Dispute Resolution

Horizons & Co is recognised as one of the UAE’s leading dispute resolution practices, trusted by multinational corporations, government entities and financial institutions to advise and represent them in their most complex, high-value and strategically significant disputes. We are consistently ranked Band 1 for Dispute Resolution: Domestic by Chambers and Partners (2024, 2025), reflecting our track record in precedent-setting matters that shape the legal landscape and deliver decisive outcomes.

Our disputes practice is led by Ali Al Zarooni, ranked Band 1 in Dispute Resolution: Domestic and Band 3 in Construction: Dispute Resolution, and Areen Jayousi, an English-qualified lawyer recognised with a Spotlight ranking in Dispute Resolution: Domestic (2025). Together, they lead a team distinguished by strategic insight, rigorous advocacy and commercial pragmatism.

We advise and represent clients before all UAE courts, including the DIFC and ADGM, and have extensive experience in international arbitration under the rules of DIAC, ICC, LCIA, arbitrateAD and in ad hoc proceedings. Our bilingual lawyers are qualified in both civil and common law systems, enabling seamless representation across jurisdictions and legal traditions.

Our approach goes beyond litigation alone. We work closely with clients to develop dispute strategies that align with their commercial objectives, whether through litigation, arbitration, mediation or negotiated settlement. This breadth of expertise has earned us the trust of clients across a wide range of sectors, including construction and infrastructure, financial services, real estate, technology and employment.

Key Contacts

Adv. Ali Al Zarooni

Founder and Managing Partner

Areen Jayousi

Partner
Image of Dr. Mohamed Mahrous

Dr. Mohamed Mahrous

Partner

Refat Zidan

Head of Litigation

Hassan Samir

Head of Execution

Lilas Al Akhras

Legal Director

Representative Matters

DIFC Courts

  • Acted for a leading façade contractor in a AED 300 million construction dispute arising from a landmark cultural project, with judgment expected to set new precedent.
  • Represented a regional insurer in a complex employment dispute involving data protection breaches and termination issues.
  • Advised an ultra-high-net-worth individual on a sensitive share transfer dispute resolved through confidential DIFC proceedings.

ADGM Courts

  • Acting for a UAE developer in real estate disputes exceeding AED 20 million, securing unit re-registrations and damages.
  • Obtained a dual dismissal for two construction entities, reinforcing ADGM’s exclusive jurisdiction.
  • Representing a security agent of an international bank in a USD 12.9 million mortgage enforcement action, recovering 33 real estate units.

Onshore UAE Courts

  • Secured a landmark Court of Appeal judgment in a AED 224 million multi-party commercial dispute concerning corporate guarantees.
  • Representing a US-based cybersecurity company in a AED 48 million cross-border technology dispute, successfully defending Dubai court jurisdiction.
  • Represented a petrochemicals company in a USD 124 million construction and energy dispute, overturning an arbitration dismissal in a precedent-setting ruling.

Our consistent recognition by leading legal directories reflects a simple truth: clients turn to Horizons & Co when the stakes are highest. We combine courtroom authority with deep commercial understanding, achieving results that not only resolve disputes, but also protect and advance our clients’ broader strategic interests.

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