Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri appointed as Chairperson of arbitrateAD

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has announced new appointments to the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre, arbitrateAD, as prescribed by the Centre’s constitution which contains the fundamental principles and legal basis for how the Centre is to be governed. The new appointments are a testament to the Chamber’s commitment to enhance the Emirate’s position as a leading regional and international destination in the field of commercial dispute settlement.

During an ADCCI board meeting, chaired by His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, the Board announced the appointment of Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri as chairperson of the arbitrateAD’s Board of Directors. He will assume the new role in addition to his current position as First Vice Chairman of the ADCCI board of directors, effective immediately.

Khaled Abdul Karim Al Fahim, a member of ADCCI’s Board of Directors was also appointed as a new member of the Board of Directors of arbitrateAD. The new board members will take office for the remainder of the term of the previous Board members until 2026.

 The new board members join Mr. Gary Born, Partner and Chair of the International Arbitration Practice Group, Wilmerhale, and Vice-Chair of arbitrateAD, Ms. Kirsten O’Connell, partner and arbitration lawyer at A&O Shearman and Mr. Salem Al Darei, CEO of ADGM Authority, and former chief legal counsel for the ADNOC group, on the Board of Directors until their mandate concludes in 2026.

Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri said, “arbitrateAD solidifies Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s position as a world-class global hub for the settlement of commercial disputes. We look forward to supporting the Centre in its mission and providing the best services in the field of commercial arbitration in accordance with the highest standards of neutrality, independence, and transparency. The Centre's offering is set to address the evolving business needs of the arbitration community, foster new business opportunities, and boost investment opportunities in the capital, making Abu Dhabi the preferred destination for international dispute settlement.”

Dr. Al Dhaheri added, “We are committed in offering the latest global advancements in this field and offering innovative arbitration services that support international arbitration processes and enhance enhancing the capital's global appeal."

The Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre, arbitrateAD, acts as a neutral and impartial dispute resolution forum for commercial and government entities. It administers regional and global arbitration cases for parties who have chosen arbitration as their preferred dispute resolution method.  The Board is comprised of distinguished leaders in arbitration and commerce, ensuring the delivery of advanced and effective commercial dispute resolution services tailored to meet the specific needs of the region and beyond.