International Journal of Law and Management, 2025

The purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth analysis of the historical restrictions imposed by the UAE and Jordan on the arbitrability of agency disputes, driven by public policy considerations to protect local agents. It examines recent developments in UAE arbitration law and their alignment with global trends in international arbitration. The study evaluates how these reforms balance local agency interests with contractual autonomy. By offering comparative perspectives, the paper provides valuable lessons for Jordan and other restrictive nations in the Arab world to modernize their arbitration frameworks, reconcile domestic and international priorities, and enhance their appeal for international trade and investment.