backThe Abu Dhabi Global Market (“ADGM”) Courts, in collaboration with Wilberforce Chambers in London, England, have launched The ADGM Book (ADGM Courts Practice and Procedure) (“The ADGM Book”), which, for the first time, consolidates the ADGM Courts Procedure Rules 2016 and the Courts’ Practice Directions into a single volume, complete with practical commentary and references to case law. The ADGM Book will be available digitally and will be regularly updated by its authors to ensure it remains a reliable and up-to-date resource for its users.
The ADGM continues to be a focal point for regional and global investment. As capital flows and corporate activity increase, a growing number of finance, M&A and commercial agreements now include the ADGM law and Courts in their governing law and dispute resolution clauses. This trend is largely driven by the ADGM Courts’ reputation and its direct application of English common law, including the doctrine of precedent, which ensures predictable decision-making and transparency for international users.
The ADGM Book lands at the right time. As the ADGM continues to attract more businesses and investments and its jurisdiction clauses become more widely adopted, this reliable digital tool will help lawyers work more efficiently and with greater clarity, to the benefit of their clients. It brings the ADGM into line with the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) Courts, which has had a similar book since 2018, also prepared in collaboration with Wilberforce Chambers in London, England, and which has recently been updated with a 2025 version.
Consistent with these efforts in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of wider reforms has recently launched a consultation to update its Arbitration Law 2012, including proposals that would extend the eligibility criteria to sit as presiding or sole arbitrators to include individuals who do not hold a “college degree in Islamic legislation knowledge or regular [legal] knowledge”, as currently required in the Arbitration Law 2012; and removes a prior provision that subjected the consent to arbitration of governmental authorities to the approval of the Prime Minister or a special authorisation by law (as currently established under Article 10 of the Arbitration Law 2012).
The commitment of the relevant bodies in the UAE and KSA to ensure that the dispute resolution offerings in both jurisdictions aligns with international best practice and evolves with the needs of end users plays an important role in making the Middle East an attractive place to do business.