Does A Right To A Physical Hearing Exist In International Arbitration?

a. Parties' Right to a Physical Hearing in the Lex Arbitri

1. Does the lex arbitri of your jurisdiction expressly provide for a right to a physical hearing in arbitration? If so, what are its requirements (e.g., can witness testimony be given remotely, etc.)?

Short answer: No.

The Law No. 2 of 2017 ("the Arbitration Law") governs both domestic and international arbitrations seated in Qatar.¹ It adopted much of the UNCITRAL Model Law. Article 24(1) of the Arbitration Law provides that a tribunal is required to conduct a hearing, unless it considers that the arbitration can be concluded on the basis of written submissions or if the parties have agreed otherwise.² However, the Arbitration Law does not draw a distinction between physical and remote hearings. Therefore, while the Arbitration Law expressly provides for a right to a hearing, it does not require such hearing to be physical. Further, the Arbitration Law does not expressly address the process