Regional Sports Arbitration Seminar Kicks Off In Abu Dhabi To Enhance Legal Knowledge In Sports

The Regional Sports Arbitration Seminar began at Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi, organised by the UAE National Olympic Committee and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. This two-day event, in collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia, aims to solidify the UAE's role as a key regional centre for sports law and arbitration.

Representatives from National Olympic Committees across South, West, and Central Asia are participating. The seminar is under the Olympic Council of Asia's umbrella to boost legal awareness in sports and improve arbitration knowledge. It also facilitates sharing expertise and best practices among Asian sports dispute resolution centres.

The first day included a presentation by Dr. Abdullah Al-Hayyan, a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, discussing the concept of sports arbitration. A session on best practices highlighted the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center’s experience. The event gathered notable attendees like Husain Al-Musallam from the Olympic Council of Asia and Dr. Nabil bin Ashour from the UAE National Olympic Committee.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of both the Asian and UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federations, was present along with Mohammed Saeed bin Drouiche, Executive Director of the UAE National Olympic Committee. Butti Al Abdouli, Head of Sports Federations Department, and Dr. Mohammed Fadlallah, Legal Advisor to the Committee, also attended.

Tomorrow's sessions will explore how the UAE and Qatar handle sports arbitration cases and address challenges in regional sports justice systems. The UAE National Olympic Committee highlighted that hosting this seminar demonstrates their dedication to advancing sports justice and fostering regional cooperation with the Olympic Council of Asia.

Al-Musallam stressed developing frameworks for sports justice by encouraging Asian countries to create arbitration centres and legislation. He advocated collaboration with justice ministries to recognise national arbitration bodies. The seminar reviewed sports arbitration history since the 1970s, including Saudi Arabia's experience, with Gulf case studies continuing tomorrow.

He commended Abu Dhabi, the UAE Olympic Committee, and Jiu-Jitsu Federation for their excellent organisation ensuring the event's success.

With inputs from WAM