On the sidelines of the Fourth International Arbitration Conference hosted by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration, the event witnessed a series of high-level meetings with prominent figures from various national and regional bodies, contributing to strengthening bonds of cooperation and the exchange of expertise in arbitration and dispute resolution.
The first day of the conference began with an official meeting in the VIP Lounge, where His Excellency the Secretary-General of the International Organization for Digital and International Arbitration, International Arbitrator and Lawyer Dr. Mohammad Abdelkhaleq Al Zoubi, met with His Excellency Dr. Majid Al-Qasbi, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During this meeting, discussions focused on enhancing joint cooperation, establishing the foundations of a strategic partnership in the field of international commercial arbitration, and emphasizing the importance of digitizing arbitration in resolving international trade disputes. Dr. Al Zoubi also engaged in a dialogue with His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Ameen, President of the Board of Grievances, where experiences and best practices aimed at developing dispute resolution mechanisms amid current challenges and technological advancements in specialized arbitration were reviewed, in addition to exploring mutual avenues for cooperation.
In another exclusive session, Dr. Al Zoubi met with His Excellency Dr. Saeed Al-Badi, Chief Executive Officer of the Oman International Arbitration Center, to discuss constructive avenues for cooperation between the organization and the Oman International Arbitration Center. This meeting reflected a shared desire to exchange expertise and enhance regional and international integration in the field of international and digital arbitration.
Additionally, a distinguished meeting was held with His Excellency Dr. Hamed Mira, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration—a recognized hub of Arab and international expertise in commercial arbitration. During this session, both parties reviewed opportunities for joint cooperation, and Dr. Al Zoubi presented the organization’s shield to Dr. Hamed Mira, reaffirming mutual trust and the commitment of both sides to achieve tangible progress in arbitration practices and dispute resolution through the exchange of expertise.
Moreover, on the sidelines of the conference, His Excellency the Secretary-General engaged with several prominent speakers, including heads of arbitration centers, judicial arbitration authorities, and internationally renowned arbitrators. Among those he met were Sylvia Nouri – Partner and International President of the African Dispute Resolution Group; Mr. William Blair – former judge responsible for the Commercial Court in England and Wales; Wayne Martin – Chief Justice of the courts at the Dubai International Financial Centre; Bridget Mary MacKermack – President and CEO of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution affiliated with the American Arbitration Association; Christie Tan – Judicial Commissioner of the Singapore Supreme Court; and Yan Bolson – President of the Technical Decisions Council at the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration. Adding further distinction to the event, Ms. Joanne Lau, Secretary-General of HklAC – Heng Hong International Arbitration Centre, joined the meeting, enriching the exchange of expertise and fostering constructive discussions on cooperation with the organization.
The Secretary-General’s accompanying delegation was also present at these sessions, consisting of Mr. Khalid Al-Ruwaili, the organization’s representative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Lawyer Jihad Ghazay Al-Oudah, a member of the organization’s office in Saudi Arabia; and Engineer Mostafa Hamdi Fathy Abdelkader, Director of Information Technology and Programming. In concluding the series of meetings, Dr. Al Zoubi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing international and digital arbitration practices in line with global developments in arbitration. He emphasized the crucial importance of effective cooperation between the International Organization for Digital and International Arbitration and all arbitration centers, institutions, and authorities around the world.
The conference is being held as part of “Riyadh International Dispute Resolution Week,” organized by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration from February 23 to 27, featuring 1,250 experts and specialists from around the world. This event serves as a strategic platform for showcasing the latest developments and exchanging knowledge and expertise, thereby enhancing the efficiency of international and digital arbitration procedures and mechanisms at both national and international levels.
