About the Conference

 The International Islamic Centre for Reconciliation and Arbitration (IICRA) is pleased to announce its Fourth Annual International Conference, taking place in Dubai on 11 November 2026 as part of Dubai Arbitration Week 2026.

The Conference will examine the Shari’ah and legal principles governing exceptional circumstances and force majeure affecting contractual obligations, with particular emphasis on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and their practical application to commercial and contractual disputes.

Bringing together distinguished legal practitioners, arbitrators, Shari’ah scholars, academics and industry professionals, the Conference will provide a platform for constructive dialogue, knowledge exchange and the exploration of effective dispute resolution approaches that promote contractual stability, fairness and justice.

Particular attention will be given to institutional arbitration, mediation, reconciliation and dispute adjudication, including the application of IICRA's Arbitration Rules, the mediation framework of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts, and IICRA's newly introduced Dispute Adjudication
 

Conference Themes

 The Conference will address two principal themes:

First Session: The Legal and Shari’ah Nature of Disputes Arising from Exceptional Circumstances and Force Majeure: The Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms

This session will examine the Shari’ah and legal principles governing exceptional circumstances and force majeure affecting contractual obligations, together with their implications for contractual rights and responsibilities.

It will explore approaches to resolving disputes arising from such circumstances, with particular emphasis on arbitration under IICRA's Arbitration Rules and mediation under the Mediation Rules of ADGM Courts, highlighting their key features and practical applications.

Second Session: Practical Applications of Dispute Resolution Mechanisms for Disputes Arising from Exceptional Circumstances and Force Majeure

This session will explore effective mechanisms for resolving contractual disputes arising from exceptional circumstances and force majeure, with particular emphasis on reconciliation, institutional arbitration and dispute adjudication.

Special attention will be given to IICRA's newly introduced Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) Rules and their practical application under the Model Islamic-Based Construction Contract (IBCC), particularly in the context of construction and infrastructure disputes.

Conference Objectives

 The Conference aims to:

- Enhance understanding of the Shari’ah and legal principles governing exceptional circumstances and force majeure affecting contractual obligations.

- Promote effective alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including arbitration, mediation, reconciliation and dispute adjudication.

- Highlight recent developments in IICRA's institutional dispute resolution frameworks and their practical applications.

- Encourage the exchange of professional knowledge, institutional expertise and practical experience.

- Contribute to the development of dispute resolution approaches that promote contractual stability, equitable outcomes and efficient resolution of commercial disputes.

 
Target Audience

 The Conference welcomes judges, lawyers, arbitrators, mediators, Shari’ah scholars, legal advisers, Islamic finance professionals, academics, construction and infrastructure specialists, and representatives of financial and commercial institutions.

 
Join the Conference

 IICRA invites legal professionals, academics and industry representatives to participate in this international gathering and contribute to discussions on contemporary challenges and emerging developments in alternative dispute resolution.

 Attendance is free of charge, and participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

The conference programme, speakers and arrangements are subject to final confirmation and may be updated.