Navigating Evolving Dispute Resolution Trends: SIMC at Riyadh International Disputes Week 2025
SIMC returns to Riyadh International Disputes Week (RIDW) for the second year, where we engaged in discussions on the evolving dispute resolution landscape. Our participation included a joint event with Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC), as well as a panel discussion on institutional mediation, where our Registrar, Mr. Benatt Lee, shared his insights.
Navigating the Gulf-Asia Trade and Investment Corridor
In collaboration with SIAC and SICC, SIMC co-hosted an event "Navigating the Gulf-Asia Trade and Investment Corridor: Innovative Approaches to Dispute Resolution from Singapore and Saudi Arabia," exploring innovative dispute resolution strategies that support cross-border trade and investment between the Gulf and Asia.
The session brought together leading experts in international dispute resolution to discuss Saudi Arabia’s transformative projects and the latest trends in arbitration, mediation, and commercial courts. Discussions also covered the increasing adoption of technology-driven solutions and hybrid mechanisms that integrate different forms of dispute resolution.
The event featured distinguished speakers, including Ms. Charlene Chang, Deputy Secretary (Development), Ministry of Law, Singapore, who delivered the Welcome Address, and Mr. Toby Landau KC, SIMC's Board Member and Vice Chairman of SCCA, who presented the Keynote Address. Mr. Toby Landau KC is also the Vice President of SIAC Court of Arbitration; Barrister and an Advocate & Arbitrator at Duxton Hill Chambers.
The event also included two engaging panel discussions with representatives from:
Panel Session I – From Vision to Reality: Tailored Solutions that Facilitate Growth
This discussion focused on dispute resolution mechanisms that support economic expansion and investment in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Moderated by Mr. Paul Sandosham, Partner & Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Resources Disputes, Southeast Asia at Clifford Chance Singapore. The panel speakers included:
- Ms. Lucy Reed, President, SIAC Court of Arbitration; Independent Arbitrator, Arbitration Chambers (New York)
- Mr. Tarek Audi, Senior Vice President, Special Advisor, Chairman, PIF Legal Disputes Committee, Public Investment Fund
- Mr. Tay Peng Cheng, Head of Energy Projects & Construction Practice, WongPartnership LLP
- Mr. Graham Coop, Partner & Head of Public International Law and Co-Head of Investor-State Dispute Settlement, Pinsent Masons
- Ms. Michelle Li, Head of International Arbitration, Construction & Projects (China), Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP Shenzhen Representative Office
Panel Session II – The Future of Dispute Resolution: Emerging Trends and Complementary Solutions
This panel examined new trends in dispute resolution, including technology-driven mechanisms and integrated approaches combining arbitration, mediation, and litigation. Moderated by Mr. Thomas R. Snider, Partner, Head of International Arbitration at Charles Russell Speechlys. Besides SIMC's Registrar, Mr. Benatt Lee, the other panel speakers were:
- Ms. Crystal Tan, Divisional Registrar, Singapore International Commercial Court
- Mr. Vivek Gambhir, EVP Legal/General Counsel, PIF Portfolio Company; International Arbitrator
- Mr. Edmund Kronenburg, Managing Partner, Braddell Brothers LLP
Institutional Mediation: A ‘Legal Hardtalk’ with Gunnercooke
On 25 February 2025, our Registrar, Benatt Lee, joined a distinguished panel at the Gunnercooke ‘Legal Hardtalk’ session "Institutional mediation under the spotlight by international arbitration experts, Khaled Moyeed and Sam Karim KC" to discuss the evolving role of institutional mediation. Co-chaired by Sam Karim KC, the session tackled key questions on mediation’s role within the wider dispute resolution ecosystem.
The other panel speakers included:
- James South, CEO, Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR)
- Benatt Lee
- Bridget Mary McCormack, President & CEO, American Arbitration Association
- Chris Alberti, Chief of ADR/General Counsel, Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration
- Alexander Fessas, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce
The discussion covered critical issues such as:
- The role of mediators versus judges and arbitrators.
- The cost implications of mediation.
- The rise of court-mandated compulsory mediation in various jurisdictions.
The panel also explored the challenges and opportunities in cross-border dispute resolution. The panel expressed optimism that as awareness of the Singapore Convention grows and more jurisdictions come on board, mediation could become a more mainstream option for resolving complex commercial disputes—offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible alternative to traditional litigation and arbitration.
RIDW 2025 underscored the growing recognition of mediation and hybrid dispute resolution models in the region. SIMC remains committed to supporting businesses, legal practitioners, and policymakers in strengthening access to effective dispute resolution. We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners in the Gulf and beyond.
