Doha, Qatar: Qatar has undertaken significant reforms to modernise its legal and legislative framework, aiming to create a stable and attractive environment for investors while positioning itself as a regional leader in arbitration and dispute resolution, said the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Ibrahim bin Ali Al-Muhannadi, yesterday.
Addressing the gathering at the launch of the Sixth International Arbitration Conference, the Minister stressed that the Ministry of Justice is focusing on three priorities, including finalising the implementation of the Arbitration Law, enhancing coordination among mediation and arbitration mechanisms, and adopting digital and AI solutions to streamline dispute resolution, ensuring legal protections remain in place.
The event, which was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, was hosted by the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber under the theme ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution in a Changing World: From Judicial Oversight to Artificial Intelligence.’
The conference was attended by the Chairman of Qatar Chamber (QC) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of QICCA, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani; QC First Vice Chairman, Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al-Kuwari; and Vice Chairman of QICCA, Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al-Thani, in addition to renowned judges, arbitrators, and global legal experts.
Minister Al-Muhannadi noted that the country has made important developments in its legislative framework for dispute resolution via the enactment of Arbitration Law No. 2 of 2017 and Law No. 20 of 2021 on Mediation in Civil and Commercial Disputes.
He stated that these implementations have been bolstered by Qatar’s accession to the New York Convention and the Singapore Convention, in addition to the establishment of the Investment and Trade Court.
QC Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, emphasised that commercial justice relies on sound procedures, legal certainty and effective dispute resolution. He highlighted arbitration as an independent system supported by the judiciary and noted the vital role of conciliation and mediation in preserving commercial relationships.
Speaking about the conference theme, Sheikh Khalifa stated that the discussions covered important topics, such as the complementarity between the judiciary and arbitration, the scope of judicial oversight, the role of AI in developing arbitration procedures, and women’s participation in this field.
On QICCA’s role, the QC Chairman mentioned the Centre’s commitment, since its establishment 20 years ago, to keeping pace with international best practices and developing the legal and procedural environment.
He stated that QICCA handled 132 cases over the past two years, with awards issued in more than 100 cases and an average case duration of approximately six months from the date of registration, under its arbitration rules effective from 1 January 2025. He added that the GAR Regional Guide 2025 included QICCA among the top three arbitration centres in the Middle East and Africa.
The conference also witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding between QICCA and Lusail University, the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC), and the Women Support in Arbitration Initiative.
