The Mediation Summit 2026 is a premier event dedicated to advancing the practice and understanding of mediation in the Middle East and beyond. Organized by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) in collaboration with The Mediation Hub MENA, the summit brings together leading experts, practitioners, and stakeholders to explore the evolving landscape of dispute resolution.
The summit's agenda features a series of insightful panels and presentations. Key topics include international trends and local developments in mediation, the integration of mediation into commercial, financial, and legal structures, and sector-specific disputes relevant to the region, such as construction, infrastructure, family businesses, and SMEs. Additionally, discussions will address the challenges and future outlook of mediation, focusing on digitalization, confidentiality, cultural considerations, and the role of AI tools in mediation processes.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with notable speakers, including His Excellency Eng. Maysarah Eid, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects & Infrastructure Center, and Sir Robin Knowles, Judge of the High Court Commercial Division in the UK. The event also offers networking sessions, providing a platform for professionals to connect and share insights.
This summit is ideal for legal practitioners, mediators, corporate counsel, and professionals involved in dispute resolution. It offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of current mediation practices, explore innovative solutions, and network with industry leaders.
Speakers(27)
Abbas Kazarounian
Partner and ADR Specialist at Kazarouni Law Group
Abbas Kazarounian is a partner at Kazarouni Law Group and an alternative dispute resolution specialist.
Adrian Cole
Independent Arbitrator and Mediator
Adrian Cole serves as an independent arbitrator and mediator, handling disputes across various sectors.
Ali Al Aidarous
Managing Attorney at Al Aidarous Advocates and Legal Consultants
Ali Al Aidarous is the Managing Attorney at Al Aidarous Advocates and Legal Consultants, providing legal services in various practice areas.
Alia Al Mulla
Head of Commercial Disputes at Habib Al Mulla and Partners
Alia Al Mulla leads the Commercial Disputes practice at Habib Al Mulla and Partners.
Bruce Edwards
Mediator in Construction Disputes
Bruce Edwards specializes as a mediator in construction disputes, facilitating resolutions in complex projects.
Chittu Nagarajan
Founder and Managing Director at Modria, India
Chittu Nagarajan is the founder and managing director of Modria, India, specializing in online dispute resolution.
Christine Maksoud
Founder & Executive Director at The Mediation Hub MENA
Christine Maksoud is the Founder and Executive Director of The Mediation Hub MENA, promoting mediation services in the region.
Dr. Ahmad Alozn
Founder at The Mediation Hub MENA
Dr. Ahmad Alozn is the founder of The Mediation Hub MENA, dedicated to advancing mediation practices across the Middle East and North Africa.
Dr. Aseel Zimmo
Independent Arbitrator and Mediator
Dr. Aseel Zimmo is an independent arbitrator and mediator with experience in international disputes.
Elina Quinio
Senior Legal Counsel at ADNOC Group
Elina Quinio is the Senior Legal Counsel at ADNOC Group, providing legal guidance on corporate matters.
Fabiola Keramidas
President at Chamber of Conciliation, Arbitration, and Intercultural Mediation, Brazil
Fabiola Keramidas is the President of the Chamber of Conciliation, Arbitration, and Intercultural Mediation in Brazil.
Gary Birnberg
Arbitrator and Mediator at JAMS
Gary Birnberg is an arbitrator and mediator with JAMS, specializing in resolving complex commercial disputes.
H.E. Sarah Shaw
CEO at National CRS Fund (Majra)
Her Excellency Sarah Shaw is the CEO of the National CRS Fund (Majra), focusing on corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Henrietta Jackson
Civil Mediation Institute
Henrietta Jackson is associated with the Civil Mediation Institute, promoting mediation practices.
His Excellency Eng. Maysarah Eid
Director General at Abu Dhabi Projects & Infrastructure Center
Eng. Maysarah Eid is the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects & Infrastructure Center, leading major infrastructure initiatives in Abu Dhabi.
Hisham Al Zeir
Commercial Affairs Director at Abu Dhabi Projects & Infrastructure Center
Hisham Al Zeir serves as the Commercial Affairs Director at the Abu Dhabi Projects & Infrastructure Center.
Kim Rosenberg
Partner at Freshfields LLP
Kim Rosenberg is a partner at Freshfields LLP, specializing in international arbitration and dispute resolution.
Lara Salem
Head of Content Strategy at LexisNexis
Lara Salem leads content strategy at LexisNexis, focusing on legal information services.
Mahmoud Mourad
Counsel & Chairman of the Mediation Panel at Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department
Mahmoud Mourad is the Counsel and Chairman of the Mediation Panel at the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department.
Robert Sliwinski
Independent Counsel & Arbitrator
Robert Sliwinski is an independent counsel and arbitrator with expertise in international arbitration.
Robert Stephen
Registrar at Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
Robert Stephen serves as the Registrar of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, overseeing the administration of arbitration cases and promoting alternative dispute resolution in the region.
Sean Yates
Barrister, Arbitrator, & Mediator
Sean Yates is a barrister, arbitrator, and mediator with a focus on commercial law.
Shaikha AlQattan
Director of Government Support & Legal Services Directorate at Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department
Shaikha AlQattan leads the Government Support & Legal Services Directorate at the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department.
Sir Robin Knowles
Judge at High Court Commercial Division, UK
Sir Robin Knowles serves as a judge in the High Court's Commercial Division in the UK, specializing in complex commercial litigation.
Walid Chiniara
Family Business Strategist, Legacy Architect
Walid Chiniara is a family business strategist and legacy architect, advising on family governance.
Wolf Kümborg
Independent Arbitrator and Mediator
Wolf Kümborg is an independent arbitrator and mediator with extensive experience in international dispute resolution.
Zouhdi Yakan
Partner at Shaikha Al Mehrzi Advocates & Legal Consultants (Law House)
Zouhdi Yakan is a partner at Shaikha Al Mehrzi Advocates & Legal Consultants (Law House).
Event Details
- Date
- January 22, 2026
- Location
- 🇦🇪 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Sofitel Downtown
- Audience
- Legal practitioners, mediators, corporate counsel, and professionals involved in dispute resolution.