Is ESG reporting mandatory in the UAE?

For listed Public Joint Stock Companies, annual sustainability reporting is mandatory under the SCA Corporate Governance framework. For other businesses, ESG reporting is currently encouraged but not universally mandated — though requirements are expected to expand as the UAE advances its sustainability agenda.

Can a company be fined for greenwashing in the UAE?

There is no standalone greenwashing offence in UAE law. However, companies making false or misleading environmental claims may face penalties under Federal Decree-Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection and may be subject to regulatory action by the SCA or relevant free zone authorities. Reputational damage and loss of investor confidence are also significant consequences.

What sustainability claims are considered greenwashing?

Claims such as 'carbon neutral,' 'zero emissions,' or 'sustainable' become greenwashing when they are not supported by credible, verifiable data. Vague language, selective disclosure, or the omission of material sustainability risks in corporate communications can also constitute greenwashing.

What ESG frameworks are used in the UAE?

UAE regulators and businesses commonly reference international frameworks including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). Alignment with these frameworks strengthens the credibility and comparability of ESG disclosures.

Emergency Arbitration in UAE-Seated Disputes Explained

22 June 2026

The Rise of Emergency Arbitration in the UAE

Commercial disputes often involve situations where waiting for the constitution of an arbitral tribunal may cause irreparable harm. Assets may be dissipated, confidential information may be misused, or contractual rights may be jeopardized before a tribunal can be formed.
To address such concerns, emergency arbitration has emerged as a valuable mechanism for parties seeking urgent interim relief before the commencement of the main arbitral proceedings. In the UAE, emergency arbitration has gained particular significance following the introduction of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) Arbitration Rules 2022, which expressly provide for the appointment of an Emergency Arbitrator.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading arbitration hub, parties are increasingly considering emergency arbitration as part of their dispute-resolution strategy.

What Is Emergency Arbitration?

Emergency arbitration is a procedure that enables a party to obtain urgent interim measures before the formal constitution of an arbitral tribunal. Rather than waiting weeks or months for a tribunal to be appointed, a party may apply for the appointment of an Emergency Arbitrator who can determine urgent requests on an expedited basis.
Emergency arbitration is not designed to resolve the merits of a dispute. Its purpose is to provide temporary protection until the arbitral tribunal assumes jurisdiction over the case.
Typical requests for emergency interim relief include:

Asset preservation orders
Measures preventing the disposal or transfer of property
Orders preserving evidence
Injunctions maintaining the status quo pending arbitration
Relief aimed at preventing imminent harm to contractual rights

The DIAC Emergency Arbitration Framework

One of the most significant innovations introduced by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) Arbitration Rules 2022 was the adoption of a formal emergency arbitration mechanism. Under the DIAC Rules, a party requiring urgent interim relief may submit an application before the constitution of the tribunal. If the DIAC Arbitration Court considers the request justified, it may appoint an Emergency Arbitrator within one day of receiving a compliant application.
This approach aligns DIAC with leading international arbitral institutions including the ICC, SIAC, and LCIA, reinforcing Dubai’s attractiveness as a seat for international arbitration. Emergency arbitration formed part of a broader modernisation of the DIAC framework, which also introduced provisions on consolidation, joinder, expedited proceedings, and virtual hearings.

When Is Emergency Arbitration Available in UAE-Seated Disputes?

The availability of emergency arbitration in any given dispute depends on the applicable institutional rules and the wording of the arbitration agreement. Parties who have agreed to DIAC arbitration under the 2022 Rules will have access to the emergency arbitrator procedure. Parties operating under earlier institutional rules, ad hoc arbitration agreements, or rules that do not include emergency provisions may need to rely on the UAE courts for urgent interim protection instead.
Before commencing emergency arbitration proceedings, parties should consider:

Whether the applicable arbitral rules provide for emergency arbitration
Whether the arbitration agreement excludes or modifies the emergency arbitrator procedure
The governing law of the arbitration agreement and the seat of arbitration
The jurisdictions in which assets or counterparties are located

Frequently Asked Questions: Emergency Arbitration in the UAE

What is the difference between emergency arbitration and court-ordered interim measures?

