Global Arbitration Hubs: Where Technical Experts Are Most Needed Now

DAC Consulting Services

London: Delay and Quantum Analysis at the Forefront

London remains the busiest hub for international construction and energy arbitrations, attracting parties from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. (It was recently ranked the world’s top arbitration hub, ahead of Singapore.) [1]

Technical experts here are most often engaged in:

• Delay and disruption analysis on mega-infrastructure and energy projects.
• Quantum and damages assessments, often tied to cost escalation or scope changes.
• Cross-disciplinary work where delay, quantum, and engineering overlap.

The English courts’ supportive stance toward arbitration ensures that expert evidence is rigorously tested.

Dubai: A Hub for Energy and Infrastructure Disputes

The UAE has firmly established itself as a global arbitration centre, driven by the Middle East’s ongoing infrastructure boom. The Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and ADGM Arbitration Centre have modernised their rules to align closely with ICC, LCIA, and SIAC practices. [2][3]

Cases often involve:

• Oil and gas facilities — refineries, LNG terminals, and pipelines.
• Renewable energy projects, especially solar and wind.
• Transportation and urban development tied to Vision 2030 initiatives.

Experts here are required not only to assess technical failures and delays, but also to translate complex engineering concepts for tribunals less familiar with regional standards and practices.

Singapore: Offshore, Marine, and Power Disputes

Singapore continues to consolidate its status as Asia’s premier arbitration hub, with SIAC regularly handling disputes from across the Asia-Pacific region. Its reputation for neutrality and efficiency is widely recognised. [4][5]

Technical experts are particularly sought for:

• Offshore and marine engineering projects, such as FPSOs and subsea works.
• Power sector disputes, including high-voltage transmission systems and thermal plants.
• Complex cross-border contracts, often governed by English law but involving Asian contractors and suppliers.

The emphasis here is often on root-cause engineering analysis — for example, determining whether a failure stemmed from design, materials, or installation.

Paris: Civil Law Meets Technical Complexity

Paris, through the ICC, remains a long-standing centre for global arbitration, attracting disputes from Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Experts are most often called upon in:



• Large civil engineering projects such as tunnels, dams, and rail.
• Cross-border joint ventures, where technical and financial responsibilities overlap.
• Energy transition projects, from solar farms in North Africa to hydropower in Latin America.

Civil-law procedures often mean experts play a different and earlier role compared to common-law hubs.

New York & Miami: North and Latin America’s Gateways

The Americas continue to generate significant disputes in oil & gas, renewables, and infrastructure. New York remains central for finance-driven cases, while Miami is increasingly the entry point for Latin American arbitrations — with law firms regularly highlighting its growing neutrality and influence. [6]

Experts are frequently engaged in:

• Refinery and petrochemical projects across the Caribbean and South America.
• Wind and solar disputes, often tied to performance guarantees.
• Mining and steel plant construction, with heavy reliance on forensic delay analysis.

The US arbitral culture places a strong emphasis on cross-examination.

Mexico City: A Growing Local Hub

With energy reforms and sustained investment in infrastructure, Mexico is hosting more disputes through local arbitration centres as well as ICC proceedings.

Experts are increasingly asked to advise on:

• Pipeline and transmission line projects.
• Renewables integration into the national grid.
• Complex EPC contract disputes, where local and international contractors overlap.



International practitioners are closely watching the rapid growth of arbitration in Mexico. [7]

References

1. [1] The Times, “London beats Singapore to top spot for global arbitration”, 2024.
2. [2] Jones Day, “Impact of the DIAC 2022 Arbitration Rules”, April 2022.
3. [3] Al Tamimi & Company, “Commentary on the UAE’s New Arbitration Law”, 2022.
4. [4] Uría Menéndez, “Singapore’s recipe for becoming a top international arbitration hub”, 2023.
5. [5] Pinsent Masons, “Singapore continues to rise as an international dispute resolution hub”, 2025.
6. [6] Skadden, “International Arbitration Update: Global Developments and Trends To Watch”, April 2025.
7. [7] Chambers Global, Arbitration rankings and commentary on Latin America, 2024.