The inaugural edition of the Beirut Arbitration Days is organized by the Lebanese and International Arbitration Center of the Beirut Bar Association (LIAC-BBA). The event marks a significant milestone in bringing together the global arbitration community in Beirut. This pioneering event serves as a vibrant platform for arbitration professionals from around the world, facilitating in-depth discussions, fostering academic discourse, and endorsing Beirut as a hub for arbitration in the MENA Region.
Hosted in Beirut, a city renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, the Beirut Arbitration Days are set against the backdrop of Lebanon’s prestigious legal institutions and a strong tradition of legal scholarship.
The event is distinguished by its international appeal and comprehensive agenda, drawing together a diverse group of practitioners, scholars, experts, and students.
Attendees gather with the aims of broadening their international networks, gaining insights from distinguished voices in the field, engaging with groundbreaking ideas, and identifying the bright new talents who will influence the future of arbitration.
Featuring a mix of academic dialogues, hands-on workshops, and relaxed networking opportunities, the Beirut Arbitration Days are designed to encourage intellectual exchange and collaborative advancement. Participants will have unparalleled networking opportunities to engage with arbitration practitioners from Lebanese and international law firms, corporate counsels, arbitrators, company executives and governmental entities.
Panel Description: This panel will explore the potential of Beirut to emerge as the central hub for arbitration in the Arab world. Drawing on its rich history and strategic location, our esteemed speakers on this panel will discuss the historical foundations, current trends, and necessary steps to elevate the status of Beirut in the arbitration world.
Join us for the Opening Cocktail Reception on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, from 17:15 to 19:00, on the first floor of Maison de l’Avocat. All registered attendees are invited to enjoy an evening of refined Lebanese hors d’œuvres and signature beverages. This reception offers the perfect opportunity to meet fellow delegates, engage with our distinguished speakers, and toast the formal commencement of Beirut Arbitration Days.
In this session, the Director of the LIAC-BBA will provide an overview of the Center’s institutional mandate, governance structure and key activities, with particular emphasis on the New LIAC-BBA Arbitration Rules. The presentation will demonstrate how these rules govern case administration, ensure procedural efficiency and uphold fairness, and will highlight the Center's initiatives designed to reinforce Lebanon’s arbitration framework and foster collaboration across the region.
Prof. Najib Hage-Chahine
This panel will examine the proliferation of arbitration centers throughout the Middle East and North Africa, including those in Lebanon, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Speakers will discuss whether having multiple centers in one region fosters beneficial collaboration and diversity, or results in market saturation and duplication of services. By exploring each center’s unique strengths and potential overlaps, the panel aims to offer insights into how these institutions can coexist and thrive.
This panel will delve into the ethical dilemmas that arise in arbitration, from conflicts of interest and confidentiality concerns to the often-debated practice of “double-hatting.” Speakers will assess whether certain local rules or norms risk falling below recognized international best practices, and whether a coherent “minimum standard” of ethics truly exists—or should exist—across jurisdictions. The discussion will reference real-life cases, examine various codes of conduct, and provide actionable guidance for practitioners aiming to uphold the highest ethical standards in international arbitration.
This panel will explore the evolving landscape of damages and costs in arbitration, focusing on emerging trends such as third-party funding, cost-capping measures, and the use of new technologies to streamline processes. Drawing on recent high-profile arbitral decisions, speakers will highlight best practices for managing the risks and complexities of calculating damages, allocating costs, and ensuring transparency. By combining theoretical frameworks with real-world examples, the panel aims to equip practitioners with actionable strategies to achieve fair and efficient outcomes in arbitration proceedings.
Marie-Antoinette Airut
Rania Khoury
Celine Abi Habib Kanakri
Richard McConn
Bassam Mirza
Karim Nassif
This panel will examine the art and science of cross-examination and advocacy in international arbitration, drawing on firsthand experiences from arbitrators, expert witnesses, and counsel. Speakers will discuss effective strategies for preparing witnesses, tailoring questioning styles to different legal traditions, and addressing cultural nuances in cross-border disputes. Real-world case examples will illustrate how skilled advocacy can sway tribunals, ensuring fair and efficient proceedings. Attendees will gain practical insights into honing cross-examination techniques, refining advocacy approaches, and aligning best practices with the evolving demands of international arbitration.
