Dubai International Financial Centre's (DIFC) LCIA Arbitration Centre has appointed Mohamed ElGhatit as its director and registrar with effect from February 14.

 

The centre is operated by the DIFC Arbitration Institute (DAI) with the assistance of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), said a statement.

 

DAI is an independent body under the umbrella of the DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority (DRA) and works parallel to, but independently from, the DIFC Courts to provide businesses with an unrivalled choice for resolving commercial disputes, it said.

 

ElGhatit, who is currently a senior associate in the disputes practice of Hogan Lovells, brings more than 10 years' experience working in Dubai and the Middle East. 

 

In addition to the current team, it is envisaged that further staff will be appointed in due course to assist the Director in the performance of his duties, said the statement.

 

Meanwhile, ElGhatit will consolidate casework handling in the centre's Dubai office and drive forward the regional and wider development and reputation of the centre to enhance Dubai's role as the major centre for the resolution of commercial disputes for those doing business in and within the Gulf states.

 

J. William Rowley QC, chairman of LCIA Board, said: "The choice of a DIFC LCIA clause coupled with a DIFC seat is increasingly seen as the most sensible choice for institutional arbitration for parties with business dealings in the Gulf and wider Mena region. 

 

"Mohamed's energy and established arbitration credentials will be a catalyst for substantial growth in the adoption of the DIFC LCIA clause."

 

Alec Emmerson, chief executive of DIFC Arbitration Institute, said: "The appointment of Mohamed ElGhatit as registrar and director of DIFC LCIA Arbitration Centre marks an important milestone in the revitalisation and development of the Centre as a beacon in the region for the timely and efficient resolution of disputes by arbitration, mediation and other methods of ADR.  

 

"Mohamed's previous experience and the fact that he is bi-lingual will be a great benefit to the centre and its users." - TradeArabia News Service