International Commercial Arbitration: From Ancient Arabia to Contemporary Singapore

(4 Credits)

Arbitration is one of the oldest and most effective methods of dispute resolution. It has grown in importance significantly over the past few decades, particularly on the international level. This course will cover foundational aspects of international commercial arbitration (the arbitration agreement, the arbitral tribunal, the arbitral procedure, the seat of arbitration, the law applicable to the merits of the dispute, and the arbitral award and its enforcement). Students will then turn their attention to the specificities of arbitration in the Middle East and North Africa, from its Islamic origins to its current challenges, as well as to Singapore, one of the leading arbitration centers in Asia and the world. To complement class time, students will meet with several arbitral institutions and other practitioners based in the United Arab Emirates (virtually or in-person) and in Singapore (virtually), to further develop students' knowledge of contemporary international commercial arbitration.