APIAC And Opus 2 Establish Offices In ADGM To Expand International Arbitration

Abu Dhabi Global Market is strengthening its role in cross-border dispute resolution as two international players, the Asia Pacific International Arbitration Chamber and Opus 2, prepare to open offices inside the ADGM Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre. Their moves deepen Abu Dhabi’s position as a neutral venue for arbitration and mediation serving global trade routes.

APIAC will create an affiliated entity in ADGM and operate from within the Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre, while Opus 2, which established a presence in ADGM in 2024, will also base a team inside the same facility. The announcements signal continued growth in specialist arbitration institutions and legal technology providers at the centre.

APIAC’s decision to anchor a regional base in ADGM is described as a key step in the organisation’s international expansion strategy. The move is designed to link parties in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, giving businesses along major trade corridors greater access to international arbitration and mediation options in Abu Dhabi.

Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of ADGM Courts, said, "APIAC’s decision to establish its regional presence in ADGM reflects the confidence international arbitration institutions place in Abu Dhabi’s legal infrastructure, neutrality and common law framework." She added, "ADGM continues to develop a framework within which global institutions can operate effectively, supported by modern facilities, legislative certainty and a strong commitment to the rule of law."

Explaining the rationale for the move, Asad Khalil, Vice Chairman of APIAC, said, "Establishing a presence in ADGM represents a strategic advance in APIAC’s growth across the GCC and the broader Middle East. ADGM’s common law foundation, world-class framework, and forward vision set a benchmark of excellence, while its strategic location enables APIAC+, our extended platform beyond Asia-Pacific connecting arbitration communities, expertise, and resources globally, to expand influence, foster innovation, and shape the future of international arbitration."

For Opus 2, embedding operations within the Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre provides closer access to regional arbitration and litigation users. Charlie Harrel, Chief Operating Officer of Opus 2, said, "Our presence within the ADGM Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre reinforces our commitment to supporting the evolving needs of arbitration and litigation in the region. Being embedded within the DRHC allows us to work even more closely with institutions, tribunals, and parties, delivering seamless technology-enabled dispute resolution."

Together, the new APIAC entity and the expanded Opus 2 presence underline ADGM’s strategy to build a concentrated ecosystem of international arbitration institutions, tribunals and service providers. This growing cluster supports parties from Asia-Pacific, the GCC and other markets seeking neutral, English-language, common law dispute resolution in Abu Dhabi.

With inputs from WAM