Global Experts Discuss Emerging Trends in International Arbitration

The first day of the Sixth World Conference on International Arbitration featured four specialised sessions addressing key developments in international arbitration, including the relationship between the judiciary and arbitral institutions, innovation in arbitral proceedings, investment protection and the limits of arbitral tribunal discretion.

Speaking at the first session, titled “Integration between the Judiciary and Arbitration: From Judicial Oversight to Supporting the Arbitral Process,” Dr. Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al-Thani, Vice Chairman of Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA), affirmed that Qatar has become one of the leading destinations in the field of arbitration, supported by the development of its legislation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, as well as the availability of highly qualified arbitration expertise.

He noted that Qatar’s accession to major international conventions, including the New York Convention and the Washington Convention establishing the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), has further strengthened investor confidence in the country’s investment environment.

He also highlighted that Qatar’s Arbitration Law No. 2 of 2017 is aligned with the UNCITRAL Model Law, providing a modern legal framework that keeps pace with international developments. He underlined QICCA’s role in promoting the culture of arbitration in Qatar and strengthening cooperation with leading national institutions, particularly Qatar University, in the areas of arbitrator qualification and training.

Dr Sheikh Thani also welcomed the agreement signed between QICCA and Lusail University to establish a specialized master’s programme in arbitration, describing it as an important step towards developing national expertise in this field.

He further referred to a ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal upholding one of QICCA’s decisions concerning a challenge to the composition of an arbitral tribunal, noting that this development reinforces the Centre’s international standing and recognition beyond Qatar.

The first session was chaired by Dr. Mohammed Hassan Al-Kaabi, Dean of the College of Law at Qatar University. The speakers included Dr. Masoud bin Mohammed Al-Amri, former President of the Supreme Judicial Council and former Minister of Justice; Judge Dr. Mubarak bin Nasser Al-Hajri, Vice President of the Court of Cassation in Qatar and QICCA arbitrator; Judge Nabil Omran, Head of the Commissioners’ Office at the Dubai Court of Cassation and Vice President of the Egyptian Court of Cassation.

The second session, titled “The Future of Arbitral Proceedings: The Role of Arbitration Institutions in Innovation and Enhancing Efficiency,” examined how arbitration institutions can improve procedures, promote innovation and enhance the efficiency of dispute resolution.