DIAC Partners with Paris-Panthéon-Assas University to Revolutionise Legal Education

In a significant move to bolster legal education and arbitration expertise globally, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and Paris-Panthéon-Assas University have entered a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration marks a major step forward in advancing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and fostering greater knowledge exchange between two leading institutions in the legal field.

This partnership is set to drive a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enriching the legal community’s grasp and application of arbitration. Together, they will focus on creating arbitration training programs, organizing joint arbitration events, and undertaking collaborative research efforts. These activities are designed to elevate the understanding and practice of arbitration across the legal landscape.

Paris-Panthéon-Assas University, recognized as France's premier and most historic law school, brings a wealth of academic prestige to this partnership. With a student body of over 23,000 and a faculty of 1,500 professors spread across four international campuses, including in France, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Mauritius, the university's extensive legacy is complemented by DIAC's three decades of leadership in international ADR. Together, they aim to spearhead legal excellence and arbitration advocacy worldwide.

H.E. Dr Tariq Humaid Al Tayer, reflecting on the collaboration, expressed, "It is a privilege to partner with Paris Panthéon-Assas University, a leading global institution with a rich legacy in legal education and research. Together, we are committed to advancing the field of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution by fostering knowledge exchange and developing the next generation of leaders. Through this partnership, DIAC is dedicated to supporting the growth of ADR expertise and strengthening connections within the international legal community."

Adding to the sentiments, Prof. Guillaume Leyte of Paris-Panthéon-Assas University's Dubai Campus highlighted the mutual benefits of this alliance, stating, "It is a great honour for Paris Panthéon-Assas University to establish a partnership with DIAC. This prestigious centre – a symbol of the dynamism of the Emirate of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as a whole – and the first and oldest law university in France share a common interest in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution methods, and this promises to lead to fruitful projects. The University, both in Paris and here at its Emirati campus, is thrilled by the prospects opened up by this partnership, in terms of both education and research and greatly appreciates the warm welcome extended by DIAC's leadership."

DIAC's position as the predominant arbitral institution in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region underpins Dubai's strategic ambitions as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Through forging international alliances such as with Paris-Panthéon-Assas University, DIAC not only enhances Dubai’s stature in global arbitration but also contributes to a strong legal infrastructure that promotes economic development and boosts investor confidence.