Secretariat is delighted to share highlights from our time at Dubai Arbitration Week 2024. From engaging events to innovative discussions, it was an honor to participate in an incredible lineup of events. 

Monday, November 11 

Amit Garg kicked off Secretariat’s participation in the week’s events, speaking on a panel titled “Debate: Delay Experts in Construction Arbitrations Go Too Far — Where is the Correct Evidential Line?” alongside Sarah-Jane Fick (Dubai Holding), Alexa Hall (Clyde & Co LLP), and Richard Harding (Keating Chambers).  

The discussion, featuring leaders in international construction arbitration, explored competing perspectives, identified where delay experts overstep the correct evidential boundaries, and considered how such experts can be most effectively used in complex, high-value construction arbitration.  

Later in the day, Cameron Postlewaight spoke at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Young Members Group, UAE Debate Series event “Expert Oral Evidence Should be Limited to ‘Hot-tubbing’ Only.”  

Moderated by Melissa McLaren MCIArb, the intriguing debate also featured Nisreen Bitar-Wall, Ciaran Coates LLM (MRICS, FCIArb), and Sercan Kocamanoglu. 

Tuesday, November 12 

On Tuesday evening, Secretariat and Fulcrum Capital hosted a networking and cocktails event at the Sunken Garden in the Ritz Carlton DIFC. The event was a great success, providing a vibrant, relaxed setting for professionals to connect and share insights. Attendees enjoyed a selection of fine cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while engaging in stimulating conversations about the state of arbitration today and tomorrow. 

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet new colleagues who are passionate about advancements and growth in our industry. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening.  

After our cocktail event, Secretariat continued the festivities at the DALADs dinner. Secretariat attendees included Mike Saulsbury, Nick Child, Natasha Willicombe, Stuart Allan, Ian Greenhough, and Ralph Stobwasser.   

Wednesday, November 13 

Mike Saulsbury led Secretariat’s lineup of discussions on Day 3, speaking on a panel titled “Enhanced Productivity or Potential Pitfall? Understanding the Use of AI in Arbitration from Every Angle.” The panel, part of Exponent’s “Let’s Talk Practical Use of AI” conference at DAW, gave industry experts and arbitrators an opportunity to discuss the power — and shortcomings — of large language models used in typical legal support software. Mike explored these topics with moderator Shane Kennett, PhD,PE,CWI (Exponent) and fellow panelists Emma Nierinck (Mantle Law), Sanjay Patel KC (4 Pump Court), and Kaitlin Spak, PhD, PE (Exponent). 

Later that morning, Stephen Millington and Ralph Stobwasser participated in a panel discussion on “Criminal Law and Enforcement Considerations in Arbitral Proceedings” alongside Ben Jones (Greenberg Traurig) and Florence Jerome-Ball (Greenberg Traurig).The panel discussed vital considerations for white-collar crime in arbitrations, the interplay between criminal proceedings and arbitration proceedings, and current considerations from an enforcement and asset recovery perspective.  

Thursday, November 14  

Ian Greenhough led Secretariat’s discussions on Thursday morning, speaking at Limeslade’s Construction and Law Masterclass on the topic of AI/Tech in construction disputes.  

Ian delved into key questions on how AI is transforming construction and dispute resolution with fellow panelists Michael Wheater KC (Gatehouse Chambers), and Nick Oury (Herbert Smith Freehills). The discussion also explored the latest AI tools available and the potential for automation in the field. 

We capped off the week by rocking out at the 9^th annual Law Rocks! Dubai Event at Bla Bla Dubai. Secretariat is a proud sponsor of Law Rocks! Dubai and was thrilled to continue our support of this fantastic event. We saw terrific performances from all participating bands and tremendous funds raised for the organizations benefiting charities, Dubai Health and the Al Jalila Foundation.