SCCA Participates in Paris Arbitration Week 2023 With a Seminar on the Evolution of Arbitration in KSA

Published Date: 10/04/2025

Continuing its international presence, the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) participated in Paris Arbitration Week 2023, one of the leading global events focused on the development of commercial dispute resolution. SCCA organized a seminar titled "Saudi Arabia - The New Arbitration Hub in the MENA Region," in partnership with Quinn Emanuel Law Firm, which was attended by a distinguished group of leaders from the arbitration and international law community.

The seminar addressed the current state of the arbitration industry and its achievements in Saudi Arabia, while also engaging in in-depth discussions about the future of institutional arbitration. Additionally, it provided an overview of the latest developments at SCCA, including initiatives that strengthen the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for arbitration and commercial dispute resolution in MENA.

During the seminar, SCCA CEO, Dr. Hamed Merah, stated, "The primary mission of an international arbitration center is to attract and manage cases, and the SCCA excels in this area with record-breaking figures. Our caseload continues to grow, with 120 cases registered last year, representing parties from 29 different nationalities since the SCCA's inception."

Dr. Merah also emphasized that the SCCA is committed to advancing the arbitration and alternative dispute resolution ecosystem in the MENA region. This commitment has led to initiatives such as Judicial Development, Riyadh International Dispute Resolution Week (RIDW), and the SCCA International Arbitration Moot (SIAM), among others, positioning the SCCA as a leading arbitration institution both regionally and internationally.

SCCA Chief of ADR and General Counsel, Mr. Christian P. Alberti, remarked, "Shari'ah does not hinder the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as affirmed by Saudi judicial practice.” He further noted, “The SCCA reviewed 2,484 judgments issued between 2017 and 2023. Among the 819 grounds for annulment invoked in the study, only five (0.6%) were based on Shari'ah and resulted in the annulment of an award."

The SCCA's participation in Paris Arbitration Week 2023 was part of its efforts to enhance its local and international presence and support its proactive role in developing the arbitration environment in Saudi Arabia and the region. This participation is an important step toward reinforcing Saudi's position as a safe, international seat for arbitration, contributing to attracting investments and resolving international commercial disputes with efficiency and transparency.