The UAE’s Role in Resolving MENA Energy Disputes at the Intersection of Civil and Common Law

This keynote will explore how the UAE is positioning itself as the dispute resolution hub for MENA energy projects, owing to its unique legal ecosystem and infrastructure. As the region is seeing an influx of mega energy and infrastructure projects from traditional oil and gas to renewables and hydrogen, the keynote will highlight how to manage the ‘mega risks’ that come with legal complexity, cross-border financing, and high-stakes claims.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Legal convergence in the UAE
• Mega projects, multi-jurisdictional risk
• Freezing orders & asset protection
• DIFC as a conduit jurisdiction
• Enforcement of arbitral awards
• The UAE’s institutional landscape

Legitimacy, Culture and the Invisible Lines: Why Who’s on the Panel Matters

Questions of representation, legitimacy and cultural understanding are gaining new urgency in today’s world of dispute resolution – including in energy arbitration across the Middle East and Africa. This session explores how perceptions of fairness and quality in international arbitration are shaped by who sits on the tribunal, and how deeper cultural alignment may influence both process and outcome.

Behind the Claim: What Really Causes Energy Disputes in the Middle East

This brief presentation will examine the technical and operational factors that frequently lead to disputes in major energy projects across the Middle East. Drawing on practical experience from complex power and infrastructure developments, the speaker will highlight how late-stage design changes, environmental challenges, interface risks, and hidden technical failures often escalate into arbitration claims. The session will also address emerging trends, including the impact of accelerated energy transition projects and the evolving role of state-owned enterprises. It will provide practical insights into where disputes typically originate and how technical evidence can be critical in shaping outcomes.

The evolving nature of Energy Arbitration in Africa: Current Trends and Issues Arising

This keynote will interrogate the changing nature of energy dispute resolution and arbitration, moving from the traditional types of disputes to the emergence of newer, more complex disputes shaped by the ongoing energy transition. These include issues arising from the rise of new and clean energy sources, decarbonization efforts, climate change, resource nationalism, the development of Free Trade Areas, and increasing attention to human rights and ESG concerns.

It will also consider the role of arbitral institutions, as well as the relevance of key international instruments, statutes, case law, and other influential factors within the field.

The session will identify pertinent issues related to the evolving nature of energy disputes and will offer solutions aimed at ensuring the continuing efficacy of arbitration and ADR as effective mechanisms for resolving such disputes in a rapidly transforming landscape.

Leading without Authority

Drawing on his experience as Deputy Commander of Regional Command South-West in Helmand, Afghanistan, the speaker reflects on a pivotal year leading complex operations during the drawdown of international military forces. Working alongside the United States Marine Corps, he was tasked with coordinating across multiple agencies, each with competing priorities and operational pressures.

This session explores how to lead, influence, and negotiate in environments where formal authority is limited. It highlights the importance of forming coalitions, managing competing agendas, and delivering results in high-stakes, fast-moving contexts, offering lessons that are increasingly relevant across today’s interconnected and dynamic professional environments.

Paul Nanson will be joined by Craig Preston for a short interview and discussion as part of the session.