Events & Webinars

In an informal discussion, the Court’s President, The Right Honorable Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, highlighted the importance of adaptability in the legal sphere as well as the Court’s preparedness for unprecedented scenarios in the future, considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Lord Cwmgiedd also touched on the crucial role investments in online platforms play to ensure seamlessly integrated legal practices.

In November, Mr. Salar Abdul Sattar Muhammad, Iraq’s Minister of Justice, arrived at the QICDRC to shed light on several tactics that can help accelerate knowledge-exchange between Iraq and Qatar in the legal field. During his visit, conversations about increased collaboration between the two entities furthered regional mediation and dispute resolution strategies.

The QICDRC team hosted Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon the Lord Wolfson of Tredegar QC, in November to discuss the promising future of its mediation services. Lord Wolfson noted during his visit: “I have been delighted to learn more about the work of the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre and to meet representatives of the UK and Qatari legal sectors. The legal sector and the rule of law are the foundations for global trade.

Dr. Hassan Al-Sayed, Professor of Law, Qatar University (QU) College of Law, and Judge at QICDRC, spoke at an online colloquium reflecting on democracy and the constitution of Qatar in December. Organised by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), the event commemorated Qatar National Day and followed HH the Amir’s recent announcement that Qatar will hold elections for its Shura Council (Advisory Council), Qatar’s legislative body, consistent with the promise of democracy set out in the constitution.

Attracting participants from around the world, QICDRC and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) held a webinar on ‘The Functioning of Courts in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic’ in July. Sponsored by the American Society of International Law (ASIL), the event looked at the challenges of remote hearings and new ways of structuring in-person trials to maintain social distancing while respecting due process.

In September, the Court alongside Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) brought together an esteemed panel of experts in a webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on commercial contracts and sovereign borrowing. The panellists reminded participants that COVID-19 has severely disrupted global supply chains, made commodity prices volatile, and exposed businesses to cash flow problems and in some cases bankruptcy.

Encouraging the resolution of international commercial disputes through specialist courts, Qatar International Court acknowledged the growth of specialist international commercial courts during an online discussion during an IBA virtual event in recognition of the Courts 10-year anniversary.

The webinar introduced prospective lawyers to the Qatar Financial Centre and its world-class business infrastructure that aims to attract international companies to Qatar. The trainee lawyers were introduced to the Court and its jurisdiction, rules to relevant commencement as well as procedural components of the Court. Trainee lawyers were also presented the Court’s procedure, specifically submitting a claim, initiating proceedings, pleadings, judgments, appeals as well as the execution of judgments made by the Court.

A delegation from the Qatar International Court took part in Legalweek New York in early February where they engaged in active knowledge-exchange with industry peers and participated in the event’s workshop bootcamps, networking events and international exhibitions.

As part of Legalweek New York, our delegates also visited LegalTech, is the world’s largest and longest running trade show for legal technology where they gained in-depth insights into technology for legal processionals.

Sir Bruce Robertson, who has served as a judge of the Qatar International Court since 2013, was hosted at the College of Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) this February to partake in a colloquium on litigation and legal ethics in a globalised world. Held in Education City, the event drew aspiring legal professionals to learn about industry ethics and the future of litigation.