The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) is delighted to announce the launch of a new Branch in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   

The launch increases Ciarb’s global network of Branches to 44, connecting over 17,500 professional members across 150 jurisdictions.   
 

Ciarb is committed to promoting the benefits of private dispute resolution and ensuring that alternative dispute resolution methods are accessible to everyone. Since 2019 and in collaboration with the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), Ciarb has delivered over 50 courses in Saudi Arabia, training over 1,500 candidates. In 2024, Ciarb and SCCA are set to deliver 15 courses in the country.  

Ciarb membership in Saudi Arabia has grown rapidly in recent times to over 270 members. There are an increasing number of dispute resolution professionals in Saudi Arabia, many of whom are women. As it launches its latest Branch, Ciarb expects to support even more members based in the Kingdom to attain Ciarb’s high ethical and technical standards.   

Catherine Dixon, MCIArb CEO of Ciarb, commented, “We are delighted to open a Branch in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and continue to build private dispute resolution capacity in the country and the wider MENA region. The interest and enthusiasm shown during Riyadh International Disputes Week 2024 (RIDW24) demonstrates a real appetite to embed private dispute resolution, an integral part of an effective justice system. We thank the SCCA and our Saudi members for their continued support.” 

Dr Hamed Merah MCIArb, Chair of the Ciarb Saudi Arabia Branch, commented, “The launch of the Ciarb Branch in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a positive step forward as we continue to cultivate private dispute resolution in the Kingdom. The discussions and relationships built at Riyadh International Disputes Week 2024 (RIDW24) will put us in good stead for the years to come. I look forward to working closely with Ciarb to ensure our success. I would like to thank our members and our partners for their support and encouragement.“  

Catherine Dixon and Jonathan Wood FCIArb, Ciarb President 2024, are participating in Riyadh International Disputes Week 2024, speaking at events during the week.