Doha [Qatar], October 28: Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber will organise the 6th edition of the 'World Conference on International Arbitration' on 3-4 November at Fairmont Doha.
Held under the theme "ADR in a Changing World: From Judicial Oversight to AI," the conference is supported by the Ministry of Justice as Strategic Partner and QNB Group as Strategic Sponsor.
This was revealed during a press conference held at Qatar Chamber headquarters on Tuesday led by Dr. Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al Thani, Vice Chairman of QICCA, and Ibrahim Shahbik, Secretary-General of QICCA, in the presence of representatives of the media.
In his remarks, Dr. Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al Thani expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, for his gracious patronage of the conference.
He pointed out that the conference will address the latest developments in arbitration and mediation, with a special focus on the role of technology and artificial intelligence in advancing dispute resolution procedures.
He highlighted the distinguished lineup of participating global bodies, including the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) of the World Bank Group, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), alongside leading international, Arab, and regional Gulf arbitral institutions.
He also noted that the conference agenda features specialised sessions addressing the relationship between the judiciary and arbitration, the role of arbitration centres in improving procedures and enhancing efficiency, investment protection through international arbitration, safeguards of justice, and the limits of arbitral tribunals' discretionary powers.
Dr. Sheikh Thani bin Ali expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Justice, the strategic partner, and QNB Group, the strategic sponsor. He also thanked the diamond sponsors: Asma Al Ghanem Law Firm and Legal Consultancy, Dr. Thani bin Ali Al Thani Law Firm, Masoud Mohammed Al Ameri Law Firm, and West Bay International Legal Consultants and Lawyers; the gold sponsors: Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners, Al Zaman Law Firm, Sharq Law Firm, Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm, and Asma Al-Qaradaghi Law Firm and Legal Consultancy; and the silver sponsors: Al-Ettifaq Law Firm and Legal Consultancy and Lagoon Qatar. He further expressed his gratitude to all supporting entities, academic partners, speakers, and participating experts.
He added that the sessions will also explore practical aspects of international arbitration, from arbitration agreements to the enforcement of arbitral awards, the role of mediation in facilitating settlements, promoting women's participation in arbitration, and the ethical and professional considerations associated with the use of artificial intelligence in the field.
QICCA's Vice Chairman further stressed that the gathering of global experts, legal professionals, arbitrators, and representatives of dispute resolution institutions will help participants exchange expertise, discuss current challenges, and explore international best practices.
This, he said, will foster cooperation among arbitration centres, legal institutions, and academic bodies, while reinforcing Qatar's standing as a regional and international hub for business and investment.
In response to media questions, Dr. Sheikh Thani bin Ali said that international arbitration offers parties flexibility in determining the applicable law, seat of arbitration, and language of proceedings, providing investors with greater legal certainty, particularly in cross-border transactions. He stressed that effective dispute resolution mechanisms are key to attracting foreign investment.
He also announced that Qatar Chamber, in cooperation with Lusail University, will launch an accredited Master's programme in arbitration next semester.
Meanwhile, QICCA Secretary-General Mr. Ibrahim Shahbik said the Centre continues to organise monthly workshops on commercial arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
He added that, in cooperation with Qatar University's Center for Continuing Education, QICCA has provided specialised training to develop arbitrators' skills, benefiting more than 750 trainees.
Source: Qatar Tribune