DOHA: Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the 5th International World Conference on International Arbitration kicked off in Doha on Tuesday.
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 conference was inaugurated by Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs HE Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, in the presence of Chairman of Qatar Chamber and QICCA HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, QICCA Board Member for International Relations HE Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali Al Thani.
The event also brought together prominent business figures, international arbitrators, legal professionals, and arbitration enthusiasts.A total of 35 speakers are set to participate in seven working sessions over the two days.
The opening ceremony included the screening of a documentary highlighting the achievements of QICCA.
In his remarks, the minister of justice said that this international conference aligns with Qatar’s dedicated efforts to enhance the role of alternative means of resolving civil and commercial disputes, including mediation and arbitration.
He added that 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.
He noted that this reflects Qatar's commitment to fostering a favourable climate for arbitration and developing a pro-investment environment, in alignment with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
The minister emphasised the state’s keenness, in implementation of the directives of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to achieving the inclusive development by various government bodies in collaboration with the private sector in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
He noted that Qatar has witnessed a legislative boom by enacting several important laws.
Mohannadi emphasised that the Ministry of Justice places a high priority on 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.
He highlighted the significant role arbitration plays in alleviating the burden on courts and resolving commercial disputes efficiently.
He stated that the number of cases referred to the Arbitration Affairs Department at the Ministry of Justice and resolved during the first half of 2024 reached 44 rulings, marking a 29 percent increase compared to the first half of 2023, while the average resolution time for disputes decreased from 11 months to seven months during the same period, reflecting a 30 percent reduction.The minister elaborated that 30 rulings were issued by QICCA, accounting for 68 percent of the total arbitration rulings rendered in the first half of 2024, stressing that all these rulings were issued in accordance with Qatar's Arbitration Law, underscoring the laws importance, its alignment with the latest judicial procedures, and its provision of tailored solutions to commercial disputes.
He commended the Qatar Chamber's efforts, through QICCA, in promoting alternative dispute resolution methods among companies, employers, and individuals, emphasising the Ministry of Justice's commitment to supporting the chamber's initiatives to enhance its performance in this field by leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, and providing a robust infrastructure and IT systems to streamline arbitration procedures.
For his part, Chairman of Qatar Chamber and Chairman of QICCA Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani said the conference reflects the significance of arbitration in the fast-changing world of today, stressing the importance of promoting the concept of quick and effective justice to meet the aspirations of society and the business sector alike.
He noted that arbitration today 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 to these changes and ensuring the stability of commercial relations.
He highlighted that QICCA adheres to the latest internationally recognized legal principles, particularly the Model Arbitration Rules adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) as revised in 2010.Chairperson of Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI) and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani said arbitration is not only a means of achieving justice, but rather an important pillar for investment and economic development, affirming that studies and practical experiences have shown that the presence of an advanced and effective arbitration system encourages both foreign and domestic investments, providing a safe and attractive economic environment.
He hailed the collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and various institutions, which has had a significant impact on achieving this remarkable progress, highlighting the recent launch of a range of electronic services by the centre.
He 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, Secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Anna Joubin Bret praised QICCA for hosting the conference and emphasised the importance of UNCITRAL's support for the event, expressing hope 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.She added that QICCA follows the UNCITRAL arbitration rules, a practice that is highly appreciated by UNCITRAL.
On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, QICCA signed several agreements with prominent international arbitration institutions to strengthen cooperation with these leading bodies, in the presence of HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani.The first agreement was signed on behalf of QICCA by QICCA Board Member for International Relations HE Dr Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al Thani with CEO of the British Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Catherine Dixon.
The second agreement was signed with Member of the Executive Board of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration and Professor of Law at the Lebanese University Dr Nayla Comair Obeid.
