Sir David Steel appointed to bench of Special Tribunal Related to Dubai World

The Special Tribunal was established in 2009 by Decree No. 57 of 2009, as amended by Decree No. 11 of 2010, issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and provides the Chairman the power to appoint further members of the previously three-member Tribunal.

The appointment of Sir David Steel will help to ensure the efficient adjudication of disputes related to the settlement of the financial position of Dubai World and its subsidiaries. So far, 80 cases have been filed with the Tribunal, whose bench also includes Michael Hwang SC and Sir John Chadwick.

Sir David Steel, who was appointed in 2011 to the bench of the DIFC Courts, brings tremendous international experience to the Tribunal, having served as a Judge of the Commercial and Admiralty Courts, London, from 1998-2011 and Judge in charge of the Commercial and Admiralty Courts from 2004-06. He also served as Chairman of the European Commercial Judges Forum from 2009-11.

"On behalf of the Special Tribunal Related to Dubai World, it is my great pleasure to welcome Sir David Steel to the bench," said Sir Anthony Evans.

"With over four decades of experience, including a lifelong focus on commercial arbitration, he will unquestionably provide significant additional support to the Tribunal's ability to hear and resolve disputes rapidly and to the very highest international standard."

Sir David Steel said: "I am honoured to accept this position at the Special Tribunal Related to Dubai World, and look forward to serving alongside my esteemed colleagues, who continue to successfully carry out the mandate of the Tribunal - establishing its reputation as a wholly transparent body that is committed to the fair and impartial application of the law."

In addition to disputes adjudicated by the Tribunal, the associated Small Claims Panel hears primarily employment-related disputes. The members of that Panel include: HE Justice Omar Al Muhairi, HE Justice Ali Al Madhani, HE Justice Dr Jamal Al Sumaity and HE Justice Abdulla Ahmed Alkaytob.