QICDRC Leads Groundbreaking International Conference on Mediation and Arbitration in Doha

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), collaborating with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and LexisNexis Middle East, convened the inaugural International Mediation and Arbitration Conference in Doha. This landmark event was further supported by the Qatar Lawyer Associations (QLA) and the Qatar Experts and Arbitrators for Awareness and Culture Association, with sponsorship from Al Sulaiti Law Firm.

Distinguished attendees included Marco M. Aleman, Assistant Director General of the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector at WIPO, whose presence underscored the strong partnership between Qatar and WIPO. The conference marked a significant milestone in reinforcing intellectual property rights protection, a critical factor in attracting and sustaining foreign direct investment (FDI) in Qatar.

The conference served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and networking among stakeholders engaged in intellectual property, mediation, arbitration, and FDI within the Middle East region.

Opening remarks were delivered by HE Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Qatar; Abdullatef Al Mohannadi, Deputy Registrar at QICDRC; and Marco M. Aleman of WIPO. Their speeches set the tone for the event’s focus on enhancing dispute resolution frameworks and intellectual property protections.

Keynote presentations featured prominent figures such as HE Hend Al Muftah, Ambassador to the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva; Jack Lau, President of Qatar Science and Technology Park; and Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Director of the Qatar Office to the World Trade Organisation and other Economic Organisations in Geneva. The program also included panel discussions and detailed case studies, providing practical insights into mediation and arbitration processes.

Faisal Rashid Al Sahouti emphasized the global importance of intellectual property, stating, “Intellectual property is a significant topic on the international stage, and most countries strive to incorporate it into their national policies due to its importance in encouraging research, innovation, and creativity, supporting the economy, and stimulating direct investment. In recent years, many countries have reviewed and amended their national legislation to provide the necessary protection for intellectual property and to establish mechanisms capable of performing this task, both at the national and international levels, in accordance with the best global practices.”

The conference attracted a diverse group of participants, including government officials from across the Middle East, policymakers, legal professionals, academics, industry leaders, and representatives from international organisations and investor communities.

A central theme was the pivotal role of mediation and arbitration in resolving intellectual property disputes efficiently. The event highlighted how robust intellectual property protections combined with effective dispute resolution mechanisms can enhance Middle Eastern governments’ efforts to attract FDI, stimulate economic growth, and facilitate technology transfer.

This conference represents a significant advancement in the region’s legal and economic landscape, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a hub for dispute resolution and intellectual property protection in the Middle East.