The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) and the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to embed world-class dispute avoidance and resolution mechanisms across Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure ecosystem.
Signed during the inaugural Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, the MoU reflects both organisations’ commitment to advancing dispute management. It further reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a trusted international hub for investment, public-private partnerships, long-term project delivery, and strategic public-private collaboration.
Under the agreement, arbitrateAD will serve as the official appointing authority for adjudicators and the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Boards (DAABs) across ADPIC’s Capital Projects Standard Contracts — ensuring consistency in the deployment of dispute resolution practices and enhancing delivery certainty in major infrastructure developments.
DAABs are independent expert panels appointed at the outset of infrastructure projects. Their role is to resolve disputes before they escalate and maintain alignment across complex delivery timelines. As a globally recognised best practice, DAABs contribute to stronger governance, reduced delays, and improved risk-sharing across stakeholders.
With oversight of a capital portfolio exceeding AED 200 billion, ADPIC plays a critical role in enabling infrastructure delivery that is timely, sustainable, and globally competitive. The integration of DAABs reflects ADPIC’s commitment to building resilient project ecosystems underpinned by accountability, collaboration, and proactive dispute prevention.
The MoU also outlines joint efforts to raise awareness around dispute avoidance and support industry-wide training to promote best practice standards. These efforts are particularly relevant to investors and ESG-focused developers seeking transparent, rules-based markets that minimise delivery risk and promote long-term value.
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.”
The signing of this MoU also sets the stage for future collaboration as Abu Dhabi continues to scale its infrastructure ambitions in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s economic vision and evolving global ESG expectations.