Iraq arbitration
Arbitrator and counsel for disputes involving Iraq, from a London base.
Noor Kadhim has represented the Republic of Iraq in investment arbitration, acted for a power plant operator against the Kurdistan Regional Government in ICC arbitration under Iraqi law, and written the national report on arbitration in Iraq.
Arbitration involving Iraq
Contracts with Iraqi parties, projects in Iraq and investments in the country regularly give rise to arbitration, whether under institutional rules, ad hoc rules or an investment treaty. Noor’s work spans investment treaty arbitration and institutional commercial arbitration, and she writes and speaks on the subject.
Experience in Iraq-related disputes
- ICSID arbitration, US$1 billion. Represented the Republic of Iraq in a claim brought by a German company in the power plant sector, obtaining dismissal of all the investor’s claims by summary judgment.
- ICC arbitration, US$50 million, seated in London. Representing a power plant operator against the Kurdistan Regional Government under Iraqi law.
Publications on arbitration in Iraq
- Iraq National Report, World Arbitration Reporter, Second Edition (2026). Noor’s updated chapter on the legal framework and latest developments in arbitration in Iraq. Read the announcement.
- Arbitration in Iraq, a chapter in Arbitration in the MENA (2020). Read more or download the Iraq chapter.
Her chapter on Iraq covers:
- The current status of the law and arbitration in Iraq
- Procedural and substantive legal protections for inbound investments
- Investment treaty cases involving Iraq as respondent state
- An overview of commercial arbitration practice in Iraq
- Jurisdiction and powers of the arbitral tribunal
- Evidence
- Interim measures and judicial intervention
- Enforcement of domestic and foreign awards
How Noor can help
As arbitrator. Noor accepts appointments as arbitrator, and speaks Arabic, English and French. See Noor as arbitrator.
As counsel. She leads arbitration teams for states, investors and companies. See international arbitration counsel.
Before a dispute arises. Choice of seat, rules and governing law, and planning for enforcement, are best settled when the contract is written. See dispute prevention and resolution.
Common questions
Can an Iraq-related dispute be arbitrated outside Iraq?
Yes. Parties commonly choose a seat outside Iraq, such as London, together with institutional or ad hoc rules and a governing law. The choice affects how courts support the proceedings and how an award can later be enforced, so it is worth addressing carefully when the contract is drafted.
Does Noor speak Arabic?
Yes. Noor speaks Arabic, English, French and Italian.
Can Noor be appointed as arbitrator in a dispute involving Iraq?
Noor accepts appointments as arbitrator. Please contact us with the details of the dispute, and she will check availability and conflicts.
Discuss an Iraq-related dispute
Tell us briefly what has happened. Noor will reply personally.