The Adaptability of Adjudication in the UAE from the Perspective of Islamic Shariaa and Civil law
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Date
2015-03
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The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
A number of jurisdictions have introduced a new mechanism to resolve construction disputes cheaply, expediently and efficiently. This new mechanism should consider the privity of construction contracts and without prejudice to the public policy. Adjudication fulfils all the criteria and was introduced because of the inefficiency of the traditional dispute resolution mechanisms and to secure cash flow in the construction industry. An adjudicator is a neutral third party who determines the dispute and has enough experience, impartiality and independence. The adjudicator is nominated by pre-agreement in the contract or by a nominating body.
Considering the success of adjudication in other jurisdictions it is thus desirable to introduce adjudication in the UAE. However, how this system conflicts with the fundamental principles of Sharia and civil law has to be examined.
Islamic Sharia law is considered as the main source of the law of UAE. It is important therefore to determine the potential legal obstacles that might be encountered by the introduction of adjudication in the UAE.
This study also investigates the prospects of introducing a construction court in Dubai that is compatible with Sharia law and civil law. Such a court would co-operate with the Bar association, Law Society and general authority of Islamic affairs and endowment for training and registering of adjudicators. With such a court it is likely that the acceptability of adjudicator's decision may also be achieved given the status of the court as an independent judiciary.
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Keywords
Islamic Shariaa, civil law, construction disputes, construction contracts, construction industry, dispute resolution, adjudication, United Arab Emirates (UAE), law