Dubai International Arbitration Center Forum on April 30

It will also be the ICCA's first meeting in Dubai.

Dr Husam Talhoumi, DIAC manager, said: "International Effect for Arbitration Awards is organized at a time where interest about arbitration awards is at a rise here in the UAE and the world. The procedures of carrying out decisions given by arbitrators after choosing one or more competent persons to deliver them reduces the chaos between people The cooperation with the ICCA in organizing this forum, gives added importance to this subject. The DIAC aims to work out problems in a cordial way by promoting various commercial arbitration award methods, holding conferences, seminars and lectures, to discuss all issues related to commercial arbitration and to show arbitrators the recent scientific and practical developments in solving commercial problems."

He added that Dubai Municipality aims to attract foreign investments, which will require finding a good and clear arbitrational system and that is of a world class which will give investors trust and security on their investments in case of conflicts. The municipality has shown interest through activating the commercial arbitration section that appears in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2007-2015 which was released by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

It is for that reason that DIAC, which has specialized in arbitration cases, takes part in this plan through inviting lawmen and legal scientists from the UAE and other countries to discuss and exchange views and ideas on how to develop arbitration on a national level and by pointing out the active role that Dubai is taking in this sector.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the forum will focus mainly on New York's Convention 1958 that is dedicated to foreign Arbitration Awards and its application. The UAE joined the convention in November 2006.

Dr Husam Talhoumi added that the DIAC will organize a dinner after the forum for members of the judicial corps in the country which will be graced by the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Bin Nakhira Al Thaheri, UAE Minister of Justice and His Royal Prince Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saoud, Secretary General of the National Security Council of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and head of the Saudi Arbitration team. This visit, plus the meeting if the ICCA in the beginning of May for the purpose of activating arbitration by integrating laws and communicating and supporting national arbitration procedures, will lead the UAE to rank as one of the best countries in investments and the most appropriate place to solve international commercial problems. The 6th meeting of the board of trustees of ICCA will take place on May 2.

Hussam Talhoumi pointed out that the conference program consists of an opening session with His Excellency Hamad Mubarak Buamim, DCCI director general, making a speech followed by Professor Dr. Martin Hunter, President Council of the DIAC board of trustees and Dr. Gerald Harman from the ICCA. The first session will be on the role of international treaties in assuring the effectiveness in Arbitral Awards in international commerce. It will be headed by Karl-Heinz Boeckstiegel.

Professor Dr.Bernardo Cremades will talk about the historical international agreements around arbitration rules and the application of these rules, while Professor Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim will speak on the role of international agreements in Commercial Arbitration from an Arab perspective. Professor Dr. Albert Jan Van den Berg will speak on the New York Convention Year 1958, while Professor Dr. Habib Al Mulla will talk about regional agreements in the Arab countries.

Mr. Michael Hwang heads the second session on "The role of national arbitration laws and arbitral institutions in assuring the effectiveness of arbitral awards in international commerce". A speech will be made by Mr. Jan Paulsson on the requirements of legislation specific to national arbitration centers to activate foreign arbitration laws. Mr. Hamza Haddad speaks on the recent arbitration laws in Arab countries. Mr. Michael E. Schneider gives his views on model national laws "Uncitral." The closing speech will be given by Dr Hussam Talhoumi who will emphasise the importance of arbitration centers and the necessity of activating arbitration laws.