Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has announced that the Asia Pacific International Arbitration Chamber (APIAC) will establish an affiliated entity in ADGM and open an office within the ADGM Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre (DRHC), reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for arbitration, mediation, and cross-border dispute resolution.
APIAC’s decision strengthens connectivity between the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, expanding access to international arbitration services across major global trade corridors. The move is part of ADGM’s ongoing efforts to attract international dispute resolution institutions and service providers, following Opus 2’s establishment in ADGM in 2024, which will also open an office within the DRHC.
Key statements:
- Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and CEO of ADGM Courts, said APIAC’s choice underscores international confidence in Abu Dhabi’s legal infrastructure, neutrality, and common law framework, highlighting ADGM’s legislative certainty, modern facilities, and rule-of-law commitment.
- Asad Khalil, Vice Chairman of APIAC, noted that the ADGM presence advances the institution’s GCC and Middle East growth, enabling APIAC+—its extended platform connecting arbitration communities globally—to foster innovation and shape international arbitration.
- Charlie Harrel, COO of Opus 2, highlighted that being embedded within the DRHC enhances technology-enabled dispute resolution, allowing closer collaboration with tribunals, institutions, and parties in the region.
These developments position ADGM as a strategic arbitration hub, bridging global arbitration communities and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role in international dispute resolution.
