The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), in alliance with Lexis Nexis Middle East, hosted a breakfast seminar on the Court’s newly expanded jurisdiction into Qatar Free Zones on Monday, 18 October.

Led by Mr. Christopher Grout, Registrar at Qatar International Court, and Huw Davies, Senior Legal Counsel at Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), the seminar discussed how Qatar’s Law No. 15 of 2021 impacts QICDRC, what these amendments mean for companies doing business within Qatar Free Zones, and which exemptions apply.

Mr. Grout commented on the seminar: “The expansion of the Court’s jurisdiction to include the resolution of Free Zone related disputes is a significant milestone in the development of the Court and, more importantly, is a testament to its reputation and standing as a credible judicial institution within the State of Qatar. Over the last 10 years, the Court has demonstrated its ability to resolve disputes arising out of the Qatar Financial Centre efficiently, cost-effectively and, most importantly, justly, applying, as it does, international best practices. The Court will now do the same for any new disputes filed before it as a result of its increased jurisdiction.”

A decade after QICDRC’s establishment, the expansion gives the Court full jurisdiction to decide all matters and disputes pertaining to the Qatar Free Zones, including appeals relating to a decision to revoke or suspend the licenses of registered companies operating within the Qatar Free Zones.