• Annual Report 2022

Introduction

The year 2022 proved to be a successful and momentous one for the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC). The Court’s role in promoting increased access to Qatar’s legal system ensured greater ease of doing business and more efficient dispute resolution mechanisms

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  • Message from the President

    2022 was a year of transition in which we all very slowly nudged away from full Covid-19 status, finding a middle ground. The Court and Regulatory Tribunal was no different. However, I am pleased to report that despite all the difficulties caused by the Pandemic, the Court is functioning with great efficiency.

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  • Message from the CEO

    As we look back on the past year, I am immensely proud of the work that QICDRC has accomplished in promoting an efficient dispute resolution system in the country. We have worked hard to provide world-class legal services and have further established our position as a leading legal facilitator in the region, supported by the Court’s innovative measures.  

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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 2022, the judiciary of the Court and Regulatory Tribunal comprised 17 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 of the State of Qatar, the Court and Regulatory Tribunal are assisted by Justice Muna Al Marzouqi in her role as Enforcement Judge. The successful enforcement of judgments of the Court and Regulatory Tribunal continues to be a key feature of justice at the QICDRC. 

  • Practice Directions

    The Court issued one new Practice Direction in 2022: No. 1 of 2022 – Small Claims.  The Practice Direction was issued in accordance with article 37.2 of the Regulations and Procedural Rules of the Court (the “Rules”), creates a standard procedure for these types of claims, and substantially shortens the time taken from the filing and issuing of a claim to judgment being issued. As noted elsewhere in this Annual Report, a claim recently issued at the end of November 2022 proceeded to judgment before the end of December 2022. 

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  • Cases before the Regulatory Tribunal in 2022

    Four cases were filed before the Regulatory Tribunal in 2022. Three decisions were issued during the year, two involving cases with the QFC Employment Standards Office, and one relating to the QFC Regulatory Authority.

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  • Statistical Insights 2022

    Court adjudicated in 1 billion QAR lawsuits. The number of lawsuits before the court surged by 69% Small Claims accounted for 45% of the total claims filed in its first year of its launch. 90% of the cases filed were dealt with either fully or partially though the electronic case management system. 

  • Cases before the Court in 2022

    42 cases were filed before the Court in 2022. 42 judgments/decisions were issued throughout the year in a broad range of matters, including: (i) criminal investigations and money laundering; (ii) loan agreements and guarantees; (iii) joint liability; (iv) jurisdiction and the Hague Conference on Private International Law, (v) disclosure; (vi) insolvency, winding up, and administration orders; (vii) QFC Contract Regulations; (viii) QFC Employment Regulations; (ix) immigration; (x) whistleblowing; (xi) interest; (xii) tax; (xiv) jurisdiction and the Qatar Free Zones; and (xv) unfair prejudice between shareholders. All of the Court’s judgments are available on the QICDRC website.

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  • Judiciary 2022

    As at the end of 2022, the judiciary of the Court and Regulatory Tribunal comprised 17 judges from 11 different jurisdictions.

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  • Court Updates

  • QICDRC Introduces Innovative Practice Direction for Small Claims

    QICDRC introduced a new Practice Direction for Small Claims with a maximum value of QAR 100,000. This new Practice Direction has substantially shortened the time to reach a judgment on small claims, allowing for cases to be determined on the papers or virtually without associated filing fees. The initiative reflects QICDRC’s dedication to offering efficient, accessible justice services to all parties. 

  • QICDRC Launches New Qatar International Court Website

    In a continued effort to provide modern, accessible justice services to all, QICDRC launched its new website in 2022, providing easy access to information on Court services, judgments, partnerships, and initiatives. The new website is designed with an easy-to-use interface and comprehensive information, making it simpler for visitors to navigate and find the information they need.  

  • Qatar Lawyers Association and QICDRC Sign MOU to Mark New Partnership

    The Qatar Lawyers Association and QICDRC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to mark a new partnership between the two parties. The signing of the MOU took place during the International Sports Conference held on October 26, with CEO Faisal Rashid Al-Sahouti in attendance. This new partnership will create further opportunities for collaboration between the two entities and will ensure the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the administration of justice in Qatar. 

  • Corporate Social Responsibility

  • QICDRC offers immersive learning experiences to College of Law students

    As part of QICDRC’s commitment towards supporting educational institutions in Qatar, the Court welcomed a number of students from Qatar University’s College of Law program throughout 2022. 

    The students were offered insight into the role of the Court and its relationship with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) institutions, businesses and individuals. 

    Students were also able to attend hearings at the Court, gaining a richer learning experience by understanding how theory translates to practice. 

Previous Annual Reports