With the promulgation of the New Civil Code, the UAE has embarked on a landmark legal transformation that promises to reshape the landscape for international trade and dispute resolution in the country. This Arbitration Insight unpacks the key changes: expanded party autonomy in choice-of-law rules, the reaffirmed role of good faith in contracts, and updated remedies focused on proportionality and fairness. We also examine the potential implications for the construction sector, including new rules on contractor notification duties and employer termination rights. With these changes taking effect on 1 June 2026, now is the time to understand what they mean for doing business in the UAE.

Our International Arbitration​ Focus Team breaks down these new measures in the newsletter linked here.