Real Estate Arbitration

Real Estate Arbitration Services in Dubai

Property arbitration in Dubai is largely construction and development work. Contractor and consultant claims, delay and variation disputes, defect claims and disagreements between developers and their partners all commonly sit under arbitration clauses.

Dubai Legal Expert represents developers, contractors, consultants and investors in real estate arbitration across the UAE, including claims under FIDIC based construction contracts.

20+Years of Experience
5000+Cases Handled
98%Success Rate
What We Do

Property and Construction Arbitration in the UAE

It is important to identify the correct forum at the outset. Landlord and tenant disputes over registered tenancies in Dubai fall to the Rental Dispute Centre, and certain property registration matters sit with the courts, so an arbitration clause does not always determine where the dispute will be heard.

Where arbitration does apply, the disputes are typically construction and development related: extension of time and prolongation claims, variations and measurement, defective works, termination of contractors, consultant negligence and disputes between joint development partners.

Contact Us
  • Construction Claims Arbitration

    Delay, disruption, prolongation, variation and measurement claims under FIDIC based and bespoke contracts.

  • Defects and Workmanship Claims

    Claims for defective works and remedial cost, including decennial liability issues between employers and contractors.

  • Development and Investor Disputes

    Disputes between developers, funders and joint development partners over contributions, returns and project delivery.

  • Sale and Purchase Disputes

    Off plan and sale purchase claims where the agreement provides for arbitration rather than court proceedings.

  • Forum and Jurisdiction Advice

    Clear early advice on whether the matter belongs in arbitration, the courts or the Rental Dispute Centre.

Our Approach

How We Handle Property Arbitrations

Construction Expertise

Delay analysis, quantum surveying and engineering evidence coordinated as the core of the case, not as an afterthought.

Correct Forum

Early advice on whether the dispute is arbitrable at all, since tenancy and registration matters have their own jurisdiction.

Delay Analysis

Programme evidence prepared properly, because extension of time claims are won or lost on the critical path analysis.

Quantum Evidence

Measured valuations, cost records and expert quantum reports supporting each head of claim.

Defect Claims

Technical inspection and expert reporting on workmanship, materials and remedial cost.

Contract Mechanics

Notice provisions, time bars and condition precedent clauses checked, since these defeat many construction claims outright.

Why Us

Why Notices and Time Bars Decide Construction Claims

Construction contracts are full of provisions requiring notice within a specified period, and many make that notice a condition precedent to any entitlement. A contractor with a genuinely strong delay claim can lose it entirely by giving notice late or in the wrong form.

For that reason our first review is procedural. We check every notice, instruction and record against the contract mechanics before assessing the merits, because that analysis frequently determines what is realistically recoverable.

Process

Our Real Estate Arbitration Process

Confirm the forum, prove the entitlement, then evidence the money.

  1. 01

    Contract and Forum Review

    We confirm whether arbitration applies and identify the rules, seat and any pre arbitration steps required.

  2. 02

    Notice and Entitlement Check

    Every notice, instruction, variation and record is checked against the contract mechanics and time bars.

  3. 03

    Technical Evidence

    Delay analysis, quantum surveying and engineering inspection are commissioned and coordinated.

  4. 04

    Commencement and Submissions

    The arbitration is commenced and the statements of case prepared with the technical evidence integrated.

  5. 05

    Hearing

    Representation at the merits hearing including examination of technical and quantum experts.

  6. 06

    Award and Enforcement

    The award is ratified and enforced, including against retention, bonds and guarantees where relevant.

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

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The programme analysis they commissioned proved the delay was not ours. The award reflected almost the full prolongation claim.
Farid ChalhoubMain Contractor
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They identified early that part of our dispute was not arbitrable at all, which saved months of proceedings in the wrong forum.
Dana AldridgeDeveloper
FAQ

Real Estate Arbitration FAQs

Can property disputes be arbitrated in Dubai?

Many can, particularly construction, development and sale purchase disputes where the contract contains an arbitration clause. Registered tenancy disputes generally fall to the Rental Dispute Centre instead.

Are construction contracts usually arbitrated?

Yes. FIDIC based and major bespoke construction contracts in the UAE commonly provide for arbitration, often after an engineer determination or amicable settlement step.

What is a condition precedent notice?

A contractual requirement to give notice within a set period as a precondition to entitlement. Missing it can defeat an otherwise valid claim.

What is decennial liability?

UAE law imposes liability on contractors and supervising engineers for structural defects for a period of ten years from handover, subject to the statutory conditions.

Can I arbitrate an off plan property dispute?

Only if the sale purchase agreement provides for arbitration. Many off plan disputes proceed through the courts or the relevant property authority instead.

Do I need expert evidence?

In almost all construction arbitrations, yes. Delay and quantum expert evidence is usually decisive on both entitlement and amount.

Speak to a Real Estate Arbitration Lawyer

Send us the contract and the notices and we will confirm the forum and assess the claim. The first consultation is free.

Office No. 9C, 9th Floor, Dubai Creek Tower, Next to Land Department, Deira, Dubai, UAE