The chairman to the Special Tribunal related to Dubai World has appointed Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts judge, Sir David Steel, as the fourth member presiding over the tribunal.

The Special Tribunal was created in 2009 under Decree 57 by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, and ruler of Dubai to hear an expected onslaught of lawsuits related to Dubai World’s financial woes. While the panel has traditionally had three members, the decree allows for the chairman of the Special Tribunal to appoint further members.

“On behalf of the Special Tribunal related to Dubai World, it is my great pleasure to welcome Sir David Steel to the bench,” said chairman 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.”

Steel has served as a DIFC Courts judge since 2011. So far, 80 cases have been filed with the Tribunal, whose bench also includes Michael Hwang SC and Sir John Chadwick.

Shaheen Pasha is Middle East Regional Editor at ALB. Follow us on Twitter: @ALB_TheBrief.

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