CIArb and OAC sign MoU to promote ADR in Oman and across MENA

London – 27 July 2022.

The Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre (OAC) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a strategic alliance today.   The alliance affirms their joint commitment to create an even more positive environment for effective dispute resolution in Oman, through the provision of CIArb’s world-renowned training in international arbitration.  The  MoU, which was signed by Dr Moosa Al Azri, CEO of the OAC and Catherine Dixon, Director General of CIArb, at the New Energy in Oman conference, hosted jointly by the Omani Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion, Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Energy & Minerals and the Oman Investment Authority at London’s Mansion House, sees the launch of the first alternative dispute resolution (ADR) training programme of its kind in Oman.  The programme will also offer accelerated route courses to CIArb Membership and Fellowship.

CIArb’s courses will be delivered in accordance with the organisation’s regulations and standards, making use of CIArb tutors, syllabi, course content, and centralised assessment system.  They will be delivered in both Arabic and English* online and in person.

Dr Al Azri of OAC said, “This historic partnership is part of the greater vision of the OAC to build capacity in arbitration in the Sultanate of Oman and generally enhance the attractiveness of Oman as a seat and venue for arbitrations.  All individuals who acquire CIArb Fellowship through any of these courses will be deemed to have satisfied the important first step for admission onto OAC’s Panel of Arbitrators.”

The alliance comes in response to the marked preference by Omani and international parties doing business in and throughout Oman to resolve their disputes through arbitration, and the resultant growing demand for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) training. The alliance also seeks to increase awareness and understanding of the advantages of arbitration, as well as other forms of ADR, to members of the business and legal communities in Oman and the wider MENA region.

Catherine Dixon of CIArb said “CIArb is delighted to be working with the OAC to deliver international arbitration training in Oman, upholding, through this initiative, our belief that effective dispute resolution has a positive impact on society and the economy, and our objective to promote and facilitate worldwide the constructive resolution of disputes outside of courts.  This exciting collaboration will enable arbitration practitioners and those aspiring to be arbitrators, to access world-class internationally recognised training and to join our global and diverse membership of over 18,000 ADR practitioners operating in over 150 jurisdictions.”

*Except for the accelerated route courses which will be delivered in English only, for the time being.

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