This panel delves into the evolving interplay between national courts and arbitral tribunals, examining whether they ultimately reinforce or undermine one another. Panelists will discuss how each system’s procedures, rulings, and interventions can shape the broader landscape of dispute resolution, touching on topics such as judicial oversight of arbitration, enforcement of awards, and collaborative best practices. Attendees will gain insights into the real-world tension points and promising pathways for achieving both efficiency and fairness when courts and arbitration meet.
This panel examines how armed conflict and geopolitical volatility influence risk allocation in energy disputes, covering both commercial arbitration and investment arbitration. Speakers will discuss contractual tools (such as force majeure provisions), enforcement challenges, and the nuances of arbitration procedures that cater to volatile contexts. Drawing on real-world cases, the panel will highlight best practices for drafting contracts, managing unforeseen crises, and adapting both commercial and investment arbitral mechanisms to address disruptions caused by war and political upheaval.
This panel will examine the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the practice of international arbitration—from automated document review and data analytics, to predictive assessment of legal outcomes and enhanced language translation tools. Speakers will address the opportunities AI offers for increased efficiency and accuracy, as well as the potential drawbacks and ethical considerations surrounding confidentiality, data security, and bias. Attendees will gain practical insights into current AI applications, emerging technologies, and the future trajectory of AI-driven dispute resolution in the global arbitration community.
Vincent Slingerland
Antoine Kanaan
Khalifah Al Yaqout
Dr. Khodr Fakih
Sana Belaïd
Dr. Chady Saad
Join us for an intimate fireside chat with H.E. Mr. Kamal Shehadi Lebanon’s Minister of Information Technology & Artificial Intelligence and Mr. Maroun Chammas, President of the Association of Petroleum Importing Companies (APIC). Discover Lebanon’s strategy in introducing AI and transforming the justice system and what is needed and contemplated for a purposeful action in building a future ready society, from e-courts and regulatory frameworks to public–private partnerships. Gain concise, strategic insights on balancing innovation with ethical oversight and positioning Lebanon as a regional digital justice leader.
H.E. Dr. Kamal Shehadi
Maroun Chammas
Claudia El Hage
Join us for a hands-on demonstration of international arbitration practice at the Beirut Arbitration Days Mock Arbitration Proceedings. This interactive session will feature a staged hearing that mirrors real-life disputes, showcasing every key step—from opening statements and witness examination to final arguments and the issuance of an arbitral award. Throughout the mock proceedings, seasoned arbitrators, counsel, and experts will offer real-time commentary, sharing insights on best practices, common pitfalls, and effective advocacy techniques. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of both procedural frameworks and practical strategies, making this event an invaluable learning experience for professionals and newcomers to the field alike
H.E. Prof. Ibrahim Najjar
Dr Ghaleb Mahmassani
Soraya Corm-Bakhos
Antonia Birt
Karim Nassif
Sarah Malik
As the inaugural edition of Beirut Arbitration Days draw to a close, Prof. Najib Hage-Chahine will deliver a capstone address synthesizing the key insights shared throughout the event and unveiling a strategic roadmap to cement Beirut’s emergence as a leading arbitration hub.
Prof. Najib Hage-Chahine
Director of the Lebanese International Arbitration Center of the Beirut Bar Association.
