The Sixth World Conference on International Arbitration in Doha comes as dispute resolution is being reshaped by economic, legal and technological change. The conference examines how arbitration, mediation and conciliation can remain effective and fair. Its discussions reflect Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its legal framework and consolidating its position as a regional and international centre for dispute resolution.
The conference theme, “Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration in a Changing World: From Judicial Oversight to Artificial Intelligence”, captures the challenges facing the field. Sessions have explored the relationship between the judiciary and arbitration, the future of arbitral proceedings, investment protection and the limits of arbitral discretion. These questions concern investor confidence, rights and the integrity of dispute resolution.
Qatar’s legislative progress is reflected in Arbitration Law No. 2 of 2017 and Mediation Law No. 20 of 2021, accession to the New York and Singapore conventions, and establishment of the Investment and Trade Court, further broadening its national legal framework.
Legal clarity, consistent procedures and timely adjudication help build confidence in a country’s legislation, judiciary and institutions. Qatar’s efforts to implement regulations governing arbitration, enhance coordination among dispute-resolution mechanisms, and responsibly use digital transformation and artificial intelligence demonstrate a continued focus on improving the framework and its practical operation.
The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) also plays a significant role. Since its establishment in 2006, it has promoted arbitration, developed national expertise and strengthened Qatar’s international presence. Its handling of 132 cases over the past two years, with awards issued in more than 100 cases and an average duration of around six months, points to an active institution. Its inclusion among the top three arbitration centres in the Middle East and Africa in the GAR Regional Guide 2025 further reflects its standing.
Innovation, however, must be accompanied by safeguards. Artificial intelligence can support legal research, analysis and procedural efficiency, but it should remain a tool serving human judgement, not replacing it. The conference’s emphasis on trust, procedural fairness, equal treatment and the balance between arbitral autonomy and judicial oversight is timely. Conciliation and mediation, meanwhile, can preserve commercial relationships by bringing parties closer to agreement. By combining legislative progress with institutional capacity-building and thoughtful engagement with technology, Qatar is strengthening the foundations of justice in commerce and investment.
