Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU’s) College of Law organized a panel discussion on arbitration featuring leadership from the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) and the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).  

The Rt. Hon. The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, President, QICDRC, and Sir William Blair, Chairman of the Regulatory Tribunal, QFC, exchanged insights into the benefits of arbitration as a means of resolving commercial disputes and discussed internationally recognized best practices in this field.

Susan L. Karamanian, Dean, College of Law, moderated the discussion, which also delved into complexities of international arbitration and highlighted the QICDRC’s oversight function under the court’s opt-in jurisdiction. The Rt. Hon. The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd and Sir William Blair shared their thoughts on how the QICDRC can strengthen its capabilities and reinforce its status as a prominent institution within Qatar’s legal system.

The discussion coincided with the signing of a second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between QICDRC, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Faisal Rashid Al-Sahouti, and HBKU through College of Law Dean Karamanian. Under the agreement, both organizations committed to expanding their partnership through future joint collaborative workshops, conferences, and lectures.

The MoU also introduced three named prizes from the QICDRC aimed at recognizing high-performing students at the College of Law. The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd Prize will be awarded to the student who earned the top mark in each year of the Juris Doctor (JD) degree.  The Sir William Blair Prize will be awarded to the student who earned the top mark in dispute resolution.  The QICDRC Prize will be awarded to the overall best student in the graduating class chosen by the College of Law faculty.

Commenting on the MoU, Karamanian said: “HBKU Law is honored to have QICDRC recognition of our outstanding law students. Having legal luminaries such as The Rt. Hon. Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd and Sir William Blair associated with student excellence at HBKU College of Law is aligned with and promotes our educational mission.  We are grateful to QICDRC for its continued support of our College.”   

Situated at a global crossroad of culture, business, and geopolitics, the College of Law hosts internationally recognized faculty that bring substantial expertise to contemporary legal issues of profound relevance to Qatar, the region, and beyond.