QICCA Reports $824 Million in Cases for 2023, Showcasing Growing Arbitration Role

Ibrahim Shahbik, Secretary-General of the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) of the Qatar Chamber, stated that the Centre achieved significant milestones last year.

He highlighted its crucial role in advancing arbitration within the Qatari legal and business community since its establishment in 2006.

In a statement, Ibrahim Shahbik noted that commercial arbitration is one of the most effective forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution. He emphasised that it is based on speedy, specialised, and efficient methods for resolving disputes between parties.

Detailing QICCA’s achievements in 2023, Shahbik revealed that the total value of cases received by the Centre last year was approximately QR3 billion, with the majority of cases concerning construction and contracting contracts.

He mentioned that arbitral awards were rendered for nearly 35% of the total number of cases last year, while approximately 40% of these cases are still pending. Shahbik pointed out that Qatari arbitrators represented more than 50% of those appointed to hear arbitration proceedings in 2023.

Additionally, 70% of the arbitral proceedings conducted under QICCA rules for 2023 were in English, in accordance with the parties' agreement.

Shahbik further noted that arbitration has helped alleviate the burden on national courts due to its procedural flexibility and the specialisation of arbitrators chosen by the parties to resolve disputes in specific commercial environments, such as construction and technology.

Regarding QICCA’s objectives, Shahbik stated that the Centre aims to promote alternative methods of resolving civil and commercial disputes, foster its culture, enhance its practices and strengthen the Centre’s relationships with regional and international organisations.

He highlighted that the Centre is continually organising training courses to prepare arbitrators through specialised programmes in the field of arbitration, adhering to international standards, and that it has trained 435 arbitrators, including 175 Qataris.

The Centre also holds seminars and conferences focused on arbitration and mediation and participates in international conferences in the field of international commercial arbitration.

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