SIDRA Forum: Connecting Singapore and MENA for Future Dispute Resolution Insights
On August 27, 2025, the Singapore International Dispute Resolution Academy (SIDRA) held the SIDRA Forum titled “Building Bridges in ADR: MENA Meets Singapore” at the Shangri-La Hotel. This event aimed to create dialogue between practitioners and scholars of dispute resolution from Singapore and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, coinciding with Singapore Convention Week 2025 organized by the Ministry of Law.
Opening Remarks
Professor Nadja Alexander, the Director of SIDRA, welcomed participants and noted the increasing interest in dispute resolution within both regions. She highlighted the potential for collaboration to enhance understanding of dispute resolution mechanisms and to improve processes through empirical insights.
Shared Objectives
Dr. Emad Hussein, a Senior Research Fellow at SIDRA, pointed out the shared objectives of Singapore and MENA as hubs for trade and investment, advocating for collaborative efforts in dispute resolution. He remarked that both regions have invested in establishing institutional credibility through fair and efficient practices in this field.
Keynote Address
In his keynote address, Mr. Murali Pillai SC, Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport, acknowledged the complementary roles of both regions within the global market. He indicated that collaborative efforts could create new opportunities for stakeholders in dispute resolution, emphasizing that engagement should not be perceived as a zero-sum game.
Benefits of Singapore’s ADR Ecosystem
Mr. Pillai also elaborated on the benefits of Singapore’s established alternative dispute resolution (ADR) ecosystem, which includes key institutions such as the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC). This ecosystem plays a significant role in attracting foreign investments.
Memorandum of Understanding
The event also resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law and Omani & Partners LLP, aimed at promoting collaboration through seminars and capacity-building initiatives.
Expert Panels and Discussions
Furthermore, the forum featured expert panels that addressed ongoing legislative and institutional reforms impacting ADR in the MENA region. The discussions underscored the necessity of strengthening ADR institutions, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and promoting mediation as a constructive tool for maintaining business relationships.
Conclusion
Overall, the SIDRA Forum provided a valuable platform for strengthening connections between Singapore and the MENA region, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for international dispute resolution. This collaboration aims to leverage shared strengths, fostering a more effective ADR landscape and exploring new opportunities within both regions.
(cited from SMU News)
