Starting an Arbitration at the GCCCAC

Overview

This Practice Note provides an overview of how to commence an arbitration at the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre (GCCCAC), including the process of appointing the arbitral tribunal.
The process for commencing an arbitration is very similar to other arbitration centres around the world. However, the GCCCAC's jurisdiction is limited to hearing commercial disputes between GCC nationals or between GCC nationals and other nationals.
Although the GCCCAC is based in Bahrain, it is a separate legal entity from the Kingdom of Bahrain and enjoys immunity.

Definitions

GCCCAC or the Centre: Gulf Co-operation Council Commercial Arbitration Centre.
GCCCAC Rules: Arbitral Rules of Procedure and Amendments for the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre of 1994, as amended in 1999.
Secretary General: GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre’s Secretary General.

Practical Guidance

Introduction

The GCCCAC was established in March 1995 by the GCC Supreme Council to provide companies operating in the GCC countries with a quick mechanism to resolve commercial disputes. The GCCCAC has jurisdiction to hear commercial disputes between GCC nationals or between them and other nationals, including natural and corporate persons (article 2 of the GCCCAC Constitution).