Khaleej Times, Thursday, Nov 24, 2022 | Rabi Al Thani 29, 1444
UAE: Experts discuss importance of arbitration in enhancing economic environment
Emirates :
Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre ‘Tahkeem’ organised a panel
discussion titled ‘Horses for Courses’ as part of the fourth edition of Dubai
Arbitration Week 2022. The discussion was centred around arbitration and its
importance in enhancing the economic environment of the country, as well as a
discussion on the important practices followed in the field of arbitration.
The session was attended by Dr Asma Al Rasheed, executive committee member at
Tahkeem; Mohieeldin Elbana, founder and CEO of Qaf Legal; and Robert Sliwinski,
counsel with Al Suwaidi & Company.
The session started with an introductory presentation about the Sharjah
International Commercial Arbitration Centre. The presentation included an
introduction to the working mechanisms and nuances seen in arbitration cases,
the quality of services provided by the centre in line with modern international
arbitration standards, and the importance of arbitration in promoting economic
stability, increasing investment in the country, and ensuring a safe and
exemplary investment environment.
The panel discussed and analysed a wide range of topics, including best
practices in the arbitration industry both locally and internationally, types of
cases routinely entertained by arbitrators, and efficiencies of the arbitration
process. Differences between the administrative process for cases taken up by
local courts compared to arbitration institutions were also elaborated upon.
Participants of the session stressed that the option of resorting to arbitration
centres instead of courts has recently gained popularity, preferred by many
investors and owners of large companies due to the many advantages and
facilities provided to them through arbitration. Panellists provided examples of
disputes that had been resolved through arbitration and highlighted the role of
arbitrators during the process. The scope of arbitrator powers to intervene in
the procedures followed in arbitration in various cases and disputes were
additionally discussed.
Dubai Arbitration Week is among the region’s principal annual events concerned
with showcasing and discussing the most important specialised niche topics
related to arbitration at the local and international levels. The week-long
event highlights the effectiveness, flexibility, and impact on the business
landscape of vital laws related to arbitration, and how these laws contribute
heavily to continuous and sustained growth of the business sector locally.