Craig Shepherd and Mike McClure to edit a TDM special on arbitration in the Middle East - a call for papers

Craig Shepherd and Mike McClure from the HSF office in Dubai are co-editing a TDM (Transnational Dispute Management) Special entitled "Arbitration in the Middle East - expectations and challenges for the future".

The volume of international business either in the Middle East or with a Middle Eastern element is increasing and many of the contracts being used provide for arbitration.  While arbitration ("tahkim" in Arabic) has long-standing religious and cultural roots in the Middle East, there are a number of differences and tensions between the Western perception of arbitration and certain Islamic legal principles.

The TDM Special will aim to collect views of experienced practitioners, academics, and policymakers in the region. In particular, the Special will look at some of the differences between the Western and Middle Eastern perceptions of arbitration, and will also consider expectations for the future.  Some potential topics include: (a) the legislative framework to support arbitration, including new arbitration laws and regional arbitral centres; (b) whether the modern concept of arbitration can resolve Shari'a disputes; (c) the role public policy should play in relation to judicial involvement with the arbitral process and enforcement or arbitral awards; (d) whether arbitral processes or arbitral laws could or should be reformed so that arbitration better suits the needs of today's Middle Eastern users; and (e) claims under international investment treaties arising out of regional regime change, particularly in North Africa.

If you are interested in contributing or would like to know more about the forthcoming Special, please contact the editors. Papers should be submitted directly to the editors on or before 30 September 2014 - craig.shepherd@hsf.com and mike.mcclure@hsf.com - with a copy to info@transnational-dispute-management.com.

This call for papers can also be found on the TDM website here:

http://www.transnational-dispute-management.com/news.asp?key=527