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10 - 14 NOVEMBER 2025

Schedules: Afternoon

ICC YAAF: How to Get Appointed – And Win as Arbitration Counsel

4:00–4:05 pm – Welcome remarks – Sherif Akl, ICC MENA Regional Director and Zeina Obeid, ICC YAAF Dubai

4:05–4:15 pm – Keynote speech – Ahmed Ibrahim, Independent Arbitrator, Ibrahim ADR

4:15–5:00 pm – Panel discussion 1: Breaking In: Strategies for Securing Counsel Appointments

5:00–5:15 pm – Coffee break

5:15–6:00 pm – Panel discussion 2: Winning at the Table: Excellence in Arbitration Advocacy

6:00–6:05 pm – Closing remarks

6:05–7:00 pm – Drinks and canapés

Keynote speech – Ahmed Ibrahim, Independent Arbitrator, Ibrahim ADR

Panel discussion 1: Breaking In: Strategies for Securing Counsel Appointments

Moderator: May Khoury, Counsel at Chaffetz Lindsey LLP, New York

Panelists:

  1. Nasser Al Habsi, Partner, Addleshaw Goddard, Oman
  2. Eziz Allamov , VP legal, Aldar, Abu Dhabi, UAE
  3. Alexander Leventhal, Partner, Quinn Emanuel, Paris, France
  4. Ais Lidzhanova, Partner, Head of Dubai Office , TA Advisory, Dubai, UAE
  5. Baptiste Rigaudeau, Partner, Lead up Avocats, Paris

 

Panel Discussion 2: Winning at the Table: Excellence in Arbitration Advocacy

Moderator: Malak Nasreddine, Associate, Al Tamimi & Company, Dubai, UAE, ICC YAAF for Abu Dhabi

Panelists:

  1. Divyam Agarwal, Partner, JSA, New Delhi, India
  2. Sana Belaïd, Arbitrator & Mediator, Belaid Advisory & Management Consulting, Dubai UAE
  3. Ramy Chahine, Partner, Meltem Avocats, Marseilles, France
  4. Laetitia Rabbat, Deputy Counsel, ICC, Abu Dhabi
  5. Serena Salem, Counsel, DLA Piper, Paris

Closing Remarks: Zeina Obeid, Partner, Obeid & Partners, ICC YAAF Dubai

AI’m Loving It

Innovation isn’t coming, it’s already here, and AI is changing the game faster than ever. This conversation brings together leaders at the forefront of the transformation to unpack what’s really happening behind the buzz. From cutting-edge developments in agentic AI to the real challenges and opportunities shaping firms, corporates, and institutions, this is where theory meets practice. If you want straight answers to the questions keeping you up at night and a clear view of what’s next, this is the session to join.

Shaping Dialogue, Strengthening Legacy: Mediation in the Family Business Context

Family businesses form the backbone of many economies in the Middle East, grounded in shared vision, values, and commitment. Yet even the strongest family enterprises face challenges when making pivotal decisions—whether appointing a successor, drafting a family charter, or planning for generational transitions.

This panel will explore how mediation can be applied to the unique dynamics of family businesses to foster clarity, empathy, and inclusion in decision-making. Drawing on real-world experiences and practical case studies, distinguished speakers will discuss proven strategies to optimise communication, bridge generational perspectives, and prevent disputes before they arise. The panel will also consider how mediators and other neutral professionals can facilitate leadership transitions, design effective governance frameworks, and support families in articulating shared values and long-term objectives.

The event will also launch the newly formed ‘Family Business’ Committee of the Mediation Hub.
By bringing together mediators, legal practitioners, advisors, and business leaders, this session aims to demonstrate the critical role of structured, respectful, and culturally attuned dialogue in preserving both business continuity and family harmony.

Addressing Disputes on Russian Energy Interests in the Middle East: Practical Strategies for Lawyers and Experts

Russia’s energy sector is critical to global markets, but disputes in this space have grown more complex amid sanctions and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

This panel will explore key legal, contractual, and enforcement challenges in resolving energy disputes involving Russian entities — with practical insights for legal and industry stakeholders.

Speakers:

  • Dmitry Dyakin, Partner, DG Partners
  • Evgeny Raschevsky, Partner, EPAM
  • Faris Nasrallah, Head of Arbitration, Crescent Petroleum
  • Paul Key KC, Essex Court Chambers
  • Rohit Singhal, CEO, Masin
  • Moderator- Himanshu Batra, Associate Partner, Masin

Courtside with arbitrateAD: Reflections, Connections, and the Road Ahead

Join us for an engaging and exclusive evening during Dubai Arbitration Week as we open the doors to arbitrateAD’s leadership and progress. This special event offers a rare opportunity to connect with distinguished members of the arbitrateAD’s Court of Arbitration, the Case Management Office, and the Advisory Boards of the Mediation Rules and Arabic Rules. Set in an elegant reception setting, the evening will feature both social networking and substantive updates, offering insights into arbitrateAD’s development and growth since its launch.

Before the Dust Settles: Arbitration’s Pre-Game Power Moves

Panel discussion

15.00:  Registration & Coffee

15.30-16.30: Substantive Programme Element

16.30 – 17.15: Drinks Reception

Securing quick, enforceable interim relief can mean the difference between a meaningful award and a hollow victory. This panel discussion, featuring world-leading experts will delve into how parties can obtain fast, effective interim remedies in and in support of arbitration proceedings, focusing on the UAE’s evolving landscape and drawing parallels with English law and other global regimes.  The session will cover:

  • What is urgent interim relief and why does it matter?
  • Freezing Injunctions and Preservation Orders to prevent dissipation of assets.
  • Interim Orders for securing Information about assets.
  • Emergency arbitrators – the fast-track solution?
  • Courts vs. arbitrators: where to turn for urgent relief.

Enforcing interim measures: making relief effective.