Global
Litigation Insurance in Middle East
Common-law free-zone courts and arbitral centres operate alongside local courts.
ME
Dubai
25.20° N · 55.27° E
- Common-law free zones
- Construction and energy disputes
- Enforcement
Illustrative. The forum decides which exposures exist at all: its costs rules, its approach to security and how its judgments travel.
How can litigation insurance work in Middle East?
Common-law free-zone courts and arbitral centres operate alongside local courts. That can shape which exposures dominate — common-law free zones, construction and energy disputes, enforcement — and therefore which structures may be considered. Availability, admitted status and enforceability of any instrument depend on the forum and on policy terms, and are confirmed matter by matter, subject to underwriting.
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Middle East
ME
- Costs rule
- Varies by court and free zone
- Weight of adverse costs
- Depends
- What tends to dominate
- Arbitration and enforcement
- Relevant cover
Risks to check first
- Common-law free zones
- Construction and energy disputes
- Enforcement
Structure may follow the procedural rules of the forum, not the parties' nationality. General orientation, not advice; rules have exceptions.
Common risk types
The region combines civil law national courts with common law free-zone courts — such as the DIFC and ADGM Courts — and busy arbitral centres.
Construction, energy and infrastructure disputes are prominent.
Relevant products
Arbitration ATE, award and enforcement cover, and capital protection for funders.
ATE for DIFC or ADGM proceedings where costs are awarded.
Key considerations
The DIFC and ADGM have issued rules or practice directions on third-party funding.
Practice in national courts differs and should be confirmed with local counsel.
Enforcement
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are New York Convention states, but enforcement practice varies.
Free-zone court judgments may need to be enforced through the national courts.
Frequently asked
Are there common law courts in the Middle East?
Yes. The DIFC Courts in Dubai and the ADGM Courts in Abu Dhabi apply common law procedure within their free zones, alongside the civil law national courts.
Is third-party funding permitted in the DIFC and ADGM?
Both have issued rules or practice directions on third-party funding. Practice in the national courts differs; confirm with local counsel.
Where are commercial disputes arbitrated in the Middle East?
Common venues include DIAC in Dubai, the ADGM Arbitration Centre in Abu Dhabi and the SCCA in Saudi Arabia, alongside international institutions such as the ICC.
Are Middle East countries party to the New York Convention?
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are contracting states, although enforcement practice varies and should be checked with local counsel.
Is ATE insurance available for DIFC or ADGM cases?
Where those courts award costs, ATE can be considered on the same underwriting basis as other common law courts.
General information only. This page is not legal, financial, investment or insurance advice. Any insurance is subject to underwriting and to the terms of the policy wording issued.
Where to go next
Relevant products
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