Annual Report 2021

Introduction

The Qatar International Court continued to strengthen its position as a world-class specialised judicial authority in 2021. Complementing the State of Qatar’s efforts to create a globally-receptive business environment, we successfully adapted to the challenges of the pandemic locally and developed our international partnerships through innovative means.

At the start of the year, the QICDRC, McNair Chambers LLC, and the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) hosted a joint webinar to review practical insights on online hearings. We also hosted the inaugural virtual meeting of our newly established Court Users Committee, with representatives from QICDRC, various Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) institutions, and local law firms. Meanwhile, the second annual ‘A Year in Review: The Legislative and Judicial Developments in 2020’ event reflected on the most significant legislative and judicial developments of the past year.

We reaffirmed our commitment towards widespread legal education by partnering with Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law and SOAS University of London to host multiple webinars on crucial legal issues.

Throughout 2021, we were honoured to host several distinguished guests, including Steven Mnuchin, 77th Secretary of the Treasury for the United States; Rt. Hon the Lord Wolfson of Tredegar QC, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom; and Mr. Salar Abdul Sattar Muhammad, Iraq’s Minister of Justice. The visits served to strengthen ties between Qatar and the global community.

One of the year’s great accomplishments was the inclusion of the Qatar Free Zones and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) in the Court’s jurisdiction. According to Law No. 14 and Law No. 15 of 2021, QICDRC can now decide all disputes and civil and commercial suits pertaining to the Free Zones.

Finally, under the new Qatar Arbitration Law, the QICDRC First Instance Circuit confirmed the Court's status as a ‘court of choice’ for international parties, even if they are not established in the QFC, thereby strengthening the parties’ confidence in selecting us as the competent court of arbitration.

We thank our partners and collaborative institutions for their tireless support and look forward to another year of continued contribution to the Qatar National Vision 2030.

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Message from the President

Although 2021 was another year which was blighted by Covid-19, the work of the Court and Regulatory Tribunal continued uninterrupted. In fact, despite an increased workload, cases were dealt with more efficiently than.

The Court and Regulatory Tribunal were leaders worldwide in ensuring that all hearings took place online using our specialist eCourt system which allowed parties, witnesses, lawyers and judges to assemble virtually to ensure that justice was delivered fairly and without delay.
One of the significant milestones of 2021 was the expansion of the Court and Regulatory Tribunal’s jurisdiction to hear disputes arising out of the Qatar Free Zones. This was achieved through amendments to the QFC Law and the Qatar Free Zones Law and the Court has already received its first series of cases arising under these new laws.
In addition to the variety of judgments issued by the Court and Regulatory Tribunal throughout 2021 (43 in total), three new Practice Directions were issued governing permission to appeal applications, electronic filing and service, and awards of post-judgment interest by the Court. It is hoped that the Practice Directions will help bring clarity to these three important areas moving forward.

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Message from the CEO

"Complementing the State of Qatar’s efforts in advancing its economic landscape and creating a globally receptive business environment, the QICDRC has strengthened its position as a world-class specialised judicial authority throughout 2021. In this context, we recently announced the expansion of our jurisdiction to include the Qatar Free Zones and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). This move is poised to accelerate the inflow of foreign direct investment into Qatar, backed by a secure and functioning legal dispute resolution mechanism."

"It is also part of our overall strategic directive to further Qatar’s role as a global business player and boost the country’s contribution to the wider legal community. This is of particular importance at a time when the world is experiencing grave insecurity across all spheres of life. Economies and businesses are making a rapid move to digital. At the QICDRC, innovation and state-of-the-art technologies have long guided our approach to digital dispute resolution services that effectively broaden access to justice – and have continued to deliver seamlessly via fully-integrated online hearings throughout the last year.

In the same vein, our Pro Bono Service for individuals with limited financial means has added another layer of security for those seeking legal advice, assistance and representation as part of a modern legal model for commercial and civil dispute resolution in Qatar.

For individuals, businesses, and others, whether located in Qatar or abroad, the Qatar International Court stands as a dependable resource for swift, fair, and efficient judgements and mediation services. Despite the ongoing global challenges, we are also expectant of the historic moments our nation is set to witness, and we are ready to support its upwards trajectory in 2022 and beyond."

— FAISAL RASHID AL-SAHOUTI, CEO

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About Us

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre comprises the Qatar International Court (or QFC Civil and Commercial Court) and the QFC Regulatory Tribunal. Both judicial bodies are established pursuant to the relevant provisions of QFC Law No. 7 of 2005 as amended. The procedures of both the Court and Regulatory Tribunal are laid down in the QFC Law and the Regulations and Procedural Rules of each judicial body.

Our Vision

Our Vision is to be recognised as the world’s leading forum for the resolution of international civil and commercial disputes.

