Judicial Dialogue Program On New York Convention Concludes Successfully In Riyadh

The "Judicial Regional Dialogue Program on the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards" took place in Riyadh. This event, a first at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) level, gathered top judges from supreme, appellate, and enforcement courts in the region. Numerous local and international speakers also participated, aiming to delve into the New York Convention's provisions.

The program was part of Riyadh International Disputes Week 2025. It was organised through a strategic partnership involving the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration, the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), and the GCC General Secretariat. The Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution supported this initiative.

A key objective was to foster cooperation between judiciary and arbitration sectors. This collaboration is crucial for enforcing arbitral awards effectively. By creating a transparent dialogue platform with GCC judges, the program sought to deepen their understanding of the New York Convention.

The New York Convention is pivotal in international arbitration, with 172 member states, including all GCC countries. It serves as a legal foundation for arbitration globally. The program aimed to strengthen judicial knowledge about this convention to facilitate smoother enforcement processes.

During the event, ICCA introduced the second edition of its New York Convention Guide. This comprehensive reference aims to assist judges and legal practitioners in applying the convention according to best international practices. The guide represents a significant step towards unifying legal interpretations across the Arab world.

This new edition of the guide is expected to play an essential role in aligning legal perspectives regarding the convention's provisions. By providing detailed insights, it helps ensure that arbitral awards are recognised and enforced consistently across different jurisdictions.

The program's focus on dialogue and education highlights its commitment to bridging gaps between judicial systems and arbitration practices. Such efforts are vital for turning arbitral awards into enforceable realities within GCC countries and beyond.

With inputs from SPA