Emergency arbitration is a creature of the applicable institutional rules and is conducted within the arbitral framework. Court-ordered interim measures are granted by UAE courts under the applicable procedural law. Both mechanisms can be used, and in many cases parties use emergency arbitration alongside judicial measures where local law permits court assistance in support of arbitration proceedings. The choice of mechanism will depend on the urgency, the nature of the relief sought, and the jurisdictions where enforcement is required.

How quickly can an Emergency Arbitrator be appointed under the DIAC Rules?

Under the DIAC Arbitration Rules 2022, the DIAC Arbitration Court may appoint an Emergency Arbitrator within one day of receiving a compliant application. This rapid appointment timeline reflects the urgency inherent in emergency arbitration applications.

Are emergency arbitration orders enforceable?

Enforceability of emergency arbitration orders remains a nuanced issue. Emergency orders issued under institutional rules may not qualify as arbitral awards under the New York Convention, and their enforceability in courts outside the seat of arbitration will depend on the applicable national law. Parties should obtain legal advice on enforceability in any jurisdiction where compliance may need to be compelled before relying exclusively on emergency arbitration.

Can emergency arbitration be used alongside UAE court proceedings?

Yes. In appropriate circumstances, parties may seek urgent interim measures from UAE courts in parallel with, or as a precursor to, emergency arbitration. UAE law permits judicial assistance in support of arbitration proceedings. The decision on which mechanism to prioritise will depend on the type of relief sought, the speed required, and the jurisdictions in which enforcement may be needed.

What must an applicant demonstrate to obtain emergency relief?

Applicants for emergency interim measures are generally required to demonstrate genuine urgency, the risk of irreparable harm if relief is not granted, and a prima facie case for the underlying claim. Meeting this threshold requires careful preparation of the application, supported by evidence.

Practical Steps for Businesses Considering Emergency Arbitration

Parties involved in high-value commercial transactions in the UAE can take the following steps to be prepared:

Review arbitration clauses to confirm whether emergency arbitration is available under the applicable institutional rules
Identify the assets, rights, or evidence that may require urgent protection at the outset of any dispute
Gather and preserve evidence of urgency, risk of harm, and the underlying claim before filing
Assess enforceability of emergency orders in all relevant jurisdictions before choosing between emergency arbitration and court-ordered measures
Seek early legal advice to ensure emergency applications are properly structured and compliant with institutional requirements

The Outlook: Emergency Arbitration as a Strategic Tool

The introduction of emergency arbitration under the DIAC Rules 2022 reflects the UAE’s continuing commitment to modern and internationally aligned dispute resolution. As businesses increasingly require rapid and effective protection of their rights, emergency arbitration is likely to play an expanding role in UAE-seated disputes.
For parties involved in high-value commercial transactions, understanding the strategic availability and limitations of emergency arbitration can be critical in safeguarding assets, preserving evidence, and maintaining leverage during the early stages of a dispute.
In this environment, awareness of emergency relief mechanisms is not merely procedural knowledge — it is an integral component of effective commercial dispute strategy in the UAE.

How MIS Legal Can Help

At MIS Legal, we advise businesses and individuals on all aspects of UAE arbitration, including emergency relief strategy, arbitration clause drafting, and the conduct of urgent arbitration proceedings. Our services include:

Advising on the availability and suitability of emergency arbitration in UAE-seated disputes
Drafting and reviewing arbitration clauses to ensure access to emergency relief mechanisms
Preparing and conducting emergency arbitration applications under DIAC and other institutional rules
Advising on enforcement of emergency orders in the UAE and across multiple jurisdictions
Coordinating emergency arbitration with court-ordered interim measures where appropriate

If your business is facing an urgent commercial dispute or wishes to strengthen its arbitration strategy for the UAE market, contact MIS Legal for expert legal guidance tailored to your needs.