Opening Speeches & Arbitration – A Vital Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

 The session will discuss the recent developments in the field of arbitration in KSA . The session will also discuss how arbitration would help in creating investment friendly environment, thus supporting the realization of KSA 2030 Vision.

Speakers:

1. HE. Dr. Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani Minister of Justice

2. HE. Dr. Majed bin Abdullah AlQasabi Minister of Commerce & Investment

3. HE Mr. Mohamed bin Abduallh Al-Jadaan Minister of Finance

4. HE Dr. Ahmed Abdulkarim Alkholifey Governor, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority

5. Ms. Anna Joubin-Bret Secretary, UNCITRAL

Moderator: Dr. Hamed Merah CEO, SCCA

 

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SCCA Updates and Market Observations

SCCA Updates and Market Observations

Overview of the latest developments and services provided by the SCCA as well as recent practices of Saudi norms and caselaw related to arbitration .

Christian P.Alberti

Chief of ADR, SCCA

 

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International Arbitration in the Middle East and North Africa – A Critical Health Check

World-renowned arbitrator, commentator and thought leader, Toby Landau, QC will deliver his latest Keynote Address, providing an insightful and candid evaluation of practice and prospects for commercial and investor-state arbitration in the MENA region, assessed gainst recent developments and approaches worldwide.

Keynote Addresses and Discussion by Toby Landau QC Barrister, Independent Arbitrator, Essex Court Chambers

Moderator: Dr. Mostafa Abdel Ghaffar Special Counsel, SCCA

 

Diversity in International Arbitration – Towards a More Inclusive Approach

Pale, male, and stale are still too prevalent characteristics of the practice of international arbitration, thus perceived as blocking changes and preventing new entrants. Diversity enhances the perceived legitimacy of the dispute resolution system and the quality of the process and outcomes by encouraging greater efficiency as well as facilitating new perspectives on the dynamics of a dispute. Moreover, an international arbitration system that embraces differences between legal cultures and bridges the gaps of Islamic, civil and common law is likely to be in a better position to serve users’ needs and to handle cross-border disputes. The session will discuss the current practices regarding cultural, gender and other roots of diversity. The session will also explore the emerging markets for youth, female and other ethnical and cultural groups as arbitrators and the impact of these trends on the process

Speakers:

1. Dr. Nayla Comair-Obeid

Founding Partner, Obeid Law Firm

The Potential of International Arbitration to Reconcile the Different Approaches in Islamic, Common and Civil Law

2.  Mr. Ahmed Ouerfelli

Attorney at Law and Arbitrator, Ouerfelli Attorneys & Counsels

Does Diversity in International Arbitration Improve the Quality and Legitimacy of the Arbitral Process?
3.  Dr. Dalia Hussein

Deputy Director, Cairo Regional Center for International Commercial Arbitration

Arbitration Institutions, Diversity and the Legitimacy of International Arbitration

4.  Ms. Chiann Bao

Independent Arbitrator, CEDR Accredited Mediator

The Role of Gender Equality in the International Investment Regime

Moderator: James Macpherson

Special Counsel, SCCA

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The Impact of New Technology on the Arbitration Industry

The emerging use of technology has its impact on most of human activities and businesses over the past twenty years. The Arbitration industry has also witnessed greater use of technology in various aspect of the process from the nature of substantive claims to the modalities of submitting evidences and document production to the adoption of a cost-efficient comprehensive ODR systems,The use of Artificial Intellingence, Blockchain and other technological innovations raise the question whether there is a need for special tailored ryles that suit the nature of disputes in this context .

The objective of this session is to explore the most recently adopted techniques and developments related to the impact of technology on advocacy or institutional services in international arbitration. It will also address how to maximize their positive impact on the process while minimizing risks associated with the use of these technologies while avoiding disruptive innovations.

Speakers:

1. Ms. Ank Santens

Partner in White & Case LLP’s International Arbitration Group

The Use of New Technology to Enhance Advocacy and Efficiency in the Proceedings

2.  Prof. Thomas Clay

 Attorney at Law and Arbitrator, Clay Arbitation

 Online Arbitration

3.  Cedric C. Chao

Arbitrator, Mediator and Attorney at Law,  Chao ADR , PC

Arbitrating Technology and IP Disputes

4.  Sami Tannous

Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, LLP

Cybersecurity in International Arbitration

Mediator: Cheistian P. Alberti

Chief of ADR, SCCA

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Arbitration and the Islamic Finance Industry

The last two decades witnessed significant growth of Islamic financial institutions even beyond the Muslim world. In the past few years, the Islamic financial industry moved towards more trust in arbitration as a mean to resolve disputes. The wide array of innovative financial products requires a better understanding of the arbitration process to respond to their needs.

