Conference Schedule

By Dr. Khalid Salim Al Saidi, Chairman of Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre

By H.E. Prof. Ibrahim Najjar, Former Minister of Justice of Lebanon (2008–2011)

Exploration of Muscat’s growing role as an emerging arbitration hub in the GCC, highlighting its unique advantages, strategic positioning and the opportunities it offers to businesses and investors. The discussion will also address the challenges of building global recognition of the center and ensuring credibility in international dispute resolution.

Speakers:

Session Lead: Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Mandhari, OAC CEO

H.E. Issa Hamad Al Azri, Secretary General of the Supreme Judicial Council

H.E. Eng. Badr Salim Al Maamari, Chairman of the Authority for Projects/Tenders and Local Content.

H.E. Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Focusing on collaboration across the GCC, this session highlights how greater collaboration across the GCC can create a stronger, more cohesive arbitration landscape. Panelists will discuss pathways for harmonization, shared best practices, and the benefits of enhancing unified regional arbitration policies.

Speakers:

Session Lead: Dr. Khalifa Al Hadhrami, Founding Partner at KH Law

Dr. Sheikh Thani bin Ali Al Thani, Vice Chairman of the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA)

Dr. Hamed Hassan Merah, CEO of the Saudi Centre of Commercial Arbitration

Mr. Ahmed Husain, Chief Executive Officer at the Bahrain Chamber for Disputes Resolution

Dr. Kamal Abdullah Al Hamad, Secretary General of the Commercial Arbitration Center for the GCC

Over the past decade, arbitration has become the consistent choice for resolving oil and gas disputes, reflecting the sector’s need for specialist expertise and an adaptable process. The technical and contractual complexities of these high-value projects require arbitrators with industry knowledge to provide tailored solutions for the parties.

Speakers:

Session Lead: Mr. Abdulwahhab Al-Hinai, General Council OQ

Prof. Loukas Mistelis, Partner at Clyde & Co

Mr. Salim Al-Yazidi, General Council PDO

Mr. Said Al-Shahry, Founder of SASLO

The session discusses the complex financial and construction disputes that are increasingly being resolved through arbitration, with regional trends shaped by regulations, risks, and cross-border claims. Promoting arbitration as the most effective mechanism for these cases.

Speakers:

Session Lead: Dr. Fahad Abuhimed, Managing Partner and Head of Public Policy at Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Clifford Chance (AS&H Clifford Chance)

Mr. Elsamawal Abdulhadi Idris, Chief Legal & Governance Officer in Sohar International

Mansoor Jamal Malik, Founder/ Managing Partner at Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co 

Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo, Founding President of the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR)

This session examines the role of arbitration in resolving disputes involving government contracts, with a focus on regulatory frameworks, approval processes, and the balance between protecting public interests and ensuring investor confidence. Arbitration provides a more neutral, efficient, and flexible alternative to traditional litigation.

Speakers:

Session Lead: Ms. Sarah Malik, CEO at SOL International

Mr. Faisal Attia, Pinsent Masons Partner

Ms. Rozana AlTayyar, Founder and Managing Partner, Taswea

Mr. Scott Vesel, Partner at Three Crowns LLP