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FAQ

  • Where is BCDR-AAA?

    The BCDR-AAA is situated in the Diplomatic Area of Manama, Bahrain and is easily accessible from within the region. Bahrain International Airport is only a short car journey away and is serviced by 38 airlines, connected to over 50 destinations worldwide.

  • When should parties contact the BCDR-AAA?

    Parties should contact BCDR-AAA when there is agreement by all parties in the dispute to seek a resolution outside of litigation. See "How do I file a case?" below for further details on instigating a case at BCDR-AAA.

    Parties need not wait until they are in conflict to approach the BCDR-AAA. Pre-emptive action can be taken in the form of a future disputes clause inserted into contracts that are tailored to the parties' needs.
 

    Furthermore, if the contract already exists, parties can work with the BCDR-AAA to administer the arbitration or mediation clause via a post-contract dispute clause.

    Finally, if parties are already in the midst of a dispute, the BCDR-AAA can assist in bringing them to the table when there is no mention of ADR in the contract.
 
Model clauses are available on this website, Draft Clauses, and parties are encouraged to contact us for further information.

     

  • What are the accepted languages for BCDR-AAA cases?

    Parties to the dispute may choose the language by consensus. If the parties do not agree upon a chosen language for the dispute resolution procedures conducted before the Chamber: for Section One cases, Arabic will be the language to be used; under Section Two, if a chosen language cannot be agreed, the administrator will determine the most appropriate language.

  • How do I file a case?

    BCDR-AAA has created a user-friendly process to file a case for any type of dispute resolution case, regardless of geographic location. To file a case simply visit the ‘Filing a Case' section of our website and follow the instructions.

    If you would like to discuss this further or have any questions, a fully trained, bilingual team of staff is always ready to answer any questions. Simply send us a question through the email section on ‘Contact Us', or alternatively pick up the phone and call us on: +973 17-511311.

  • How much will it cost?

    Under Section One: Statutory ADR Tribunal, all fees are calculated in accordance with the Kingdom of Bahrain's Judicial Fees Legislative Decree and are based on the amount of the claim or relief being sought. The full fee structure can be found under the Filing Fees section of this website.

  • Is the BCDR-AAA an independent body?

    Yes. The July 2009 statute establishing the BCDR-AAA into Bahraini law provides for independence "by statute" and the Chamber's own mission statement guarantees the Chamber's independence. In addition, the unique joint venture with the American Arbitration Association indicates the independence of the Chamber, which is reflected through the appointment of two senior members of the AAA, the CEO and SVP on to the BCDR-AAA's Board of Trustees.

  • Who manages the cases at BCDR-AAA?

    Each case that appears before the BCDR-AAA is managed by an allocated ‘Case Manager'. The Case Manager is an independent, neutral administrator for the dispute and will remain with the case from the moment of filing to the closing of the case.

    Case Managers duties include: setting and managing deadlines; arranging meeting times for the exchange of all case documents and memoranda; filing of all submissions; requesting evidentiary procedures and overseeing the notification process.

     

  • Who are the mediators and arbitrators?

    In addition to the BCDR-AAA's internationally trained mediators and arbitrators, parties will also have access to the AAA's international roster of mediators and arbitrators. Parties can specify to the BCDR-AAA what particular background and expertise they are seeking and the Chamber will seek to provide them with a list of candidates possessing those qualities. Alternatively, the parties can choose a mediator or arbitrator independently.

  • Does the BCDR-AAA invest in training and development?

    Training and development of mediators and arbitrators locally and across the region from legal and non-legal backgrounds is very important. The BCDR-AAA invests heavily in training to an international standard such as at the AAA in New York and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in London as well as providing workshops for lawyers and judges.