QICCA’s role in developing arbitration highlighted

The first panel of the fourth World Conference on International Arbitration that kicked off on Tuesday touched on the key role played by QICCA in the arbitration process in Qatar.
The session discussed the “spotlights on arbitration in Qatar and the role of QICCA in developing the arbitration process”. QICCA’s Deputy Secretary General Ebrahim M Shahbeck, who moderated the session, stressed the vital role of QICCA in instilling principals of arbitration in Qatar. He noted that it achieved many milestones that positively impacted the arbitration process in the state in general.
During the session, Yosef El-Zaman, founder of Al-Zaman Law Firm – Qatar and member of QICCA Committee of Conciliation and Arbitration, reviewed the temporary measures in the arbitration proceedings according to Qatar Arbitration Law.
Al Zaman also said that these measures are essential, especially in light of the increasing interest in arbitration as the rapidest and easiest means of solving disputes, especially those that are related to investment and businesses.
He also stressed that these measures mainly aim to safeguard and streamline the issuance and enforcement of arbitral awards.
Sultan Al-Abdullah, managing partner, Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners- Qatar and member of QICCA Committee of Conciliation and Arbitration, spoke about the appointment of the arbitrator in accordance with the arbitration law and the jurisprudence – actual and desired practice.
He referred to Article No. 10 of Law No. 2 of 2017, promulgating the Civil and Commercial Arbitration Law which stipulated that: “The Arbitral Tribunal shall comprise one or more arbitrators, in accordance with the agreement of the Parties. If the Parties do not agree on the number of arbitrators, the number shall be three. In the event of several arbitrators, their number must be odd; otherwise, the Arbitration shall be void”.
At the session, QICCA Legal Counsel Khalid Elgarhe presented an overview on the new rules of QICCA, noting that the Centre has worked for one year to update and amend its arbitration and conciliation rules though a committee that are formed to draft the new rules.
On her part, Pamela McDonald, partner of Pinsent Masons Law Firm – Qatar highlighted the key role played by QICCA in the development of the process and concept of arbitration in Qatar.