In started in 2005 when Qatar was developing its economic strategy for the future, as part of a diversification strategy away from reliance on energy,” he began.

“There was a move towards financial services; asset management and re-insurance services; and the Emir recognised that the wide-reaching and ambitious diversification plan needed an international court.”

His Highness The Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani established the court as part of a national strategy to attract international business and financial services into Qatar, and to provide a modern specialist court with international expertise to resolve disputes between institutions and other bodies in Qatar. A regulatory tribunal was also set up at the same time.