The Court and Regulatory Tribunal

As at the end of 2021, the judiciary of the Court and Regulatory Tribunal comprised 18 judges from 11 different jurisdictions (Qatar, Kuwait, England and Wales, Scotland, Cyprus, South Africa, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the United States of America). The judges subscribe to a judicial code of conduct, the cornerstones of which are impartiality, independence, integrity and propriety.

With the agreement of the Supreme Judicial Council in the State of Qatar, the Court and Regulatory Tribunal continue to be supported by Justice Rashid Al Badr who fulfills the role of Enforcement Judge. The successful enforcement of judgments of the Court and Regulatory Tribunal continues to be a key feature of the judicial system at the QICDRC.

Jurisdiction of the Court and the Regulatory Tribunal

The jurisdiction of both judicial bodies was expanded in 2021 as a result of amendments made to both the QFC Law and the law concerning the Qatar Free Zones.

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Practice Directions

The Court issued three new Practice Directions in 2021.

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Cases before the Court

Thirty-two cases were filed before the Court in 2021. Thirty-eight judgments were issued throughout the year dealing with a broad range of matters including those relating to (i) arbitration (ii) banking and finance, (iii) breach of contract claims, (iv) debt recovery, (v) employment, (vi) insolvency, and (vii) regulatory breaches. Judgments of the Court are available on the QICDRC website.

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Cases Filed Before the Regulatory Tribunal

Three cases were filed before the Regulatory Tribunal in 2021. Five judgments were issued throughout the year, two relating to appeals against decisions of the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority, two relating to appeals against decisions of the Employment Standards Office, and one relating to an appeal against a decision of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority. Judgments of the Regulatory Tribunal are available on the QICDRC website.

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Court Updates

From using state-of-the-art legal technology to provide virtual hearing options during the pandemic, to establishing QICDRC as a court of choice for international dispute resolution, the Court had a year full of milestones. Here are the latest highlights.
Qatar International Court expands jurisdiction to cover Qatar Free Zones Disputes
In a move that further advances its position as a specialised judicial authority locally and regionally, the jurisdiction of the QICDRC has expanded to include the Qatar Free Zones and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) as well as matters that are referred to the Court or Regulatory tribunal by any Law in the State. Law No. 14 and Law No. 15 of 2021 were published in the Official Gazette on 14 September 2021, effectively broadening the jurisdiction of both the Civil and Commercial Court and the Regulatory Tribunal.

According to the law, the QICDRC now has full jurisdiction to decide all disputes and civil and commercial suits pertaining to the Free Zones. In addition, the Regulatory Tribunal acts as an appeals body in respect to decisions of the QFZA related to the revocation or suspension of licenses of Free Zone companies.
Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre unveils the renovated eCourt
Following recent Government directives and as part of its continued effort to enhance access to justice, the QICDRC has unveiled its newly renovated eCourt, a state-of-the-art specialised electronic case management system. eCourt is safe and secure, free to use, accessible from all portable devices, and available in English and Arabic to ensure round-the-clock access to the Court services from anywhere in the world.
Qatar International Court confirms status as Opt-In Court of Arbitration
Earlier in the year, the QCDRC’s First Instance Circuit issued a Note of its Ruling in the case of C v D, clarifying its jurisdiction under the new Arbitration Law in Civil and Commercial Matters (No 2 of 2017). The ruling effectively confirmed the Court's status as a court of choice for international parties, even if they are not established in the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), thereby strengthening the parties’ confidence in selecting QICDRC as the competent court of arbitration.

Events and Engagements

Our team organised a series of global and local engagements and activities throughout the year, including visits from international dignitaries such as the Secretary of the Treasury for the United States, and virtual webinars on key legal issues such as ‘Resolving Disputes through Mediation’ and ‘Resolution of Regulatory Disputes in Financial Zones’.
Delegation visit: Former Treasury Secretary of the US
The QICDRC was pleased to welcome Steven Mnuchin, who served as the United States’ 77th Secretary of the Treasury, during his visit to Qatar. During his meeting with QICDRC CEO, Faisal Al Sahouti, Mnuchin was briefed on the Court’s case management mechanisms, the nature of the work of the eCourt, and operations in light of ongoing precautionary measures against COVID-19.
‘The QICDRC and the Post-COVID World’ – A Discussion
In an informal discussion, the Court’s President, The Right Honorable Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, highlighted the importance of adaptability in the legal sphere as well as the Court’s preparedness for unprecedented scenarios in the future, considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Lord Cwmgiedd also touched on the crucial role investments in online platforms play to ensure seamlessly integrated legal practices.
Qatar International Court receives official visit from Iraqi Minister of Justice
In November, Mr. Salar Abdul Sattar Muhammad, Iraq’s Minister of Justice, arrived at the QICDRC to shed light on several tactics that can help accelerate knowledge-exchange between Iraq and Qatar in the legal field. During his visit, conversations about increased collaboration between the two entities furthered regional mediation and dispute resolution strategies.
Qatar International Court hosts the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom
The QICDRC team hosted Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon the Lord Wolfson of Tredegar QC, in November to discuss the promising future of its mediation services. Lord Wolfson noted during his visit: “I have been delighted to learn more about the work of the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre and to meet representatives of the UK and Qatari legal sectors. The legal sector and the rule of law are the foundations for global trade. A close cooperative relationship with Qatar and the Gulf more generally is a priority for the UK Government.”

