The Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre, known as TAHKEEM, has concluded a cooperation agreement with Alef Group, the master developer of the Zero 6 Mall and Al Mamsha project, in Sharjah, under which TAHKEEM shall provide dispute settlement services for the Group and its developments.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Saleh Alechla, Director of TAHKEEM, and Issa Ataya, Alef Group Managing Director, in the presence of H.E. Abdullah Deaifis, Chairman of the TAHKEEM Executive Committee and a number of officials from both sides.

The agreement stipulates that Alef Group shall avail of the dispute settlement services provided by TAHKEEM through arbitration in favour of the real estate projects developed by the Group, which shall also, under the agreement, urge parties concerned with its projects to adopt arbitration as a means for resolving commercial disputes.

The signing falls within the two parties' keenness to strengthen their partnership and consolidate their joint efforts to serve various segments of their clients, and ultimately ensure the continual improvement of the business sector in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Commenting on the agreement, Abdullah Deaifis, Chairman of the TAHKEEM Executive Committee, said: "The Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre seeks to support the various economic and commercial sectors in the Emirate of Sharjah in particular and the UAE in general, by developing efficient arbitration mechanisms and rules, while continuing to develop the skills of our registered arbitrators, and provide professional and high-quality services.”

”There is no doubt that Alef Group is one of the leading real estate developers in the Emirate of Sharjah and has a broad base of clients through its existing and under-construction projects. We are pleased to sign this cooperation agreement with Alef Group with a view to providing them with all legal support and services required to ensure continued mutual trust between the Group and its clients, and to help grow the Group's business,” Deaifis added.

Issa Ataya, Managing Director of Alef Group, said: "Alef Group has committed to providing unique real estate products in the Emirate of Sharjah in terms of design, construction, building material and location. Today, we see the first of these projects represented in Zero 6 Mall and our flagship project Al Mamsha, which serves as a landmark mixed-use development that brings together a modern living, retail and leisure in an upscale environment completely accessible on foot."

"The project represents a paradigm shift in the nature of real estate projects in Sharjah. It's the emirate’s first fully-walkable community, featuring ample sidewalks and walkways complemented by plenty of green and open spaces  that fall in accordance with a sustainable environment and modern living standards," Attaya noted.

"Through today's agreement, we seek to enhance collaboration with TAHKEEM which will share our successes and become the legal partner of the Group by addressing the legal challenges faced by our businesses,” Attaya explained.