Doha, November 19 (QNA) – Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the 5th International World Conference on International Arbitration kicked off Tuesday in Doha.

Organized 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 HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, in the presence of HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber and QICCA, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, HE QICCA Board Member for International Relations 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, HE Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, said that this international conference aligns with Qatars dedicated efforts to enhance the role of alternative means of resolving civil and commercial disputes, including mediation and arbitration.

HE the minister added that it is also reflects the states 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.

His Excellency 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 20242030.

HE the minister emphasized the states keenness, in implementation of the directives of HH the Amir 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.

HE the minister emphasized that the Ministry of Justice places a high priority on arbitration, highlighting that its new strategy includes updated procedures aimed at strengthening the states efforts to establish an active national arbitration system aligned with international standards in the field of arbitration.

His Excellency 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. Additionally, the average resolution time for disputes decreased from 11 months to 7 months during the same period, reflecting a 30 percent reduction.

He further elaborated that 30 rulings were issued by QICCA, accounting for 68 percent of the total arbitration rulings rendered in the first half of 2024. 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 Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi commended the Qatar Chamber’s efforts, through QICCA, in promoting alternative dispute resolution methods among companies, employers, and individuals. he emphasized 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.

His Excellency highlighted that the conference serves as a crucial platform to emphasize the importance of arbitration across various sectors and to advance international commercial arbitration through collaboration with both national and international stakeholders. He emphasized 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 Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi stressed his confidence that the ideas and proposals presented by the participants in this conference will contribute to achieving its objectives, and to exchanging expertise and experiences with the aim of strengthening the arbitration system in Qatar, the Gulf States, and the Arab region in general, and working to overcome the challenges facing them.

For his part, HE Chairman of Qatar Chamber and Chairman of QICCA Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani underscored that 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.

His Excellency emphasized 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.

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

HE 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.

His Excellency added 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.

His Excellency reviewed some of QICCA’s achievements in the field of arbitration in the State of Qatar, as the center has been able to develop the legal and legislative infrastructure to enhance investors’ confidence and protect their rights, pointing out that one of the most notable achievements in this regard is the modernization of arbitration-related legislation and the adoption of laws that align with the best international practices.

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 center.

His Excellency announced that, starting from Jan. 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. He emphasized that this convention comes at a time of formidable global challenges, as well as economic and political changes that are impacting judicial and arbitration systems around the world.

His Excellency underlined that there is a need to unite efforts and exchange expertise in order to elevate arbitration practices and effectively respond to these changes, pointing out that the themes of this conference represent a golden opportunity to discuss critical topics, such as arbitration in international commercial contracts, the challenges faced by arbitration in the region, and the legal challenges arising from arbitration contracts involving governmental entities and the role of applicable law before arbitration tribunals.

He underscored the QICCA’s unwavering commitment to continuing to work diligently to provide its services in an advanced and distinguished manner, attracting highly skilled experts, applying the latest technological innovations, and building strategic partnerships with international arbitration centers to reinforce cooperation and knowledge exchange.

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 emphasized 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. Additionally, she said 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 HE QICCA Board Member for International Relations, 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.

In the first session of the conference, Dr Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al-Thani, reviewed the successes and challenges of arbitration in Qatar, pointing out that the Qatari legislator has been committed to creating an attractive environment for foreign investments. The second working session also addressed the rules and procedures of arbitration institutions. (QNA)