The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center (ADPIC) and the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Center (arbitrateAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at embedding world-class dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms within Abu Dhabi’s growing infrastructure ecosystem.
The agreement, signed during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS), marks a significant step in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global hub for reliable investment, effective public-private partnerships, and long-term infrastructure delivery.
It reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening project governance and enhancing investor confidence.
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Under the terms of the MoU, arbitrateAD will serve as the official appointing authority for adjudicators and Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Boards (DAABs) across ADPIC’s Capital Projects Standard Contracts.
This role ensures consistency in the application of dispute resolution practices, supporting smoother execution and greater certainty in the delivery of complex infrastructure projects.
DAABs are independent expert panels established at the outset of infrastructure contracts to proactively resolve disputes and maintain alignment throughout project lifecycles.
Globally recognized as a best practice, their integration into Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure framework is expected to reduce project delays, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and enhance risk-sharing.
ADPIC’s role in infrastructure development
With oversight of a capital portfolio exceeding AED 200 billion, ADPIC plays a central role in ensuring infrastructure delivery that is sustainable, timely, and internationally competitive.
The adoption of DAABs further underscores ADPIC’s commitment to building resilient project ecosystems built on transparency, accountability, and proactive dispute prevention.
His Excellency Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, chairman of arbitrateAD, said: “We are proud to collaborate with ADPIC, as we reinforce our commitment to dispute avoidance mechanisms that meet international standards. DAABs are an incredibly smart approach to resolving challenges before they escalate, and this MOU is in line with our shared vision of both improving how projects are managed and strengthening investor confidence across the region.
“This partnership supports the emirate’s broader drive to deliver world-class infrastructure projects through transparency, efficiency, and rule of law — positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading model for effective public-private collaboration.”
His Excellency Maysarah Eid, director general of ADPIC, said: “This MoU marks a significant step in our efforts to integrate global best practices into the way Abu Dhabi delivers its infrastructure ambitions. By appointing arbitrateAD as the official authority for dispute adjudication, we are strengthening our approach to proactive risk mitigation and effective dispute resolution while ensuring delivery excellence.
“More importantly, we are sending a clear signal to our partners, local and international, that Abu Dhabi is committed to creating a project environment defined by stability, transparency, and long-term strategic value.”
In addition to formalizing DAAB deployment, the MoU outlines joint initiatives to raise awareness around dispute avoidance and to deliver industry-wide training focused on best practices in conflict resolution.
These efforts will be particularly valuable to investors and ESG-driven developers seeking secure, transparent markets that minimize risk and promote long-term value creation.
The collaboration between ADPIC and arbitrateAD represents a key milestone in institutionalizing advanced dispute management practices in Abu Dhabi, positioning the emirate at the forefront of infrastructure excellence in the region.
