property developer in a DIAC arbitration in a construction dispute against a contractor in an established Dubai community.
Acting for a leading UAE Islamic bank in an ADCCAC arbitration arising from Islamic facilities provided to the concerned entity in excess of AED 250 million. The dispute involved elements of fraud in a very complex industrial transaction.
Representing a Dubai-based property developer in a claim brought by a contractor contesting the developer’s decision to apply delay penalties against the contractor. The developer applied penalties for defects and other losses sustained as a result of delay in completion by the contractor of a 35-storey commercial development in Dubai. The arbitration forum was the ICC Arbitration Rules with three arbitrators.
Representing the owner of a well-known five-star hotel in Dubai in ICC arbitration proceedings in London involving a hotel agreement.
Joint representation of a vendor in connection with an ICC arbitration in London and related assistance in connection with enforcement of the award in Abu Dhabi.
Acting for a leading UAE Islamic bank in an ADCCAC arbitration arising from Islamic facilities provided to the concerned entity in excess of AED 250 million. The dispute involved elements of fraud in a very complex industrial transaction.