This session will explore the current practice of arbitration in the Islamic Financial Industry, whether it is related to the procedural aspects of the process or to the application of the substantive law. It will also address whether there is a need for Islamic Finance arbitration rules.

 Speakers:

1. Dr. Abdessattar Khouildi

International Arbitrator and Trainer, Legal and Sharia Counsel Fotmer General Secretary of The International Islamic Centre for Reconciliation & Arbitration - Dubai 

The most important features of the standard NO. 32 of the Islamic standard

2. Dr. Walid Hegazy

Managing Partner, Hegazy Law Firm

Application of Substantive Law Without Prejudice to Sharia

3. Sheikh Bilal Khan

Partner & Global Head of Islamic Finance at McCarthy Denning

Use of Experts in Islamic Financial Disputes

4. Dr. Yousef Alyaqout

Professor of Civil Procedure Law and Arbitration, University of Kuwait.

The Need for Islamic Finance Arbitration Rules

Moderator: Abdul Aziz Al Duhaim

Assistant Deputy Minister of Commerce for Laws and Regulations

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Damages in International Arbitration

Damages in international arbitration are of crucial importance and have significant impact on the process. However, they are often the most difficult aspect of the process and can be difficult to understand or to explain. In making their legal findings and rendering an award on compensation, arbitral tribunals very often rely on expert witnesses to understand the highly technical and complex theories and calculations on which the conclusions in a damages report are based on. This session will address best practices related to the assessment of damages in international arbitration and its impact on the process, whether related to the document production, witness examination or possible bifurcation.

Speakers:

1- Sophie Lamb

Partner & Global Co-Chair of the International Arbitration Practice, Latham & Watkins, LLP

Best Practices in Relation to Damages Evidence Experts

2- Craig Miles

Partner, International Arbitration and Litigation, King & Spalding

Impact of Quantum on the Process; Bifurcation and/or Trifurcation

3- Dr. Nabil Abbas

Arbitrator, Chairman, of Dr. Nabil Abbas Architects-Consultants

Multi-Faced Dimensions of Quantum in Construction Disputes

4- Björn Gehle

Independent Arbitrator

Application of Punitive Damages in Arbitration

Moderator: Dr. Mohamed Abdel Raouf- Arbitrator and Attorney at Law, Partner and Chairman of Arbitration Group, Abdel Raouf Law Firm

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Increasing Access to International Arbitration

Arbitration is often perceived as being inaccessible for some users due to cost considerations. Recent judicial decisions concluded that arbitration clauses in certain types of contracts to be non-operational if parties cannot afford paying the costs associated with the arbitration process. Various initiatives and techniques have been introduced to increase access to arbitration in a cost-effective manner such as the adoption of expedited procedures and specialized rules tailored for specific industries. This session will discuss techniques and approaches that could make arbitration more cost-efficient and affordable, including collective or class arbitration, specialized arbitration rules and third-party funding.

Speakers:

1. Judge Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Nasser

Judge of the Appeal Court​

Role of the Judiciary in Making Saudi Arabia a Safe Seat for Arbitration

2. Bernardo Cremades

Founder Partner, Cremades y Associados Law Firm

Role of Third-Party Funding in Increasing Access to International Arbitration

3. Martin Valasek

Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Role of Class/Collective Arbitration in Increasing Access to
International Arbitration.

4. Anthony Abrahams

Director General, CIArb

The Role of Arbitration Institutions in Conducting Cost-Efficient Arbitration Process

Moderator: Timothy Colvin Counsel, General Corporate and Commercial, Saudi Aramco

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Due Process in International Arbitration – Sword or Shield? -Debate

Efficiency and enforceability of awards, flexibility and fairness, are these notions at odd? The debate would address one the topics of major This debate will address whether the notions of efficiency and enforceability of awards as well as flexibility and fairness are at odds. The debaters will discuss how to reduce the impact of due process paranoia towards a more efficient, consistent and fair international arbitration system.  

Speakers:

1. Mr. Cedric C. Chao ,Arbitrator, Mediator and Attorney at Law, Chao ADR, PC

2. Prof. Philippe Leboulanger Founding Partner, Leboulanger et Associés

Moderator:

 Prof. Georges Affaki Independent Arbitrator, Attorney at Law and Professor at University of Paris II