The visit served to strengthen ties between Qatar and the UK, highlighting the importance of strong bilateral relations and regular legal discussions.
Qatar International Court co-hosts webinar on Alternative Dispute Resolution in Islamic and Middle Eastern Law
The QICDRC, in cooperation with SOAS University of London, delivered an interactive webinar session on alternative dispute resolution in Islamic and Middle Eastern Law in April. Moderated by Dr. Jonathan Ercanbrack, Chair of the Centre of Islamic and Middle Eastern Law and Senior Lecturer in Transnational Financial Law at SOAS, the webinar introduced legal professionals to practical insights into arbitration practices in Qatar and Turkey, offering an in-depth look at latest arbitration trends and challenges in the region. The session included a lively Q&A and general discussion from attendees, who joined virtually from across the world.
College of Law and the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre examine mediation in Qatar
In partnership with Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law, QICDRC hosted an online webinar on ‘Resolving Disputes through Mediation’. A panel of distinguished speakers critically examined the extent to which mediation serves act as a viable form of alternative dispute resolution across a wide range of key areas. In particular, the panel looked at the advantages mediation offers over litigation and arbitration, looking at a potential increase in mediation services during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the qualities required of a successful mediator. The panel further provided an overview of the QICDRC Mediation Rules, which were launched last year.
Qatar International Court hosts webinar on QFC Regulatory Tribunal and the Resolution of Regulatory Disputes in Financial Zones in collaboration with HBKU
The QICDRC, in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), hosted a webinar on the resolution of administrative and regulatory disputes in the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and other free financial zones. Participants learned about international commercial courts as institutional innovations in transnational adjudication aimed at resolving private and commercial law disputes. The event highlighted that, similar to courts that are created within financial free zones as the default forum for all disputes, the QFC Regulatory Tribunal can hear complaints raised by individuals and corporate bodies against decisions of the QFC regulators.
Qatar International Court hosts inaugural meeting of Court Users Committee
The QICDRC hosted the inaugural virtual meeting of its newly established Court Users Committee, which comprises representatives of the QICDRC, the various Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) institutions, as well as several lawyers from different local and international law firms in Qatar. Various key issues relating to the services provided by the QICDRC were discussed to ensure the needs of the local and international community are met in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Qatar legal community discusses  dos and don'ts for online hearings
In January, the QICDRC, together with McNair Chambers LLC and the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA), hosted a joint webinar to review practical insights and guidance on online hearings, which have been on the uptick since the outbreak of the pandemic. Keynote speaker British barrister and international lawyer, Professor Khawar Qureshi QC, shared his extensive experience in digital court and international arbitration hearings.
Qatar International Court hosts 6th Annual International Arbitration Virtual Summit
In February, the Court hosted the 6th Annual International Arbitration Virtual Summit. Presented by Legal Plus, the conference drew attendance from international and local experts, who shared their expertise on key topics in Qatari and international arbitration. From ‘Options for International Arbitration’ to ‘The Role of Expert Witnesses in Construction & Engineering Disputes’, discussion points touched on business concerns that are increasingly relevant within the current global climate.
Qatar International Court hosts "A Year in Review: The Legislative and Judicial Developments in 2020" in collaboration with Sultan Al Abdalla and Partners
The second annual ‘A Year in Review: The Legislative and Judicial Developments in 2020’ event was held in January 2021 and looked back at the most significant legislative and judicial developments of the past year. Speakers covered topics such as labour reforms, the new Public Private Partnership Law, and the QICDRC Mediation Rules, among others.

Corporate Social Responsibility

We renewed our commitment towards the welfare of our employees, as well as the local and international community looking for swift dispute resolution by introducing and expanding the Court’s CSR activities. These include our award-winning Pro Bono Services for those who cannot afford legal support, community-wide social responsibility programmes recognising important occasions such as Earth Day, and weathering the height of the COVID-19 pandemic via the provision of virtual legal services.
Qatar International Court launches Tawafuq Coaching Programme for Legal Professionals
Earlier in the year, the QICDRC launched ‘Tawafuq’, the first coaching programme for legal professionals in Qatar, in collaboration with Takallam for Management Consultations. The year-round programme aims to empower legal professionals to achieve success, balance and wellbeing, both in the workplace and at home. It offers one-on-one coaching sessions, delivered by trained experts in the field, to encourage open communication and enhanced work-life balance. The programme’s individualised approach allows lawyers, judges and legal professionals in Qatar to build out their leadership and management skills.