08 Feb, 2026
The seventh edition of the SCCA International Arabic Moot (SIAM) concluded its proceedings, with the final rounds and closing ceremony held as part of the Riyadh International Disputes Week 2026 (RIDW26), which took place from 1 to 5 February. The event unfolded amid notable legal and academic engagement, with broad participation by student teams representing colleges of Sharia and law across 25 countries.
A total of 180 teams participated in the seventh edition of the Moot, comprising 996 male and female students, supervised by 319 Academics, while the number of participating arbitrators reached 450 arbitrators.
Held in partnership with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and initiated by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), SIAM7 serves as a premier incubator for future arbitrators from among students of Sharia, law, legal systems, and legal studies. It stands as a flagship project for undergraduate students, aimed at advancing professional practices in international commercial arbitration in Arabic and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in a professional, competitive environment.
Throughout the competition period, participants engaged in a comprehensive practical experience spanning nine months, centered on a hypothetical international commercial arbitration case designed to simulate the complexities of real-world international trade disputes. Participating teams were required to prepare written legal memorials and deliver oral pleadings before arbitral tribunals composed of distinguished arbitrators and subject-matter experts, providing students with a unique opportunity to test their legal reasoning and persuasive skills.
To ensure the highest quality of outcomes, SIAM7 followed a structured and progressive timeline, beginning with the submission of written memorials, followed by virtual hearings, and culminating in the in-person hearings in Riyadh. These final rounds featured a high level of SIAM7, reflecting the advanced legal and professional prowess of the qualifying teams.
This initiative is part of SCCA’s strategy to invest in young talent, develop the personal and legal skills of future generations, and enable them to engage effectively with international arbitration tools in line with global best practices. Through such initiatives, SCCA continues to promote a culture of dispute resolution and to strengthen the legal sector through promising national and international competencies.
