Jordan is fastly moving towards making its position stronger as a destination for commercial and international arbitration. It has introduced a new Jordan Arbitration Centre (JAC).

The changes which have been put forward, are part of amendments to Jordan’s Arbitration Law. It would make JAC an independent institution which will have its own legal personality.

Jordan is also a member of the 1958 New York Convention. This includes the obligation to provide a proper framework for recognition and enforcement of awards to the international arbitration which are seated in the country.

The proposed framework also includes several features to make the process of arbitration faster and more practical. For e.g., emergency arbitrators, proceedings in an electronic manner and mechanisms to handle disputes involving multiple parties or contracts.

Another important change is the requirement of the disclosure of third-party funding, including the identity of the funder. JAC would also maintain a register of arbitrators and experts, which is accessible to the general public. These changes are important for investors, construction companies, international businesses as well as public-private partnerships. 

They show Jordan's intention to be a well known arbitration centre across the Middle East and make it a good option for resolving commercial disputes. Its purpose is therefore to build a modern arbitration system that is efficient and aligned with international practice.