Michael Dunmore

Legal Director | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Profile

Michael Dunmore is a legal director in the corporate commercial team in Dubai.

He has acted as counsel in well over 80 arbitrations and has a broad range of experience with arbitrations, with a particular focus on construction arbitrations and telecommunication disputes.

Michael has acted in arbitrations under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), DIFC-LCIA, QICCA, Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation, Arbitration Centre (ADCCAC), the Oman Arbitration Centre and in ad hoc arbitrations.

Michael has been resident in the Middle East for close to a decade and is involved in disputes throughout the region. Michael is listed as an arbitrator at a number of arbitration centres in the region and has recently sat as sole arbitrator in several institutional arbitrations.

Prior to joining Kennedys, Michael practiced in leading local and international law firms in Oman. He regularly contributes articles to arbitration journals.

Qualifications and admissions

Qualifications

  • Stockholm University, L.L.M. International Commercial Arbitration Law, 2013
  • University of Sydney, J.D., 2010
  • University of Sydney, M. A. Criminology, 2007
  • University of Windsor, B.A.(H) Criminology, 2006

Admissions

  • Barrister & Solicitor, Ontario, Canada (2020)
  • Attorney, New York (2018)
  • Solicitor, England and Wales (2013)
  • Solicitor, New South Wales, Australia (2011)

Market recognition

  • Associate to Watch 'Dispute Resolution'
    “Michael Dunmore is a strong lawyer with particular experience in international arbitration. He is adept at handling disputes in the construction and mining sectors for a variety of domestic and global clients.”
    “Michael is collaborative, proactive, responsive and supportive. He is always available with succinct and practical support.”
    Chambers and Partners 2025

Work highlights

  • Acting as counsel in a DIAC arbitration seated in Dubai in relation to the management and operations of a hotel in Saudi Arabia.
  • Acting as counsel in an expedited arbitration under the rules of the Oman Arbitration Centre, seated in Muscat in relation to a telecommunications dispute.
  • Acting as counsel in an Ad Hoc arbitration seated in Muscat in relation to a dispute arising from the construction of road where the total amount in dispute is in excess of USD 310 million.
  • Acting as counsel in and ICC expedited arbitration seated in Muscat in relation to the delayed construction of a warehouse complex.
  • Sitting as sole arbitrator in an arbitration seated in Dubai under the DIAC Rules in relation to the purchase and sale of a property.
  • Sitting as sole arbitrator in an arbitration seated in Dubai under the DIAC Rules in relation to a rental agreement.

Presentations and publications

  • Dunmore, M. ‘Increasing Efficiency in Arbitration, Who Can do What?’ (2017) Czech (& Central European) Yearbook of Arbitration.
  • Dunmore, M. ‘Influences on Procedural Aspects of International Arbitration’ (2016) Czech Yearbook on International Law.
  • Co-author, Chapter ‘Japan’ (2016) International Commercial Arbitration Practice: 21st Century
  • Perspectives (Eds. Naón, Mason et al.) Co-author, Chapter ‘Japan’ (2016) Baker & McKenzie International Arbitration Yearbook 2015-2016.
  • Dunmore, M. ‘An Overview of the Arbitration Landscape in Japan’ (2016) Revista Romana De Arbitraj.
  • Dunmore, M. ‘Towards a Uniform Public Policy’ (2016) KIIT Student Law Review Vol. III 1-12.
  • Dunmore, M. ‘A Brief Overview of the Key Sources of Power in International Arbitration’

Speaking engagements

  • Disruption- Do’s and Don’ts (Panel)– Oman Arbitration Centre Breakfast Series – May 2025
  • Energy and Infrastructure Project Disputes in Oman (Panel) – In house breakfast Seminar – February 2025
  • Domain Name Disputes- Oman Arbitration Centre Breakfast Seminar – September 2024
  • Tribunal Secretary Training Program – Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration – September 2024
  • Lecture on International Arbitration – KIIT University, India – August 2024
  • Comparative Approaches to Production in International Arbitration; Common Law vs. Civil Law in the MENA Region (panel)– Arab Lawyers Forum – Doha, Qatar -February 2024
  • Mistakes in Drafting arbitration clauses- Breakfast Seminar- October 2023

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