Professor Najib Hage-Chahine currently serves as the Director of the Lebanese International Arbitration Center of the Beirut Bar Association. He is the Managing Partner of Hage-Chahine Law Firm and is a dual-qualified lawyer in Lebanon and France. He holds the prestigious title of Agrégé of the French Faculties of Law which is the highest academic recognition that is bestowed upon French Law Practitioners and is a Professor of Private Law at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Saint-Joseph University in Beirut and a Visiting Professor at Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas in Paris. As an experienced litigator and a listed arbitrator, he specializes in domestic and international disputes arising out of a contract. His expertise encompasses cross-border enforcement of court decisions and arbitral awards as well as investor-state dispute settlements. He is well-versed in issues of sovereign immunity and emanation of state and has demonstrated the ability to deliver indisputable results in matters involving foreign governments and international institutions. His expertise has been recognized globally and reflected in leading legal directories. Najib Hage-Chahine is recognized as a Global Leader in Commercial Litigation & Arbitration by Who's Who Legal. In 2022 & 2023, he was named by Thomson Reuters ALB as one of MENA Super 50 Lawyers. Chambers & Partners describes him as "a great leader with amazing communication skills". According to Chambers & Partners, "Najib is excellent in trials and is always a step ahead. He stands out for his attention to detail and his total mastery of the law". The Legal 500 describes Najib Hage-Chahine as "one of the most brilliant legal minds of his generation" and "one the most recognizable private law experts in Lebanon". According to the Legal 500, he “is an absolute force. His reputation as a brilliant litigator and arbitrator is well-deserved”. (The Legal 500 – Lebanon, Dispute Resolution). Who's Who Legal describes Najib Hage-Chahine as "one of the most brilliant legal minds in the Middle East" and "the go-to-strategist for high-profile cross-border litigation" (Who's Who Legal - 2021 Global Guide on Commercial Litigation). Najib Hage-Chahine has earned a PHD in Private Law from Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas, a LL.M. from Harvard Law School, a Master 2 in Private Law from Saint-Joseph University, a Master 2 in Criminal Law from Lyon 3-Jean Moulin University, a Master 1 in Business Law from Lyon 3-Jean Moulin University and a LLB in Lebanese Law from Saint-Joseph University. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (FCIArb) and a member of several prominent international arbitration organizations. He has numerous publications in the fields of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, Civil Law, Contract law, Commercial Law, Private International Law, Mediation, and Tort Law. He has published one of the most comprehensive legal studies on international commercial agencies in the Arab Countries and has written an award-winning PHD thesis in Private Law. He is fluent in Arabic, French and English. He currently serves as the President of the Harvard University Alumni Association of Lebanon.
Managing Partner of Marri & El Hage Law Office, Member of the Court of Arbitration at the LIAc-BBA
Claudia El Hage is the Managing Partner of al Marri & el Hage Law Office. She acts as a legal consultant, litigator, arbitrator and legal expert. Claudia works in civil, corporate, commercial and transactional matters as well as business criminal cases and regulatory investigations. She specializes mostly in construction, contracting, engineering consultancy, property, and real estate, corporate, banking, and M&A. She advises international and local firms on their projects with a focus on the MENA region and all legal aspects pertaining thereto. She has advised and represented clients in litigation, ADR, compliance, regulatory investigations and setting aside proceedings in relation to disputes and transactions of various nature. She also acts in various jurisdictions in international and domestic arbitration, mainly under ICC, LCIA and QICCA Rules and in ad hoc proceedings. Her international law practice provides essential legal counseling to many international, regional and local commercial companies and corporations. Claudia is the author and co-author of many publications pertaining to international arbitration and litigation (GAR – Lexology - Lexis Nexis - International Journal of Arab Arbitration) and she is often invited as a speaker in various institutional and university conferences and webinars.
Lawyer and independent ADR practitioner in arbitration and mediation, Member of the Court of Arbitration of the LIAC-BBA
Nationality: Lebanese – Canadian Lawyer and independent ADR practitioner in arbitration and mediation. University lecturer in Contractual law, Dispute Resolution, US Business Law Former regional director at ICC International Court Arbitration - MENA Paris-Dubai Dania@argentumlaw.com /Dania.fahs@insead.edu / Dania.fahs@usj.edu.com Dania has (20 +) years of mixed experience as dual qualified attorney in private practice, in-house counseling, and institutional practice. She is specialized in commercial law and has advised clients on a broad range of commercial contentious and non-contentious matters as well as assisted in negotiating complex cross border transactions in various sectors (pharmaceutical, technology, energy, FMCG, luxury…). She has extensive international experience in advising multinational boards on a wide range of legal and strategic issues. Dania holds a PhD in Contractual Law (University Montpellier I -France), an Executive MBA from INSEAD (2018) and a post graduate degree in IP and Alternative Dispute Resolution (University of Montreal). She is a member of Arbitral Women and a certified CEDR mediator. She is on the WIPO list of arbitrators and mediators and other global and regional arbitral institutions.
