Doha: The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) organised a seminar titled 'The Future of Mediation in the Settlement of Commercial Disputes in Qatar.' The seminar highlighted the growing significance of mediation in commercial dealings and the necessity of raising awareness about its advantages as an effective method for resolving commercial disputes.
According to Qatar News Agency, the seminar also addressed the legal framework and forthcoming mediation rules expected to be released by the Center, as well as the primary challenges in promoting mediation in Qatar. The event was moderated by QICCA's Secretary-General, Ibrahim Shahbek, and featured distinguished speakers such as Principal Advisor MENA at the Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA), independent arbitrator and legal advisor Dr. Emad Hussein, and Associate Professor of Law at Qatar University, accredited arbitrator and mediator Dr. Mohammad Salem Abu Al-Faraj.
Participants examined the Singapore Mediation Convention, emphasizing Qatar's leading role as one of the early signatories and ratifiers of the agreement. They also explored regional and international best practices to further reinforce Qatar's mediation framework and bolster its position as a regional hub for dispute resolution.
Ibrahim Shahbek noted QICCA's dedication to fostering a culture of arbitration and mediation within the Qatari business community as effective tools for amicably and efficiently resolving commercial disputes. He highlighted that mediation provides flexibility and speed in reaching mutually satisfactory solutions without litigation, thereby enhancing the business environment and attracting investments.
Shahbek added that the seminar covered several key topics related to the evolution of mediation in recent years, underscoring its increasing importance in economic and commercial relations. He pointed out that QICCA is developing new mediation rules aligned with international best practices and tailored to the needs of Qatar's business sector, aiming to reinforce Qatar's status as a leading regional hub for commercial dispute resolution.
He also emphasized the Centre's commitment to building national capacities in this field through specialized training programs and workshops for accredited arbitrators and mediators, conducted in collaboration with leading international institutions, which contributes to preparing qualified Qatari professionals capable of practicing mediation at the highest professional standards.