Manama: Sundaresh Menon, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the Republic of Singapore, praised Bahrain's efforts in establishing the Bahrain International Commercial Court (BICC), describing it as an important step for trade and legal development in the region.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Chief Justice Menon, during an interview at the King Hamad Forum for Justice, remarked on the significance of the BICC's establishment. He stated, "We organised this conference in response to the importance of this development, which is the establishment of the BICC. The establishment of the BICC is really important for promoting trade, not only in Bahrain, but into the wider region."
He also noted that the forum attracted a diverse group of regional practitioners, arbitrators, adjudicators, judges, and lawyers, underlining it as a significant recognition of the institution's role in enhancing trade. Chief Justice Menon emphasized that the BICC's objective is to effectively leverage the law to support progress and commerce, encapsulating the visionary goal of the court.
The King Hamad Forum for Justice was sponsored by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who acknowledged Bahrain's commitment to truth, justice, and freedom. His Majesty described the BICC as a historic step in the evolution of Bahrain's judiciary and highlighted the collaboration with Singapore, which facilitated the exchange of expertise crucial for the court's establishment.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the King Hamad Lecture for Neutral Justice at the Isa Cultural Centre. In his address, he stressed the core principles of the BICC: "that justice enables prosperity, that independent institutions build trust, and that the judiciary must adapt to a modern, interconnected economy." His Royal Highness asserted that the BICC will offer efficient, transparent, and impartial justice for regional and international businesses.
Chief Justice Menon commended Bahrain's leadership support and called the BICC a historic milestone. He highlighted the court's commitment to neutral justice, which is based on geographical neutrality, institutional independence, and procedural agility, reflected in its transparent legal framework and multinational panel.
In 2024, Bahrain and Singapore signed a treaty to establish the BICC and a designated body in Singapore, fostering international cooperation in commercial dispute resolution and the rule of law. This followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Guidance on the Enforcement of Money Judgments signed between the Bahrain and Singapore judiciaries during Chief Justice Menon's visit to Bahrain in May 2023.
The BICC was officially established by Royal Decree Law 9 for 2024 as an independent judicial body with exclusive jurisdiction over international commercial disputes. It aims to position Bahrain as a global leader in resolving complex cross-border commercial cases according to international best practices. Royal Decree 63 of 2025 appointed members of the BICC Dispute Resolution Panels, which include internationally recognised judges and legal experts such as Joan Donoghue, Dr. Pinky Anand, Judge Abdulrahman Al Sayed Mohammed Al Sayed Ahmed, Judge Khalid Hassan Ali Ajaji, Dr Mohammed Salah Abdelwahab, Aysha Abdullah Mohammed Mutaywea, Chiann Bao, and Philippe Pinsolle.
The forum gathered judges, lawyers, and legal experts to discuss cross-border dispute resolution, innovations in international commercial courts, and Bahrain's role as a regional hub for legal and commercial justice.