Qatar strengthens arbitration standing through legal reforms and international cooperation

Qatar has emerged as a prominent hub for international arbitration, bolstered by the establishment of its legal framework and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali al-Thani, vice chairman of the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA), highlighted this during a panel discussion at the Sixth World Conference on International Arbitration in Doha.

Qatar's accession to major international conventions, such as the New York Convention and the Washington Convention, has further enhanced investor confidence in the country's investment environment. The country's Arbitration Law No 2 of 2017 also aligns with the UNCITRAL Model Law, providing a contemporary legal framework. QICCA plays a crucial role in promoting arbitration culture and cooperation with leading institutions, such as Qatar University, in areas like arbitrator qualification and training.

A recent Paris Court of Appeal ruling upholding one of QICCA's decisions reinforces the Centre's international standing. The conference featured sessions on the future of arbitral proceedings, investment protection through international arbitration, and the bounds of arbitral tribunal discretion, exploring the role of arbitration institutions in innovation, efficiency, and addressing emerging challenges.