The QFC Civil and Commercial Court
I discussed the Qatar Financial Centre ("QFC"), its constitution, legislation and its Civil and Commercial Court in my article "Qatar Financial Centre" on 3 April 2011. In that article I described that court as "distinct and separate from, and independent of, all other Qatari courts." Unless the rest of the Qatari legal system the QFC Civil and Commercial Court is a common law court. Most of its judges come from common law jurisdictions. Though parties have the right to use Arabic, English is the language in which proceedings are usually conducted.
Art 8.3 (c) of the QFC Law confers jurisdiction on the Court to hear the following disputes:
- Civil and commercial disputes arising from transactions, contracts, arrangements or incidences taking place in or from the QFC between the entities established therein.
- Civil and commercial disputes arising between The QFC authorities or institutions and the entities established therein.
- Civil and commercial disputes arising between entities established in The QFC and contractors therewith and employees thereof, unless the parties agree otherwise.
- Civil and commercial disputes arising from transactions, contracts or arrangements taking place between entities established within The QFC and residents of The State, or entities established in the State but outside The QFC, unless the parties agree otherwise.
Art 9.2 of the Regulations enables the Court to take account of any choice of law clause giving the Court jurisdiction. Art 9.3 enables it to entertain any matter in respect of which the QFC Law or Regulations grant it jurisdiction.
Like the Civil Procedure Rules ("CPR") there is an overriding objective to which the Court must give effect when exercising its functions and powers (art 4.1 and 4.2). Art 4.1 provides that the overriding objective is to deal with all cases justly. "Dealing with cases justly" includes so far as practicable:
- ensuring that litigation before the Court takes place expeditiously and effectively using appropriately of the Court and of the parties than is necessary;
- ensuring that the parties are on an equal footing;
- dealing with cases in ways which are proportionate to the amount of money involved, to the importance of the case, to the complexity of the issues, facts and arguments, and to the financial position of each party; and
- making appropriate use of information technology.
As in England it is the duty of the court to deal with all cases in accordance with the overriding objective (art 4.4) and of the parties to assist the Court to do that (art 4.5).
ADR and Arbitration
The Court is required by art 5.1 to encourage parties whenever it is appropriate to do so to encourage parties to resolve disputes by arbitration, mediation or other alternative method of ADR. It may actually require parties to settle their dispute by ADR (art 10.2.2 of the Regulations). It has power under art 25.1 to stay proceedings for mediation or other ADR and it may offer such other assistance as the parties may require to resolve their dispute in this way under art 25.2. Finally, the Court may recommend the establishment of a dispute resolution centre pursuant to art 9 of the QFC Law.
Art 7.1 of the Regulations require the President to appoint a Registrar and to cause a Registry to be established. The Registry is responsible for the management of the Court and also for case management including the filing of documents under art 8.
Proceedings are commenced by the issue of a claim form (art 17.1). A claim form is issued by the Registry between 07:00 and 14:00 on any day except a Friday, Saturday or public holiday (art 17.2 and art 14.2). The claim form must include:
- the names, postal and email addresses, telephone and fax numbers of the parties;
- the nature of the dispute setting out the facts relied upon and attaching relevant documents;
- the basis on which it is alleged that the court has jurisdiction;
- the legal basis of the claim including any legislation relied upon, and
- the remedy requested.
The claim form must be verified by a statement of truth (art 16.1). The claim form must be served by the claimant and not by the court (art 18.1). Claims may be served abroad without the permission of the Court provided that local rules for service are complied with (art 18.3).
Responding to a Claim
Unless he or she applies to challenge the jurisdiction of the Court within 14 days of service of the claim form under art 19.1 of the Regulations, a defendant must file a defence within 28 days (art 20.1).
The Court has power under art. 10.1 to take all steps that are necessary or expedient for the proper determination of a case. That includes
- such orders as it considers expedient in relation to the management of cases;
- requiring the parties to settle their dispute by ADR;
- admitting evidence of fact or expert evidence on such terms as it considers appropriate;
- receiving evidence on oath or affirmation;
- ordering disclosure; and
- awarding costs.
Procedural directions may be given by a Judge or the Registrar (art 15.4).
Hearings and appeals are conducted by panels of three judges (art 12.2) which may delegate one of their number to hear an issue or application whenever it is considered to be in the interests of justice and good administration (art 12.5).
Art 10.3 confers power on the Court to grant all such relief and make all such orders as may be appropriate and just in accordance with the overriding objective. That includes:
- an order that a party pay a sum of money;
- damages (including damages in lieu of an injunction);
- prohibitory and mandatory injunctions;
- specific performance;
- disgorgement of profits;
- an account; and
- an order for the payment of interest.
The Court has power to fine those who fail to comply with or disobey its orders under art 34.3.1 but it does not appear to have any power to commit though it can refer such contravention to the competent agency or authority of the state pursuant to art 34.3.3.
Although a decision at first instance is usually final there is a right of appeal to a panel of three justices on the grounds of error of law where there is a risk of serious injustice under art 35.1.
Should any party wish to discuss this article further, he or she should get in touch with me through my contact form.