Dubai, UAE, 11 January 2015 - Leading UAE law firm Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla is pleased to announce that the firm's Chairman, Dr. Habib Al Mulla, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees (the Board) of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) by decree of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, in December 2014.

The new Board will initially be focusing on a variety of initiatives, including reviewing the DIAC Arbitration Rules, promoting DIAC and enhancing the enforcement of DIAC awards.

Dr. Al Mulla is one of the UAE's most highly respected legal authorities, with nearly 30 years' experience in UAE law. He has drafted many of Dubai's modern legislative structures and is often consulted to draft and advise on Federal and Emirate level laws. Dr. Al Mulla created the concept of financial free zones in the UAE and was the architect of the legal framework establishing the Dubai International Financial Centre, the first financial zone in the UAE.

In addition to founding the law firm Habib Al Mulla in the UAE nearly 30 years ago, Dr. Al Mulla has also served as legislative committee chairman of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Director of the Institute of Advanced Legal and Judicial Studies, Chairman of the UAE Jurists Association, and Vice Chairman of the DIAC Board. He is currently Chairman of the UAE Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

First created in 1994 as the "Centre for Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration," the current DIAC is an autonomous, permanent, non-profit institution providing the regional and international business communities with a means to supply facilities for conducting commercial arbitration, promoting the settlement of disputes by arbitration, as well as developing a pool of arbitrators in the practice of international arbitration.

Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla brings over 30 years' local know-how, extensive global resources, and one of the largest litigation teams in the UAE with full rights of audience before all UAE and DIFC courts. As the first international law firm to fully merge with a UAE firm, we deliver unmatched on the ground support that reflects a deep understanding of local legal, regulatory and commercial practices. Our multidisciplinary team of more than 50 lawyers offers a full range of local and international legal advice across our offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in both English and Arabic.

About Baker & McKenzie
Founded in 1949, Baker & McKenzie advises many of the world's most dynamic and successful business organizations through more than 11,000 people in 77 offices in 47 countries. The Firm is known for its global perspective, deep understanding of the local language and culture of business, uncompromising commitment to excellence, and world-class fluency in its client service. Global revenues for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2014, were US$2.54 billion. Eduardo Leite is Chairman of the Executive Committee. (www.bakermckenzie.com)

Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla is a member of Baker & McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein with member law firms around the world. In accordance with the common terminology used in professional service organizations, reference to a "partner" means a person who is a partner, or equivalent, in such a law firm. Similarly, reference to an "office" means an office of any such law firm.

© Press Release 2015