A delegation from the Supreme Judiciary Council, led by His Excellency Judge Khalid Ali Al Obaidli, President of the Investment and Trade Court, participated in the First Gulf Law and Arbitration Week, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain from January 26 to 30, 2025, with the participation of approximately 2,000 attendees from more than 20 countries. The delegation included His Excellency Judge Abdulaziz Ali Issa Al-Khalifi, Senior Judge at the Court of Appeal, His Excellency Judge Mohammed Ali Mohammed Al-Sulaiti, First Vice President of the Primary Court, along with several officials from the Investment and Trade Court.

This event, organized by the GCC Commercial Arbitration Center, serves as an important platform for exchanging expertise in the fields of law and arbitration. It contributes to strengthening cooperation among relevant entities in the region, supporting efforts toward sustainable economic development. The First Gulf Law and Arbitration Week presented a comprehensive program covering various topics, including energy, transportation, housing, real estate development, and major engineering projects.

The Gulf Law and Arbitration Week represents a significant step toward developing the business and investment environment in the region, fostering sustainable economic growth, and reinforcing the position of GCC countries as a legal hub.

The First Gulf Law and Arbitration Week, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain from January 26 to 30, 2025, also witnessed the recognition of His Excellency Judge Khalid bin Ali Al-Obaidli, President of the Investment and Trade Court, among 100 pioneers in the legal field. This recognition was awarded in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to law and arbitration. The event, organized by the GCC Commercial Arbitration Center, provided an opportunity to honor distinguished figures in the field and support ongoing efforts to enhance legal development in the region.

Statements from Investment and Trade Court Officials on the Sidelines of Their Participation in the First Gulf Law and Arbitration Week

His Excellency Judge Khalid bin Ali Al-Obaidli, President of the Investment and Trade Court

I am pleased, on behalf of myself and the delegation from the Supreme Judicial Council, to extend my sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain for organizing the First Gulf Law and Arbitration Week, held from January 26 to 30, 2025, which culminated in a specialized symposium discussing "Work in the Platform Economy: Opportunities and Challenges." Such a week represents a qualitative step toward strengthening judicial cooperation and exchanging expertise among the GCC countries, given the rapid developments our world is witnessing today.

The platform economy, with its innovative structure and significant impact on the labor market, represents a new reality that requires a renewed legal approach. In Qatar, we always seek to open constructive dialogue with specialists and experts in legal and economic fields to develop a clear vision for an effective legal framework that aligns with the requirements of the modern platform economy.

We hope this week will serve as a fruitful platform for cooperation and knowledge enrichment, and we collectively strive to build a more prosperous future in the field of law and arbitration within the GCC countries.

Finally, the continuation of such events will undoubtedly deepen mutual understanding and strengthen trust among all concerned parties, further driving sustainable development in the region to achieve prosperity for all GCC citizens.

His Excellency Judge Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Khalifi, Senior Judge at the Court of Appeal

The participation of a delegation from the Supreme Judicial Council in the First Gulf Law and Arbitration Week and the symposium on "Work in the Platform Economy: Opportunities and Challenges" marks a milestone in developing the justice and arbitration system within the GCC countries. It highlights our firm commitment to building a robust legal environment that supports sustainable economic growth.

Participation in this event was a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise and knowledge, as well as to identify best practices for addressing the opportunities and challenges posed by the emerging economy. The discussions and contributions at the event shed light on the importance of innovation and technology in expediting legal procedures and improving access to justice.

This event represents an ideal platform for enhancing cooperation among GCC member states, allowing them to unify efforts towards achieving common goals in the fields of justice and arbitration.

I would like to commend the efforts of all participants and organizers in making this week a success, hoping it will further enhance the position of GCC countries as a leading regional hub for law and arbitration.

His Excellency Judge Mohammed bin Ali Al-Sulaiti, First Vice President of the Primary Court

I was honored to participate in the First Gulf Law and Arbitration Week, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain from January 26 to 30, 2025, as well as in the symposium "Platform Economy: Opportunities and Challenges," which was part of the event's activities.

This initiative is a significant step toward strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise in the field of law and arbitration. The symposium was a valuable opportunity to discuss and analyze the opportunities and challenges posed by the platform economy and the need for an advanced legal framework that can keep pace with these changes while protecting the rights of all involved parties.

Additionally, the exchange of ideas and perspectives during events like the First Gulf Law and Arbitration Week is a strategic step toward establishing a unified framework that helps coordinate legal efforts across the region.

Collaboration among GCC countries in developing consistent legal standards and practices will enhance the region’s competitiveness and make it an attractive destination for investment. Furthermore, improving the legal environment will have a positive impact on both international and local businesses, contributing to economic stability and promoting transparency.

Cooperation and partnership are the foundation of progress, and I am confident that this week will significantly contribute to strengthening these values and fostering sustainable economic development in our region.