LocationsIraqi Law Students Shine at Arabic Arbitration Moot in Riyadh
April 16, 2025
“It is a success for Iraq and a result of our efforts to make arbitration known in the country. Representing Iraq on such a platform and returning with multiple awards encourages us even more,” says Dleen Dlshad a law student at Duhok University.
Mohammed Abdulhadi, who studies law at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, adds: “Being here and meeting students from across the Arab world helps us build our network, learn from each other, and make Iraq more visible in international fora. We were awarded Best Respondent’s Memorandum and Best Respondent Oralist. This encourages us even more to continue learning and help our country excel in the near future.”
Hatem, Ahmed, and 18 other students from the American University of Baghdad, American University of Iraq Sulaimani, University of Baghdad, Mosul University, and Duhok University participated in the Riyadh in person rounds of the Arab Arbitration Moot, organized by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration. This year, 154 teams from 24 countries joined the competition. Only 32 teams advanced to the in-person rounds in Riyadh, including five teams from Iraq, a significant increase from two teams last year.
“I have been part of this journey since 2023. Last year, we represented Iraq at the Arab Arbitration Moot for the first time. This year, our numbers have more than doubled,” says Hatem Kareem, a student at the American University of Baghdad, and one of four students who participated last year following arbitration training provided by UNDP.
“Like others, I joined the arbitration trainings UNDP has been offering. These sessions have supported our capacity, skills, and knowledge in commercial dispute resolution and arbitration. Thanks to this training and the support we received, we elevated our performance and tested our knowledge at the regional level,” says Ahmed Saad from Mosul University.
UNDP has been supporting law students across Iraq to build their capacities in Commercial Dispute Resolution, with Arbitration as one of the key focus areas. Funded by the European Union through the Anti-Corruption and Arbitration Initiatives, for the second consecutive year, UNDP has supported student participation in the Arab Arbitration Moot through coaching and preparation.
Out of the five Iraqi teams that participated this year, two reached the Round of 16, and one advanced to the quarterfinals. This highlights the growing strength, interest and capacity of Iraqi law students and universities in the field of arbitration, a vital tool in unlocking Iraq’s business potential.
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution mechanism which is widely used between investors and local counterparties, whether private or public. Compared to national courts, arbitration offers faster, more efficient, and more reliable process of resolving disputes for businesses. It allows for the selection of specialized arbitrators, streamlined processes, and legally binding final awards.
Currently, Iraq lacks modern legislation regulating commercial arbitration. With UNDP’s support, a draft arbitration law has been developed and is now under review in Parliament. UNDP also supports enhancing the capacity of the judiciary and lawyers in arbitration and mediation, thereby building an ecosystem conducive of efficient mechanisms of dispute resolution in line with best international practices. All these efforts are intended to creating a reliable business environment attracting and retaining investments in Iraq.
“I plan to begin my career in the Iraqi judicial system after graduation, where I can make a difference using the knowledge and skills I’ve gained through my education and training. Iraq needs young, forward-looking professionals to take the country to the next level and my goal is to be a part of that,” says Zahraa Hayder from Baghdad University.
By supporting both the government and the next generation of legal professionals, UNDP aims to ensure that Iraq’s future lawyers, judges, and prosecutors are well-equipped to promote fair, efficient commercial dispute resolution. This will help position Iraq as a trustworthy market, unlock investment opportunities, and support economic diversification.