Building Trust in Arbitration: Highlights from Dubai Arbitration Week 2025
IAMC Hyderabad hosted a panel discussion on “Building Trust in ADR Institutions: Ensuring Finality in Arbitration Outcomes” on 13 November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre as part of Dubai Arbitration Week 2025.
The session opened with introductory remarks that reflected on the evolving arbitration landscape and the growing role of technology and institutional frameworks in supporting effective dispute resolution.
Moderated by Ms. Kirtan Prasad, the panel featured Mr. Kunal Vajani, Ms. Aarti Thadani, Mr. Thomas R. Snider, Mr. A.J. Jawad, Mr. Shamaral Maichiev, and Ms. Nusrat Hassan.
During the discussion, the panel spoke about the role of institutional processes such as award scrutiny, clause review, and IAMC’s Med-Arb / Arb-Med-Arb procedures in improving the quality and finality of arbitral outcomes. Panelists also referred to IAMC’s initiatives to promote ADR awareness and strengthen the ADR ecosystem.
A key theme of the conversation was the use of artifcial intelligence in arbitration. Speakers referred to the ways AI is currently used for research, efficiency and electronic disclosure, and discussed the distinction between AI assisting with administrative tasks and AI carrying out functions related to drafting or reasoning. The panel referred to global developments such as the EU AI Regulation and the CIArb guidelines while discussing the limits within which AI may be used. Points were also raised about confidentiality risks, responsibility for data handling, and the need for secure platforms.
The panel also discussed cost and fee considerations, including the impact of efficient case management, the suitability of hourly and value-based models, and client expectations around predictability. There were also comments on enforcement trends across UAE jurisdictions, the importance of sound arbitration clauses, and the practical role of institutions in reducing enforcement-related issues.
Beyond the panel, IAMC’s participation at DAW 2025 extended to broader engagements throughout the week. The IAMC team engaged with key stakeholders in the regional ADR ecosystem, meeting with representatives from M&CO, Mediation Hub, and Virtuzone, and participating in several networking and knowledge-sharing sessions. These interactions provided meaningful opportunities to deepen relationships, exchange insights, and explore future collaborations, further reinforcing IAMC’s commitment to advancing global best practices in mediation and arbitration.