2024 has been a year of remarkable growth and progress for the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), reinforcing our role as a global leader in dispute resolution.
A key milestone was the enactment of Law No. 16 of 2024, streamlining judicial processes through single-judge hearings and faster case resolution, strengthening efficiency and investor confidence.
QICDRC was honored to host the 5th Full Meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC) in April, welcoming over 170 judges from 60 jurisdictions. With the support of His Excellency Ibrahim bin Ali Al-Mohannadi, Minister of Justice of Qatar, and His Excellency Dr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al-Hassan Al-Mohannadi, Chief Justice of Qatar, this gathering reaffirmed Qatar’s growing international legal influence.
Global partnerships continued to expand, with key MoUs signed with Jus Mundi, East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPSL), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), enhancing arbitration transparency, legal research, and intellectual property dispute resolution. At the 22nd Doha Forum, QICDRC also hosted a panel on the ICC and ICJ, reinforcing our role in shaping international justice discourse.
Technology and AI played a crucial role in modernising our services. QICDRC integrated Webex virtual hearings, launched an AI-powered chatbot, and introduced AI-driven judgment summaries, improving accessibility and efficiency while aligning with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030.
Judicial capacity also grew, with a 20% increase in judgments issued, adding to a modern, pro-commerce body of case law. We welcomed two distinguished judges, Dr. Talal Abdulla Al-Emadi and The Hon. James Allsop AC, strengthening our Bench, while bidding farewell to Sir Bruce Robertson and Lord Hamilton, whose contributions helped shape QICDRC’s early jurisprudence. We also remember Justice Dr. Rashid Al-Anezi, who passed away in January 2024. His wisdom, legal expertise, and dedication leave a lasting legacy.
Looking ahead, QICDRC remains committed to legal excellence, international collaboration, and innovation. I extend my sincere appreciation to our judges, staff, and partners for their continued support, and I look forward to another year of progress.
— FAISAL RASHID AL-SAHOUTI, CEO
