Casablanca to Host Key International Arbitration Seminar
In the upcoming autumn of 2026, Casablanca is poised to become a pivotal hub for banking stakeholders across the Maghreb region, focusing on the critical theme of international arbitration. The Arab Banks Union (UBA), in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and its Dispute Resolution Services, is organizing a regional seminar scheduled to take place from October 27 to 29, 2026, in the vibrant Moroccan metropolis. This seminar is specifically tailored for Maghreb financial institutions, aiming to enhance their competencies in international arbitration while promoting the integration of international dispute resolution standards within the regional banking sector.
This initiative marks a continuation of a specialized program launched earlier this year by the UBA and ICC. Grounded in the ICC’s “PIDA Training” program from the Institute of International Business Law, the curriculum has been adapted to meet the unique needs of banking and financial professionals. It seeks to bolster participants' practical knowledge concerning international arbitration procedures, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and the management of financial and commercial disputes. The pilot program was executed in two phases, first in Riyadh and subsequently at the ICC headquarters in Paris, comprising interactive workshops, simulated arbitration hearings, and case studies inspired by international banking and financial disputes. Participants gained a deeper understanding of ICC arbitration mechanisms, including the formation of arbitration tribunals, drafting arbitration requests, and international enforcement of arbitration awards. According to the UBA, the inaugural edition attracted 22 participants, showcasing the growing interest among Arab banks in modern dispute resolution mechanisms and the enhancement of legal security in international financial transactions.
A Unique Opportunity for Moroccan Banks
By choosing Casablanca as the venue for this inaugural Maghreb-focused seminar, the UBA and ICC aim to assist regional financial institutions in adopting best international practices in legal, financial, and institutional realms. The primary goal is to enhance the skills of Maghreb financial institutions in international arbitration while fostering improved integration of dispute resolution standards within the regional banking sector.
This gathering presents Moroccan banks with an invaluable opportunity to expand their expertise in a topic that has become increasingly strategic as financing, investments, and commercial operations gain an international dimension. It is also expected to facilitate experience sharing among regional institutions and with experts from the ICC, a global authority in commercial arbitration. This initiative aligns with the broader strategic vision of the Arab Banks Union, which seeks to support the transformations within the regional banking sector and promote enhanced cooperation around best international practices. Both the UBA and ICC share a common ambition to establish a regional reference platform for banking and commercial arbitration.
As reported by lematin.ma.