Principal at Nassif Arbitration, Member of the Court of Arbitration of LIAC-BBA
Karim J. Nassif has more than 20 years’ experience in arbitration, mediation, civil law, contract law, commercial and corporate law, banking and finance, real estate and construction law. He acted as counsel, mediator, adjudicator and arbitrator in more than 200 complex disputes under the most leading international and regional arbitration rules, including the rules of the ICC, LCIA, SCCA, DIFCLCIA, DIAC, BCDR, CRCICA, AAA-ICDR, GCC, UNCITRAL, IICRA and ADCCAC; in various cases seated in the UK, France, Belgium, USA, Switzerland and throughout the Middle East; and governed by a variety of national laws (Lebanon, UAE – including DIFC, KSA, France, England and Wales, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Libya, Kuwait, Syria, New York, OHADA …) or sharia law. He authored and co-authored several publications in English, French and Arabic and he has frequently been a speaker in international conferences and seminars on international arbitration, civil code, mediation, commercial contracts, property, family structuring and legislative reform matters; including ICC, LCIA, IBA, DIAC, Arab Forum, CRCICA, SCCA, EU-OECD, DIFC Academy of Law, Paris Bar, Society of Construction Law, Global Arbitration Review etc .. events. He pleads in English, French and Arabic. He has been awarded the Platinum Award for Sole Arbitrator – Dubai Awards – DIAC. Finally, Karim is the current Vice-Chair of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR, the Co-Chair of the Arab Regional Forum of the International Bar Association and Deputy Secretary General / Member of the Council of the International Bar Association.
Independent Arbitrator
Lara Hammoud is a globally sought-after arbitrator, recognised for her extensive expertise in international arbitration. She is a qualified French lawyer and has over twenty years’ experience in International Arbitration. Prior to becoming a full-time arbitrator in July 2024, Lara spent a decade as in-house counsel heading the Disputes team at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Prior to ADNOC, Lara started her career in Paris at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) before moving to private practice with a Magic Circle law firm in Paris and Abu Dhabi. Lara has acted as tribunal chair, sole and party-appointed arbitrator in both common and civil law jurisdictions under UNCITRAL, DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, SIAC, BCDR, ADCCAC, ArbitrateAD and ICC arbitration rules seated in Europe, Asia and the Middle-East. Lara is the co-founder of the highly successful Civil Law Conference in Abu Dhabi. She is the writer and editor of numerous articles and books relating to international arbitration and regularly appears as a speaker at international conferences and arbitration workshops. Lara is regularly recognised in the directories including most recently Who’s Who Legal, Arbitration 2024 and Chambers & Partners, Most In Demand Arbitrators, UAE 2024. Lara speaks fluently Arabic, English and French and is proficient in Italian. She is a member of the ArbitrateAD Court of Arbitration and the ICC Commission on Arbitration & ADR.
