Mediation in Ar Raqqah, Al-Raqqah

The Olive Branch in Ar Raqqah

The Olive Branch provides professional mediation services to clients in Ar Raqqah and throughout Al-Raqqah in a region home to approximately 532 thousand . Our experienced mediators work remotely to help you resolve disputes efficiently and effectively, saving you time, money, and relationships.

Whether you're dealing with commercial conflicts, family matters, or workplace disputes, we offer a neutral, confidential space where all parties can speak freely and work toward mutually beneficial solutions. Our approach is grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the challenges businesses and individuals face.

We understand that every dispute is unique. That's why we tailor our mediation process to your specific circumstances, ensuring that the resolution you reach is practical, lasting, and fair to everyone involved.

Syria

Legal Framework

Mediation and arbitration in Syria follow Law No. (4) of 2008, which applies to both domestic and international arbitration. The Arbitration Law, passed in 2008, is not clearly and expressly based on UNCITRAL Model Laws or revised versions thereof; however, several laws and rules were depended upon, including those of UNCITRAL and laws of other Arab countries. The law was drafted in the light of, and as an adaptation of certain Arab laws such as the Egyptian Arbitration Law. Arbitration has been a feature of the Syrian Civil Procedure Code since 1953, governed by Articles 506-534. In 2008, the Arbitration Law enacted international practices based on United Nations Commission On International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration. The Civil Code (Legislative Decree 84/1949) provides that a contract shall be subject to the law of the country where the contracting parties are resident, or if they reside in different countries, the law of the country where the contract was agreed. Parties may consent to have their contract governed by the substantive law of another jurisdiction. Syrian courts will construe contracts according to designated foreign law unless they contradict mandatory provisions of Syrian law or public policy. Syria is preparing to launch its first International Arbitration Centre to provide internationally aligned dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Court System

Although the Syrian courts may declare themselves competent to act over a dispute contrary to the intentions of the parties involved who may have preferred an alternative judiciary, parties retain some latitude to subject their contract and any disputes that may arise to the governing law of a foreign jurisdiction. Where they are deemed to be the appropriate forum, Syrian courts will generally adjudicate contracts that have elected to be governed by a foreign law according to the wishes of the parties. Testimony from experts with knowledge of the chosen foreign law will be requested in the form of regular evidence. The submission of evidence and its treatment by Syrian courts is considered in accordance with Evidence Law 359/1947. Syrian courts will construe terms of a contract in line with designated foreign law unless they contradict mandatory provisions of Syrian law or public policy. Where a conflict exists between Syrian law and foreign law, Syrian law shall prevail. Parties desiring to avoid resorting to the Syrian court system can opt for arbitration in accordance with Law 4/2008. Arbitration is an exceptional, private and confidential method to resolve disputes away from court litigation. Awards issued by arbitral tribunals are ratified by the Court of Appeal and enforced by the Execution Court, so judicial supervision exists. Arbitral awards may only be set aside by courts on grounds of predetermined procedural irregularities, not the merits of the case.

Mediator Regulations

Specific mediator regulations are not detailed in available sources. Syria is preparing to launch its first International Arbitration Centre, which will maintain qualified rosters of arbitrators who will undergo advanced training to ensure professional standards in case management and rulings. The centre is expected to offer mediation, conciliation, settlement and expert advisory services as part of a broader system for alternative dispute resolution. The drafting committee for the centre includes Syrian legal experts and Arab specialists from the UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan. ICC Syria provides arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms that give parties fast, predictable, cost effective and efficient access to justice. Specific certification requirements for mediators are not documented in available sources. The emphasis on qualified rosters and advanced training suggests professional standards will be maintained.

Cultural Approach

Syrian cultural approach to dispute resolution includes traditional methods alongside formal legal mechanisms. Courts may encourage reconciliation through mediation, highlighting the cultural emphasis on maintaining familial ties, particularly in societies where divorce carries a stigma. The presence of both arbitration and mediation options reflects an evolving approach to dispute resolution that balances traditional values with modern legal frameworks. Syria's openness to internationally recognised arbitration mechanisms indicates willingness to adopt international standards. The preparation of an International Arbitration Centre operating according to international standards suggests a move toward more formalized dispute resolution practices. The cultural context values maintaining relationships through collaborative resolution processes, particularly in family matters.

Typical Costs

ICC Syria provides arbitration and ADR mechanisms described as fast, predictable, cost effective and efficient. Professional mediator fees generally range from SYP 50,000-200,000 per hour for commercial mediation. International Arbitration Centre will provide dispute-resolution mechanisms when launched. ADR positioned as affordable alternatives to litigation.

Sources

Country Sources

• Syrian Arab Republic - Chapter 15 - The Practitioner's Guide to Arbitration in the Middle East and North Africa (organisation)
• The Arbitration System in Syria - Arbitras (organisation)
• The Jurisdiction of the Syrian Courts | SYRIA.LAW (organisation)
• Syria nears launch of first international arbitration centre to support investment (organisation)
• Syria open to international arbitration to strengthen investment climate (organisation)
• The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) - Syria | ICC DRS (organisation)
• New York Convention - Syrian Arab Republic (organisation)
• Singapore Convention on Mediation - Jurisdictions (organisation)