Qatar Chamber, Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Qatar Chamber (QC) recently hosted a press conference to announce the “5th World Conference on International Arbitration,” which will be organised by the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The event will take place from November 19–20, 2024, at the Waldorf Astoria Lusail Hotel in Doha.
The press conference was attended by QC Acting General Manager Ali Saeed Bu Sharbak Al-Mansori and QICCA Board Member for International Relations H.E. Dr. Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al-Thani, along with representatives from supporting organizations and local media outlets.
Speaking at the conference, Ali Bu Sharbak Al-Mansori said that QICCA’s regular hosting of this conference reflects its commitment to promoting a culture of arbitration and facilitating the exchange of insights on various arbitration issues. He noted that the event brings together a distinguished group of local, regional, and international speakers.
Al-Mansori also highlighted that the conference aligns with Qatar’s strategy of hosting leading international events and expressed hope that it will achieve its objectives by fostering collaboration among arbitrators and lawyers to address issues and challenges in arbitration as a means of dispute resolution.
For his part, H.E. Dr. Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al-Thani, QICCA Board Member for International Relations, said that hosting the conference for the fifth time in Qatar underscores the country’s growing status as a leading hub for international arbitration. He emphasized that Doha has become a leading platform for efficiently and professionally resolving commercial and investment disputes.
He highlighted that the conference brings together a prominent group of experts, lawyers, and arbitrators from around the world to discuss the latest issues and challenges in international arbitration. He noted that the event provides an opportunity to promote dialogue and exchange ideas, serving as a platform for sharing best practices and experiences that contribute to advancing arbitration mechanisms for the benefit of both the local and international business community.
Dr. Sheikh Thani emphasized that the event aligns with Qatar’s ambitious vision to support economic and investment activities. He highlighted that arbitration plays a vital role in strengthening the business environment and providing a safe, attractive climate for investment. He also affirmed QICCA’s commitment to promoting a modern arbitration system that keeps pace with global developments.
He emphasized that the conference aims to exchange experiences with Arab, regional, and international arbitration centers and to promote arbitration as an effective alternative for resolving commercial disputes. He further noted that arbitration offers numerous advantages, including technical efficiency, speed, confidentiality, and streamlined procedures, all contributing to a better investment environment in alignment with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
He pointed out that the conference attracts significant local and international participation, including lawyers, arbitrators, judges, academics, counselors, prosecutors, and others interested in arbitration, with over 35 speakers from prominent figures in international arbitration.
Dr Sheikh Thani indicated that the conference would cover a range of important topics and themes related to arbitration issues and recent developments in the field. He also expressed his gratitude to all sponsors, supporters, and participants for their tireless efforts in making this event a success.
In turn, QICCA’s Secretary-General, Ibrahim Shahbik, said that the conference has made significant progress in recent years. He highlighted that it is sponsored by Al-Zaman Law Firm, Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners, Dr. Muna Al-Marzouqi Law Firm, Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al-Thani Law Firm and Al-Sharq Newspaper as a media partner.
Shahbik also noted the support of several esteemed organizations, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the International Federation for Commercial Arbitration Institutions (IFCAI), the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the College of Law at Lusail University, and the College of Law at Qatar University.
Yosef El-Zaman, Partner Manager and Founder of Al-Zaman Law Firm – Qatar, stated that the firm is keen to support the conference as a gold sponsor, noting that it serves as a leading platform for addressing the issues and challenges faced by arbitration.
Sultan Al-Abdullah, Managing Partner of Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners, expressed the firm’s pleasure in sponsoring this international conference as a gold sponsor, emphasizing its importance in promoting the culture of arbitration and presenting the latest developments in the field.
Dr. Muna Al-Marzouqi, Head of Strategy and Development at Qatar University, Judge of the Qatar International Court, and Founder of Dr. Muna Al-Marzouqi Law Firm, said that the conference provides a valuable opportunity for exchanging ideas and expertise among participants.
She also indicated that the firm sponsors the conference as a silver sponsor and expressed her hope that it concludes with important recommendations that will benefit the arbitration field in Qatar.
