13th ICC MENA Conference on International Arbitration

09.00 – 09.10

Welcoming address, introduction and presentation of the mock case 

09.10 – 10.00

Oral versus written advocacy: counsel and tribunal perspectives 

• Defining the elements of “oral advocacy”: pleadings, witnesses, experts, demonstratives, other features 
• Early assessment of the pros and cons of the elements of “oral advocacy”: the opportunities and the limitations depending on the initial presentation of the dispute 
• Perspectives as claimant versus as respondent 
• The interrelationship between the assessment and the selection of the tribunal members: party autonomy vs. tribunal direction 
• The interrelationship between the assessment and the applicable law(s) including respecting burden of proof and burden of persuasion  
• The assessment and the desired role for the tribunal: “inquisitorial” vs. “adversarial” vs. something in between 

11.30 – 13.00

Case scenarios and Q&A 

13.00 – 14.30

Lunch

11.00 – 11.30

Oral advocacy, party autonomy and the determination of the facts of the dispute: the opening statement at the hearing 

• The hearing and oral opening statements: good practices, bad practices, best practices 
• Orally pleading the case “through” prior written memorials: counsel perspectives, tribunal perspectives 
• Opening statements and post-hearing briefs: the desired relationship 
• Exhibits and visuals and their role in oral advocacy and decision-making 

11.55-12.55

Case scenarios

12.55-14.25

Lunch break

14.30 – 15.00

Focus on cross-examination  

• Effective preparation for cross examination 
• Effective styles of cross-examination 
• “Remember the dead horse”:  knowing when to let go 
• “Putting your case to the witness” versus character assassination 
• Lay witnesses and expert witnesses 

15.00 – 16.00

Case scenarios and Q&A 

16.00 – 16.15

Coffee break 

16.15 – 16.45

Oral advocacy at the main hearing 

• Orally pleading the case “through” witness examination: counsel perspectives, tribunal perspectives 
• Closing statements and post-hearing briefs: transcripts, recency, and the new emphasis on speed in rendering the award 

 16.45 – 17.45

Case scenarios and Q&A

17.45 – 18.00

Concluding remarks

08.00 – 09.00

Registration and welcome coffee

09.00 – 09.20

Welcome addresses

09.20 – 09.40

Inside the Latest ICC Court Highlights: A MENA-Focused Overview with the ICC Secretariat  

This overview offers key updates and insights from the ICC Court, highlighting recent developments and initiatives that enhance arbitration practices and services in the MENA region.

09.40 – 10.20

Opening keynote

10.25 – 10.35

ADGM presentation of the Arbitration Center

10.35 – 11.05

Coffee break

11.05 – 12.05

Session 1: State courts, Arbitration and the Middle East 

This panel will explore the evolving role of national courts in arbitration across the Middle East, specifically examining how courts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman engage with arbitration proceedings. The conversation will also revolve around examining whether such interactions are held in a climate that favors arbitration and addresses the reservations surrounding it. Additionally, the discussion will analyse how these dynamics are shaping the arbitration landscape in the Gulf and beyond, particularly regarding the enforcement of arbitral awards and the broader implications for international arbitration. 

12.05 – 12.30

Discussion

12.30 – 14.00

Lunch

14.00 – 14.55

Session 2: Comprehensive Insights into Interest rates in MENA Arbitrations: Economic Foundations and Legal Frameworks 

As the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continues to emerge as a dynamic hub for international trade and investment, the importance of effective arbitration mechanisms has never been more critical. This panel will provide comprehensive insights into the factors driving interest rates in MENA arbitrations, focusing on the economic and Shariaa foundations and legal frameworks that underpin this growth starting with the economic drivers (key industries, investment), legal framework, cultural considerations and best practices. 

14.55 – 15.10

Discussion 

15.10– 16.05

Session 3: Expedited procedures – the obvious solution for low value claims? 

This panel will explore the ICC expedited procedures, with panelists sharing their views on how to effectively organise fast-track arbitrations and the importance of cooperation between parties to ensure an efficient procedure even under heightened time constraints.

16.05 – 16.20

Discussion 

16.20 – 16.50

Coffee break

16.50 – 17.50

Session 4: Mock Session of the ICC International Court of Arbitration: Spotlight on Multi-Party & Multi-Contract Issues and Consolidation 

Join members of the ICC International Court of Arbitration (ICC Court) in an interactive mock session where conference attendees will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the ICC Court and act as ICC Court members contributing to decisions on multi-party & multi-contract issues, consolidation and  more. 

17.50 – 18.00

Closing remarks

18.00 – 20.00

Cocktail reception