‘5th World Conference on International Arbitration’ focuses on future of arbitration in Mena region

Qatar is committed to fostering a favourable climate for arbitration and developing a pro-investment environment, in alignment with the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030.

HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi made the statement in his opening remarks during the opening ceremony of the '5th World Conference on International Arbitration' held on Tuesday in Doha.

Organised by the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation & Arbitration (QICCA), the two-day event is being held under the theme 'Arbitration in the Mena Region – Present and Future'.

The opening ceremony was graced by Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, the chairman of Qatar Chamber and QICCA, and Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali al-Thani, QICCA board member for International Relations, and other international experts in arbitration.

According to HE al-Mohannadi, the conference aligns with Qatar’s dedicated efforts to enhance the role of alternative means of resolving civil and commercial disputes, including mediation and arbitration.

It also reflects the state’s commitment to promoting arbitration as an effective means of dispute resolution, positioning Qatar a regional hub for arbitration. This is supported by the country’s advanced and modern legislation, as well as its extensive expertise in justice and arbitration, the minister said.

He emphasised the state’s keenness in implementing the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to achieving inclusive development by various government bodies, in collaboration with the private sector as per Qatar National Vision 2030.

The minister noted that Qatar has witnessed a "legislative boom" by enacting several important laws, including Law No 2 of 2017 Promulgating the Civil and Commercial Arbitration Law (Qatari Arbitration Law), which adopted its principles from the principles of the Model Arbitration Rules adopted by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) issued in 2006.

He emphasised that the Ministry of Justice highly prioritises arbitration, highlighting that its new strategy includes updated procedures aimed at strengthening the state’s efforts to establish an active national arbitration system aligned with international standards in the field of arbitration.

During his speech, the minister also elaborated on the role of arbitration in alleviating the country’s burden on regular courts. He commended Qatar Chamber’s efforts, through QICCA, in promoting alternative dispute resolution methods among companies, employers, and individuals.

He emphasised the ministry’s commitment to supporting the chamber’s initiatives to enhance its performance in this field by leveraging advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and providing a robust infrastructure and IT systems to streamline arbitration procedures.

The minister highlighted that the conference serves as a crucial platform to emphasise the importance of arbitration across various sectors and to advance international commercial arbitration through collaboration with both national and international stakeholders.

For his part, Sheikh Khalifa said the conference reflects the significance of arbitration in today's fast-changing world, stressing the importance of promoting the concept of quick and effective justice to meet the aspirations of society and the business sector alike.

Sheikh Khalifa also noted that arbitration is no longer just an alternative way to resolve disputes but has become an urgent necessity imposed because of the complexities of commercial and economic relations, whether at the local or international level.

He emphasised that economic growth and global openness have led to an increase in economic transactions, thereby increasing the need for a sophisticated and flexible judicial system capable of adapting with these changes and ensuring the stability of commercial relations.

Sheikh Khalifa said QICCA adheres to the latest internationally recognised legal principles, particularly the Model Arbitration Rules adopted by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) as revised in 2010.

He assured QICCA’s commitment to promoting the culture of arbitration and aligning with modern global legislations, emphasising that arbitration is not just a means of delivering justice but also a vital driver of investment and economic development.

“The presence of an advanced and effective arbitration system encourages both foreign and local investments, creating an attractive and secure economic environment,” he said.

He noted that QICCA’s strategic vision is in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance a sustainable investment environment and bolster Qatar's position as a global economic centre.

Sheikh Khalifa announced that from January 1, 2025, QICCA will implement the new arbitration rules, which were developed and reviewed by a team of distinguished arbitrators, specialists and experts at the national and international levels, ensuring alignment with the latest global trends in international arbitration.

In a speech delivered via video conference, Anna Joubin Bret, secretary of UNCITRAL, lauded QICCA for hosting the conference and emphasised the importance of UNCITRAL's support for the event, and hoped that it would result in fruitful outcomes and recommendations.

She noted that Qatar is a member of both the 1958 New York Convention and the Singapore Convention on Mediation, and highlighted that in 2010, the country enacted legislation that aligns with UNCITRAL's rules. Additionally, she said UNCITRAL highly appreciates QICCA's adherence to UNCITRAL arbitration rules.

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, QICCA signed several agreements with prominent international arbitration institutions to strengthen co-operation with these leading bodies.

Sheikh Dr Thani signed the agreements with Catherine Dixon, CEO of CIArb, and Dr Nayla Comair Obeid, member of the executive board of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration and Professor of Law at the Lebanese University.