The fourth edition of the conference, held under the theme "Empowerment and Localization," brought together over 110 legal professionals from 18 Arab countries, including lawyers, judges, arbitrators, academics, and representatives from arbitration centers, sports organizations, and commercial bodies. The conference addressed ways to localize the arbitration industry in the Arab world and reduce the outflow of cases to foreign jurisdictions. This would be achieved by strengthening local legislation, supporting the independence of arbitration centers, and empowering Arab arbitrators at both the regional and international levels. The program included scholarly sessions that explored the role of the Arab judiciary in supporting arbitration, the intervention of arbitration centers in the arbitration process, and the impact of arbitrators' ethical obligations on the quality of justice. The conference witnessed the signing of cooperation protocols between Arab arbitration centers and honored prominent figures in the field, such as Sheikh Dr. Thani Al Thani, Dr. Michel Hakim, and Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Basem.

 

 

The theme "Empowerment and Localization" reflects a clear strategic objective: reducing the outflow of arbitration cases and enhancing the ability of Arab states to manage and resolve their disputes within their own legal frameworks. Participants discussed how to build an independent, competitive, trustworthy, and professional Arab arbitration system, free from reliance on foreign centers.

 

The conference brought together a distinguished group of judges, lawyers, arbitrators, academics, and representatives from arbitration centers, sports organizations, and commercial bodies. This diversity fostered a rich dialogue among different legal schools and facilitated the exchange of expertise between the Gulf States, North Africa, and the Levant.

 

 

The sessions spanned two days and addressed several key themes, including:

 

The Role of the Arab Judiciary in Supporting Arbitration

 

The Role of Arbitration Centers in the Arbitration Process: Between Regulation and Influence

 

The Ethical Duties of Arbitrators and Their Impact on Arbitral Justice

 

Arbitration in Government Contracts and Partner Disputes

 

Recent international experiences were also reviewed, such as the 1996 amendment to the English Arbitration Act and France's efforts to enact an independent law, allowing participants to compare legislation and identify opportunities for improvement.

 

 

The conference witnessed the signing of several cooperation protocols between Arab arbitration centers, aimed at strengthening coordination and exchanging expertise. Prominent legal figures who have contributed to the development of arbitration both regionally and internationally were also honored, including:

 

Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al Thani – Qatar

 

Dr. Michel Hakim – Lebanon

 

Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Basem – Saudi Arabia