DIFC-LCIA’s new director and registrar

Following the announcement by the LCIA and the DIFC Dispute Resolution Authority (DRA) of the completion of the restructuring of the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre, Mohamed ElGhatit has been appointed as Director & Registrar of the Centre.

In a statement released by Alec Emmerson, chief executive of the DIFC Arbitration Institute and consultant at Clyde & Co, Emmerson announced, “ElGhatit is a senior associate in the disputes practice of Hogan Lovells with more than 10 yeas' experience working in Dubai and the Middle East. He is bi-lingual (Arabic/English) and regularly acts as counsel and arbitrator in a broad range of complex and transnational disputes. The Board of Trustees consider that his experience will be a great asset to the Centre as the person in charge of its day to day operations and activities and the management of the Secretariat. In addition to the current team it is envisaged that further staff will be appointed in due course to assist the Director in the performance of his duties.”

He added, “ElGhatit will consolidate casework handling in the Centre's Dubai office and drive forward the regional and wider development and reputation of the Centre to enhance Dubai's role as the major centre for the resolution of commercial disputes for those doing business in and within the Gulf states. The appointment of Mohamed ElGhatit as Registrar & Director of DIFC LCIA Arbitration Centre marks an important milestone in the revitalisation and development of the Centre as a beacon in the region for the timely and efficient resolution of disputes by arbitration, mediation and other methods of ADR. Mohamed's previous experience and the fact that he is bi-lingual will be a great benefit to the Centre and its users.”

ElGhatit will join the Centre from mid-February 2016. 

 J. William Rowley QC, Chairman of LCIA Board said "The choice of a DIFC LCIA clause coupled with a DIFC seat is increasingly seen as the most sensible choice for institutional arbitration for parties with business dealings in the GULF and wider MENA region. Mohamed's energy and established arbitration credentials will be a catalyst for substantial growth in the adoption of the DIFC LCIA clause."

Jacomijn van Haersolte-van Hof, Director General of LCIA said "The LCIA is delighted with Mohamed's appointment. It will be wonderful to consolidate casework in Dubai and the fact that Mohamed is bilingual is a fantastic asset. We look forward to working with him and to enhance the Centre's caseload, ensuring the level of quality users of the LCIA are also accustomed to."