ADR training provision strengthened in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Following the successful introduction of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) alternative dispute resolution (ADR) training in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ciarb and the Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) have agreed to extend their collaboration for the delivery of dispute resolution training including international arbitration and mediation.

Hundreds of practitioners have already benefited from Ciarb’s globally recognised training. Delivered by the SCCA Academy in Arabic and English*, the training adheres to Ciarb’s world-renowned standards. Additionally, Ciarb is working with the SCCA who has agreed to host a Ciarb Branch to support Ciarb members in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The new agreement ensures opportunities for even more aspiring ADR professionals to be trained. For those already trained, the expanded range of courses offers the scope to further develop knowledge and skills. Those achieving Ciarb Fellowship (FCIArb) may also go on to apply for admission onto the SCCA’s Roster of Arbitrators, for which Fellowship is one of the eligibility criteria.

Representatives from Ciarb and SCCA met at ICCA, September 2022.

Catherine Dixon, Ciarb Director General, said, “We are delighted that so many candidates have chosen to take Ciarb training in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This agreement paves the way for more ADR professionals to be trained and qualified to Ciarb’s high technical and ethical standards, laying the foundation for the expansion of ADR provision in the Kingdom thereby supporting access to justice, which is to Ciarb’s purpose.”

Dr. Hamed Bin Hassan Merah, SCCA CEO, said, “This step elevates the SCCA-Ciarb relationship to an advanced level of co-operation, enabling SCCA to play its role in enhancing the knowledge and practice of ADR locally and regionally by providing training for Arab practitioners in accordance with the latest international standards and best practice.”

Dr. Merah added that in the past three years, 956 participants have enrolled onto the International Fellowship in Commercial Arbitration that the SCCA launched in July 2019 thanks to its partnership with Ciarb. He went on to say, “This eagerness to acquire international arbitration skills has led the SCCA to extend its strategic partnership with Ciarb. Our aim is to bring more Ciarb training to the region to meet the growing need for skills in ADR.”

*Courses are delivered in English and, where possible, in Arabic.

Read the full press release.