UNITED ARAB EMRITES Law and Practice Contributed by: Ali Dakhlallah, Karen Seif, Matthew Page and William Prasifka, Habib Al Mulla & Partners
increasingly addressed through general legal, regula- tory and ethical frameworks. In onshore UAE, there is no dedicated legislation gov- erning AI in litigation, arbitration or ADR. However, its use is indirectly regulated by broader laws, including the UAE Evidence Law (Federal Decree-Law No 35 of 2022), which governs admissibility of evidence, and the UAE Civil Procedure Law (Federal Decree-Law No 42 of 2022). AI-generated outputs must comply with rules of evi- dence, authenticity and reliability, and parties remain responsible for the accuracy of submissions. Confi- dentiality, data protection and professional conduct obligations also constrain the use of AI tools, particu- larly in handling sensitive client information. In the DIFC and the ADGM, there is similarly no AI- specific dispute resolution regime, but these juris- dictions adopt common law and technology-friendly approaches. Courts and arbitral institutions are open to the use of AI for tasks such as document review or case manage- ment, provided it complies with procedural fairness, disclosure obligations and data protection standards. Overall, AI in dispute resolution in the UAE is permit- ted but indirectly regulated, with emphasis on exist- ing legal principles rather than AI-specific rules and increasing attention likely as adoption grows. 10.2 Impact AI is increasingly influencing dispute resolution in the UAE, although its impact remains practical rather than formally regulated, and varies between onshore courts and the DIFC/ADGM. In onshore UAE, AI is primarily used by legal practitioners for document review, legal research, contract analysis and case strategy. This has improved efficiency, speed and cost man- agement, particularly in complex disputes involving large volumes of documents. Courts themselves are gradually integrating digital tools, but decision-making remains judge-driven, and AI does not replace judicial discretion. The use of AI is constrained by existing frameworks such as the UAE Evidence Law (Federal
Decree-Law No 35 of 2022) and professional obliga- tions relating to confidentiality and accuracy, meaning parties remain fully responsible for AI-assisted out- puts. In the DIFC and the ADGM, AI has a more pronounced impact due to common law procedures and higher reliance on disclosure and complex evidence. It is widely used in e-discovery, predictive analytics and case management, helping streamline proceedings and reduce costs. Arbitral proceedings seated in these jurisdictions also benefit from AI-assisted docu- ment production and analysis. Overall, AI is enhancing efficiency, cost-effectiveness and case management, but it does not alter core legal principles, with courts maintaining full control over adjudication and evidentiary assessment. 10.3 Future Courts in the UAE have increasingly embraced tech- nology, including elements of AI, to improve efficiency, though adoption remains institutional and supportive rather than determinative. In onshore UAE (including Dubai courts), courts have implemented digital case management systems, e-filing, virtual hearings and automated administra- tive processes, which incorporate AI-assisted tools to streamline workflow. These developments have significantly improved speed, accessibility and case handling efficiency, particularly after the shift towards remote proceedings. However, AI is not used for judi- cial decision-making, and judges retain full control over assessment of facts and law. Its role remains administrative and assistive. In the DIFC and the ADGM, courts are more technol- ogy-forward, aligning with common law jurisdictions. AI and advanced analytics are used in e-discovery, document management and case tracking, improv- ing procedural efficiency in complex disputes. These courts are also more receptive to AI-assisted legal processes adopted by parties. Looking ahead, AI in UAE dispute resolution is likely to evolve towards:
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