Reed Smith In-depth

Key Takeaways

  • New arbitration rules: On 1 January 2025, Doha-based arbitral institute the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (“QICCA”) launched new arbitration rules (the "2024 Rules"), refreshing its 2012 rules (the “2012 Rules”).
  • Enhanced arbitral efficiency and technological integration: The 2024 Rules introduce provisions for multi-party/multi-contract arbitration, expedited procedures for disputes under approximately US$264,000, and emergency arbitration, aligning QICCA's practices with international standards and enhancing overall arbitral efficiency.The 2024 Rules clarify the use of virtual hearings and electronic signatures, modernising arbitration processes.
  • Arbitration users to review existing arbitration agreements: Parties should familiarise themselves with the 2024 Rules and monitor their implementation in their arbitration agreements to fully benefit from the updates.

Introduction

The Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) is the leading arbitral institute in Qatar, founded in 2006. In 2024, QICCA was named in Global Arbitration Review’s guide to regional arbitration as one of the “Institutions to Watch” in the Middle East. This accolade reflects Qatar’s growing prominence as a key business centre in the Middle East, where QICCA is frequently chosen by Qatari state entities and corporations for the resolution of their disputes.

Effective 1 January 2025, QICCA has launched new arbitration rules refreshing its 2012 Rules. The 2024 Rules were first developed in 2021, with plans for their launch in 2022. However, the launch was delayed until QICCA’s chief legal counsel, Khaled Mohamed, returned to QICCA after a year in private practice. They also follow on the heels of another change to QICCA’s senior leadership: Ibrahim Shahbik, who had served as deputy secretary general since 2016, has been promoted to secretary general. Together, these developments are expected to further cement QICCA’s regional standing.

The 2024 Rules are more detailed than the 2012 Rules, and introduce, among others, new provisions relating to consolidation, expedited proceedings and emergency arbitration. They also update other important provisions in the 2012 Rules, including with respect to technological advances. These changes further align QICCA’s rules with international best practices in arbitration.

In 2023, QICCA reported handling cases with a total value of approximately US$800 million, though specific details regarding the number of cases or their initiation dates were not disclosed. According to available statistics, 70% of QICCA’s cases are conducted in English, with the remaining 30% in Arabic, and 60% are construction-related. The arbitrator pool was composed of roughly half Qatari nationals and half individuals from various international backgrounds.

In this Client Alert, we examine the key changes introduced by the 2024 Rules and how these changes may affect you.