UAE Hosts Regional Sports Arbitration Seminar in Abu Dhabi

The two-day Regional Sports Arbitration Seminar concluded today in Abu Dhabi, hosted by the UAE National Olympic Committee and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in cooperation with the Olympic Council of Asia. The event brought together sports arbitration experts, officials, and representatives from across Asia to discuss the latest developments, challenges, and best practices in sports law and arbitration.

Presentations Highlight Best Practices

On the closing day, participants attended presentations by the Qatar Sports Arbitration Foundation, which showcased its ongoing development efforts since its establishment. The session emphasized the foundation’s strategies to handle cases effectively and build trust in arbitration systems. Salman Alansari, Vice President, contributed to the discussion, highlighting the foundation’s growth and lessons learned.

Additionally, a session titled “Is Sports Arbitration Under Threat?” was presented by Benoit Pasquier, partner at Charles Russell Speechlys. This session explored contemporary challenges facing sports arbitration, examining trends, potential risks, and methods to enhance the credibility and efficiency of arbitration procedures globally.

Saudi Experience in Sports Arbitration

Dr. Mohammed bin Nasser Basem, Chairman of the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center, shared insights from Saudi Arabia’s experience. He described it as comprehensive, covering the establishment, regulatory frameworks, management of cases, and media engagement. Dr. Basem stressed the importance of developing arbitration centers at both continental and international levels, and the value of sharing expertise to support emerging national centers across Asia.

His presentation highlighted the need for well-structured systems, transparent management, and trust-building to ensure that sports arbitration is effective, credible, and respected among athletes, federations, and the public.

Omani Perspective and Future Plans

Salem Al Rawahi from Oman’s Dispute Resolution and Sports Arbitration Committee emphasized that the seminar shed light on critical aspects of sports arbitration. He appreciated the diverse perspectives shared by representatives from the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, noting that they enriched the discussions.

Oman intends to use these insights to establish its own independent sports arbitration center, ensuring fair, transparent, and efficient resolution of sports disputes in the Sultanate, aligned with international best practices.

Achievements of the Seminar

The Olympic Council of Asia stated that the seminar successfully achieved its objectives. It deepened understanding of international sports law developments, promoted awareness of arbitration procedures, and discussed key cases affecting sports governance in Asia. The seminar also fostered dynamic engagement among sports arbitration officials, strengthening the network of experts and officials across the continent.

Participants highlighted the value of knowledge exchange and collaboration, which can be applied to the development of emerging sports arbitration centers in various Asian countries.

UAE Praised for Hosting Efforts

The Council expressed its appreciation to the UAE, Abu Dhabi, the National Olympic Committee, and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for their outstanding efforts in hosting the event. The professionalism, organization, and hospitality provided during the seminar were noted as exemplary, creating an environment conducive to learning, networking, and collaboration.

The active participation of experts from different countries enriched the discussions, helping the region advance its knowledge and implementation of sports arbitration procedures.

The seminar underscored the importance of regional cooperation in sports arbitration. By sharing best practices, supporting emerging centers, and engaging in dialogue, Asian countries can strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of arbitration in sports.

The UAE’s successful hosting demonstrates its leadership in promoting sports governance, supporting fair play, and fostering a culture of integrity in athletic competitions. With continued collaboration, sports arbitration across Asia is expected to grow stronger and more resilient, providing athletes and organizations with reliable mechanisms to resolve disputes efficiently.