It is common to encounter pre-arbitral requirements in international arbitration agreements.[1] Compliance with these procedural requirements, included in multi-tiered dispute resolution clauses, is typically a prerequisite to the commencement of arbitration proceedings.[2] The underlying intent of these requirements is to ensure that parties in dispute make genuine efforts to amicably resolve their issues before resorting […]
Arbitration in Nigeria: The 2023 Reform
On 23 May 2023, Nigeria introduced the 2023 Arbitration and Mediation Act (the “New Act”), repealing its 35-year-old arbitration act (the 1988 Nigerian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Cap A18). The New Act aims to “provide a unified legal framework for the fair and efficient settlement of commercial disputes by arbitration and mediation”. It also “make[s] […]
International Arbitration in Ecuador
The Arbitration and Mediation Act (“Act”) of Ecuador was first enacted in 1997. However, even after amendments adopted in 2015, the legislation contained regulatory gaps and vague terms, which did not allow arbitrators and judges to build a steady body of interpretation. The fact that the country denounced the ICSID Convention in 2009 added further […]
Arbitration in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Arbitration in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a reliable and efficient method for resolving conflicts in a world where commercial disputes can arise quickly. Known for its dynamic business landscape and international trade, the UAE has embraced arbitration as a powerful means of settling commercial disputes. In this note, we delve into the nuances […]
Arbitration and Third Parties: The Issue of Non-Signatories
Arbitration and third parties is a topic which, over and above its academic relevance, has important practical implications for parties in international arbitration proceedings. The issue of arbitration and third parties may concern situations where a party wishes to refer to arbitration another party that was not part of the main contract and therefore did […]