20 Jan, 2026
Following the success of its first two editions, Riyadh International Disputes Week (RIDW) returns for its third edition, taking place from 1-5 February 2026. RIDW has firmly established itself as the leading disputes gathering the MENA and a prominent event on the global dispute resolution calendar.
RIDW26 holds particular significance as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates 60th anniversary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). This milestone will be marked though high-level discussions and events reflecting UNCITRAL’s six decades of leadership in harmonizing international commercial law and facilitating cross-border trade. Bringing together policymakers, business leaders, and legal experts from around the world, RIDW26 will offer five days of in-depth dialogue on arbitration, mediation, litigation, investment disputes and the rule of law.
The diverse RIDW26 Organizing Committee, chaired by Ms. Paula Hodges KC, curated the Week’s program from more than 100 event proposals, resulting in a carefully selected schedule of 64 specialized events, alongside numerous social and networking events organized by leading local, regional, and international institutions. On its fourth day, RIDW26 will feature the SCCA 5th International Conference—the flagship event of RIDW26—which is expected to attract prominent local and international participation each year, including senior decision-makers, business leaders, and legal experts from around the world.
RIDW26 will also host a number of high-profile events, including:
• Official RIDW Gala Dinner: Celebrating 60 Years of UNCITRAL
• Arab World Regional Judicial New York Convention Roadshow, with the participation of judges from across the region
• Influence Riyadh a series, exploring the intersection of law and society
• SCCA International Arabic Moot (SIAM7) Awards Ceremony
• Annual Academic Legal Forum
RIDW continues to benefit from strong support from leading local and international entities, including the Saudi Ministry of Commerce, the Saudi Ministry of Finance, and the Saudi Ministry of Investment, in addition to several prominent international organizations such as the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and the International Bar Association (IBA). This support reflects KSA’s leadership role and its growing global standing in the dispute resolution industry.
Legal professionals, business leaders, academics, and policymakers are invited to take part in RIDW26, where all opportunities meet. Further details and registration information are available at www.ridw.org.