Head of Content Strategy, LexisNexis Middle East
Lara SALEM is a seasoned legal tech professional with a rich 17-year career in digital publishing and content creation, specializing in developing legal series. With 14 years dedicated to the Gulf region, Lara has honed her expertise in managing dynamic teams of legal researchers and translators, while fostering strong author relations. Her contributions extend to the development of rule of law projects that have significantly impacted the region. Lara's impressive trajectory in the legal tech industry has recently been elevated by her role at LexisNexis, where she joined a year ago as the Head of Content Strategy for the MENA region. In this capacity, Lara oversees two pivotal platforms, Middle East Online and Lexis MA for Morocco, steering the content expansion strategy in collaboration with the product teams. Her leadership ensures that LexisNexis remains at the forefront of legal research and content strategy in the MENA region, reflecting her deep commitment to innovation and excellence in the field. Her recent endeavours include spearheading the transition of legal research through the integration of AI tools. She has been instrumental in training teams on AI utilization, crafting effective prompts, and seamlessly incorporating these advancements into existing processes. Holding a bachelor's degree in political science, a civil law degree, and a common law degree, Lara Salem brings a diverse and comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. Lara's commitment to personal growth and leadership is further exemplified by her certification as a coach, underscoring her multifaceted expertise and dedication to the legal tech industry.
Lawyer, CEO & Founder, SOL International
Sarah Malik is an award-winning lawyer who founded SOL International Ltd, a boutique legal consultancy registered at the ADGM in 2018. Sarah achieved ‘Litigator of the Year’ (2022) at the first GCC Women in Law Awards and received an honourable mention as ‘Law Firm Leader of the Year’ category at the same awards. In March 2022, SOL was named by Legal 500 EMEA as ‘A Firm to Watch in Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation’. In 2023 Sarah was listed as a ‘Leading Practitioner’ in The Arbitration Powerlist: Middle East Legal 500 EMEA. In March 2023, Sarah was appointed to the Inaugural Advisory Committee for the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) In June 2024, Sarah was appointed as ICC UAE Delegate for the ICC Global Commission on Arbitration and ADR. Sarah is a member of the SIAC Users Council in the Middle East and is one of 20 appointed on the Lagos Panel of Arbitration Neutrals. Sarah is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and accepts appointments to sit as an Arbitrator. Sarah undertakes international commercial arbitrations as Counsel (DIAC, ADCCAC, DIFC-LCIA, ICC) and practises commercial litigation at the DIFC and ADGM Courts. She deals with a varied arbitration caseload from construction through to international commercial arbitrations and has enjoyed successful awards in multi-million value. Sarah partners with numerous academies worldwide including AIAC, AIFC, ADJD and DIFC to provide best practice and training on arbitration. She is regularly invited to speak at conferences within the UAE, GCC and internationally for various organizations including the ICC, CIArb and at the IBA. In addition to practice, Sarah is appointed as ADJUNCT Faculty on the LLM programme at Middlesex University, Dubai, in International Commercial Litigation and Arbitration. Sarah has authored a text on a ‘A Guide to GCC Arbitration’ and is currently involved in writing a book on ‘Arbitration in the Arab World’.
Managing Partner, Jaber Law Firm
Dr. Talal Jaber is a holder of a BA in Law and an LLM in Business Contracts, a diploma in Anglo American Law and a Ph.D. in International Business Law with Honors. Specialized in Business Law, Arbitration and Business Ethics, he is the author of five books and many articles. His book “Introduction to Business Law”, in its three editions, is being taught at the top ranking American Universities in Lebanon. It covers many legal topics including Law of Contracts, Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Labor Law and others. His book “International Sales of Goods” is considered as the first reference in Lebanese Law since the ratification by Lebanon of the United Nations Convention for the International Sales of Goods. His last book “Arbitration”, in association with Sader Publishers, is one of the most important references on Arbitral Jurisprudence in Lebanon. His varied experience covers Legal Services, Arbitration, Legislation, Consultancy, Education Services, Corporate Training and Business Ethics. He was the facilitator for many local and international workshops focusing on Claims and Counter Claims in Construction, Communication Skills, Negotiation Skills, International Business Law, Patent Law, Developing Business Plan and Contract Management… Worked on a number of projects with international and local companies, the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University and La Sagesse University. Currently, he is a lawyer and a managing partner at Jaber Law Firm (www.jaberlawfirm.com), established in 1929, Consultant, International Arbitrator and Lecturer of Business Law, Business Ethics and International Business Law at the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University and La Sagesse University, and a visiting professor at the University of Montpellier in France.
Museum District, Beirut, Lebanon
