International Disputes in Transition: Why Global Forums Matter More in 2026

International Disputes in 2026: A More Complex Global Landscape

The international disputes environment in 2026 looks materially different from the landscape practitioners were navigating even five years ago. Sanctions regimes continue to expand in scope and unpredictability, the EU AI Act is beginning to influence evidentiary and procedural expectations, and the growth of mass claims across English and European courts is placing increasing pressure on traditional litigation and funding structures.

At the same time, businesses operating between the Gulf, Europe, and Asia are facing disputes risks that increasingly extend beyond the jurisdictions in which they operate. Questions surrounding jurisdictional strategy, enforcement risk, digital asset exposure, offshore structures, and regulatory scrutiny are becoming central considerations in cross-border disputes management.

For many organisations, disputes are no longer confined to a single legal system. Matters originating in the UAE increasingly involve parallel proceedings, foreign enforcement considerations, and coordination with English courts, arbitral institutions, and regulators across multiple jurisdictions.

The Growing Importance of International Disputes Forums

As international disputes become more interconnected, forums that bring together practitioners, institutions, regulators, and decision-makers are taking on greater practical significance.

London International Disputes Week (LIDW) has become one of the leading global forums for discussion on the future of international dispute resolution. Since its launch in 2019, LIDW has brought together leading law firms, arbitral institutions, barristers’ chambers, judges, experts, litigation funders, and in-house counsel to examine the developments shaping cross-border litigation and arbitration.

Now entering its seventh edition, LIDW 2026 will take place in London from 1–5 June under the theme:

“Tradition, Trust and Transformation in International Dispute Resolution”

This year’s programme is expected to focus on several issues that are becoming increasingly relevant across international disputes work, including:

• artificial intelligence in evidence and procedure;
• sanctions-related disputes and enforcement;
• geopolitical risk and commercial litigation;
• the continued rise of mass claims; and
• disputes involving digital assets and emerging technologies.

ADG Legal Joins LIDW as a Member Firm

Against this backdrop, ADG Legal is pleased to join LIDW as a member firm for 2026.

The firm’s membership reflects the increasing importance of maintaining active engagement with the international disputes community as cross-border disputes continue to evolve across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory systems.

Participation in LIDW provides ADG Legal with the opportunity to engage directly with leading practitioners, institutions, and decision-makers working at the forefront of developments affecting international dispute resolution. It also allows the firm to contribute perspectives from disputes arising across the UAE, the wider Middle East, and other internationally connected markets.

For a disputes practice operating across sectors such as technology, financial services, infrastructure, construction, and cross-border investment, these discussions are becoming increasingly relevant to the legal and commercial issues clients are facing in the region.

Further updates regarding ADG Legal’s participation during the week will follow.