On 31 January 2026, the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) and the South China International Arbitration Center (HK) (SCIAHK) visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and hosted their first Spring Reception for International Arbitration of the year in Dubai.

The event highlighted the dual-city, dual-institution arbitration rules of SCIA and SCIAHK, as well as the Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China, which will come into effect on 1 March 2026.

The reception attracted over 50 legal and business professionals from 11 countries across West Asia, South Asia, North Africa, and Europe. Attendees engaged in discussions on innovative practices in international arbitration rules, shared typical cases from China's international arbitration landscape, and exchanged insights into the latest developments in international arbitration within China and the Middle Eastern nations, aiming to foster deeper development and diversified cooperation in international arbitration within the region.

Participants at the event emphasized that amid a complex and ever-changing global economic environment, the internationalization of Chinese arbitration, the differentiated institutional design of SCIA and SCIAHK as a "dual-city, dual-institution" model, SCIA's internationally aligned governance framework, its "party-autonomy" principle, and SCIA's cross-border enforcement practices of arbitral awards all contribute to strengthening confidence in the independent, impartial, and efficient resolution of cross-border disputes, thereby promoting international investment and trade.

During the reception, Liu Xiaochun, President of the SCIA and Executive Chairman of SCIAHK, presented the arbitrator certificates to SCIA arbitrators from the UAE, Iran, Israel, India, Pakistan, and Lebanon.

Liu Xiaochun, President of the SCIA and Executive Chairman of SCIAHK, delivered a welcome address.

The event was co-moderated by Chi Wenhui, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation and Development Department of the SCIA, and Cheng Qinlin, Deputy Legal Counsel of SCIA's Case Management Department II.

Chen Jiaming, Deputy Director of SCIA's General Department (Secretariat of the Council), delivered a keynote speech on "The Overview of SCIA & SCIAHK Arbitration Rules."

Representatives of arbitrators from various countries gave special addresses.

Chinese overseas enterprises and lawyers participated in on-site discussions.

Some highlights from the Spring Reception for International Arbitration in Dubai.