Middle East arbitration
Arbitrator and counsel for disputes in Iraq, the Gulf and the wider Middle East and North Africa.
Noor Kadhim has acted as sole arbitrator under the DIAC Rules, has worked in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris and London, and writes regularly on arbitration in the Middle East.
Why regional knowledge matters
Middle East disputes often involve several legal systems, languages and business cultures at once, from the law governing the contract to the place where an award must be enforced. An arbitrator or counsel who understands each of them can keep a case moving and avoid delay.
Arbitrator
Noor accepts appointments as arbitrator. She has acted as sole arbitrator under the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) Rules. See Noor as arbitrator.
Counsel
Noor’s regional matters as counsel include:
- Representing the Republic of Iraq in a US$1 billion ICSID arbitration brought by a German company in the power plant sector.
- Representing a power plant operator against the Kurdistan Regional Government in a US$50 million ICC arbitration under Iraqi law, seated in London.
- Representing an investor against a North African government in a PCA arbitration worth over US$500 million.
- Representing a Dubai individual in a shareholder dispute with a FinTech company in the DIFC Courts.
Writing on Middle East arbitration
- Iraq National Report, World Arbitration Reporter, Second Edition (2026). Read the announcement.
- Arbitration in Iraq, a chapter in Arbitration in the MENA (2020). Read more.
- Upheaval of dispute resolution centres in the Gulf: recent developments in Qatar and Dubai, Kluwer Arbitration Blog (2021). Read more.
Regions
Noor’s regions of focus are Iraq and the Arabic-speaking world, Türkiye, France and French-speaking Africa. Read more about Iraq arbitration.
Common questions
Can Noor act in Middle East arbitrations as both arbitrator and counsel?
Noor accepts appointments as arbitrator and also acts as counsel for states, investors and companies, but never both in the same dispute.
Which languages does Noor work in?
Noor speaks English, French, Arabic and Italian.
Why seat a Middle East arbitration in London?
Many parties to Middle East contracts choose London as a widely used seat with a court system experienced in supporting arbitration. The right seat depends on the parties, the contract and where an award may need to be enforced. Noor can advise when the contract is drafted or once a dispute arises.
Discuss a Middle East dispute
Tell us briefly what has happened. Noor will reply personally.