Saudi Law Conference: Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration paints a comprehensive picture of institutional arbitration in the region

Saudi Law Conference: Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration paints a comprehensive picture of institutional arbitration in the region

Published Date: 10/06/2021

At the third Saudi Law Conference, held virtually on 6-10 June 2021, the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration presented a lecture on “Institutional Arbitration: The Term and the Practical Reality in the Region,” delivered by SCCA CEO Dr. Hamed bin Hassan Merah on Thursday morning, 29 Shawwal 1442H, corresponding to 10 June 2021CE.

In the lecture, Dr. Merah explained the concept of institutional arbitration and painted a comprehensive picture of the reality of arbitration centers in the region. He highlighted the model pioneered by the SCCA through its disciplined system of rules and specialized expertise, and he emphasized the role of legislative, executive, and judicial support in creating an environment that fosters the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) industry.

Institutional arbitration is not merely the physical resources and administrative services that a center provides, Dr. Merah said. Before that, it requires a system of disciplined arbitration rules, a professional team supervising the implementation of those rules, and rosters of specialized arbitrators, all under an institutional umbrella with a good global reputation and international acceptance. All of these elements are present in the case of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration.

Dr. Merah added that Saudi decision makers are truly aware of the role that ADR, particularly arbitration, plays in the ease of doing business, and so they have implemented a package of legislative, executive, and judicial reforms to foster this industry and enable it to facilitate business sector access to justice.

The SCCA participated in the Saudi Law Conference within the framework of its efforts to promote a culture of arbitration in Saudi legal circles. The SCCA represents Saudi Arabia in the field of arbitration locally and internationally as the country’s beacon for the industry and as part of its tireless efforts to become the region’s normative reference for arbitration.

The conference lasted five days, with eight sessions and 16 workshops on various themes, including legal frameworks for stimulating economic growth, the current legislative status of the renewable energy industry, legal challenges to finance legislation and proposed solutions, and emerging legal sectors.

The conference is held each year under the theme “Reinforcing a Sustainable and Inclusive Business Environment.” It is a platform that brings together legal experts and stakeholders in the Saudi legal industry, including law offices, in-house counsel, executives, employers, entrepreneurs, and more.