The Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609) is largely based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (including its amendments). The AO aims at facilitating the fair and speedy resolution of disputes by arbitration without unnecessary expense. It is based on two fundamental principles: maximum party autonomy and minimum court intervention. 2025 was a busy year for the Court of First Instance, which rendered numerous decisions in arbitration-related court proceedings – too many…

Giving due and fair notice of arbitral proceedings is critical when commencing an arbitration, as a failure to do so can affect the validity and enforceability of any arbitral award. Under Article 34(2) of the UNCITRAL Model Law, adopted by section 81(1) of the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609), the Hong Kong court may set aside an award if the applicant proves that it was not given “proper” notice of the proceedings or the appointment of…

Introduction Hong Kong’s Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609) (“AO”) has adopted Articles 17-17H of the UNCITRAL Model Law on interim measures and preliminary orders.[1] However, for recognition and enforcement of interim measures (Articles 17H and 17I) and court-ordered interim measures (Article 17J), the AO has adopted its own regimes tailored for Hong Kong.[2] For court-ordered interim measures, section 45 AO empowers the Court of First Instance (CFI) to grant interim measures for any arbitrations which have…