The QICDRC primarily comprises a world-class Court specialised in the resolution of civil and commercial disputes, and a Regulatory Tribunal tasked with hearing appeals raised against decisions of the QFC Authority, the QFC Regulatory Authority and other QFC institutions. Both judicial bodies operate in accordance with international best practices when hearing and determining the cases before them.
Established by the QFC Law No. 2 of 2009, the QICDRC was founded to be the final piece of the State of Qatar's initiative to build a world-class international financial centre. It was designed to be part of the QFC strategy to advance Qatar’s economic diversification efforts in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 by attracting foreign direct investments and international businesses to Qatar. Litigants who choose to resort to the Court to resolve their disputes benefit from a quick and cost-effective dispute resolution process.
Led by the President of the Court, the Rt. Hon Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, the judges of the Court are renowned for their expertise, independence, impartiality, integrity and propriety. They hail from a variety of civil and common law jurisdictions, including Qatar, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Singapore, New Zealand and South Africa.
The Court consists of two main circuits: the first instance circuit and the appellate circuit. According to Article 8(3)(C) of the QFC Law, the first instance circuit has the jurisdiction to hear the following disputes:
- Civil and commercial disputes arising from transactions, contracts, arrangements or incidences taking place in or from the QFC between the entities established therein.
- Civil and commercial disputes arising between QFC authorities or institutions and the entities established therein.
- Civil and commercial disputes arising between entities established in the QFC and contractors therewith and employees thereof, unless the parties agree otherwise.
- Civil and commercial disputes arising from transactions, contracts or arrangements taking place between entities established within the QFC and residents of the State, or entities established in the State but outside the QFC, unless the parties agree otherwise.
The Regulatory Tribunal has the jurisdiction to hear appeals raised by individuals and corporate bodies against decisions of the QFC Authority, the QFC Regulatory Authority and other QFC institutions.
Led by its Chairman, Sir William Blair QC, the judges of the Regulatory Tribunal come from the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, India and the United States of America and all specialise in the resolution of regulatory disputes.
