The Judicial Training Institute at the Ministry of Justice and the ICRC Launch the First International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition for Universities in the UAE
Abu Dhabi (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with the Judicial Training Institute at the Ministry of Justice of the United Arab Emirates, and in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently organized the first International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Moot Court Competition for universities in the UAE, hosted by the Ministry of Justice at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The competition brought together law faculties from four public universities: Abu Dhabi University, the University of Sharjah, Ajman University, and Imam Malik College for Sharia and Law in Dubai.
The competition aimed to encourage the teaching of IHL, raise students’ interest in the subject, and support practical legal education through simulated armed conflict scenarios reflecting real-life situations, in which students assumed different legal roles.
His Excellency Judge Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud Al Kamali, Director General of the Judicial Training Institute, affirmed in his opening remarks that “the competition represents an important milestone in supporting practical legal education, as it provides students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in an environment simulating real-life practice, thereby contributing to the development of their legal research, analysis, and advocacy skills".
H.E. Dr. Al Kamali further noted that “the UAE has been a pioneer in the field of IHL through the establishment of the National Committee for IHL and by hosting regional training programmes for Arab diplomats, reinforcing its position as a regional center in this field”.
Highlighting the importance of IHL in limiting the effects of armed conflicts and protecting persons not participating in hostilities, H.E. Dr. Al Kamali underscored the need to continue promoting and teaching this body of law, while preparing a generation that is aware of its importance and capable of contributing to its implementation.
From her side, Ms. Valentina Bernasconi, Head of the ICRC Delegation in the UAE, commended the close and constructive cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, represented by the Judicial Training Institute, in organizing this first-of-its-kind competition in the UAE. She stated: “The launch of this competition forms part of preventive work, one aspect of which is strengthening knowledge of IHL among university students, the decision-makers of tomorrow. This type of competitions helps shape students’ awareness of IHL and the importance of respecting it”.
She added:
Organizing such competitions contributes to the UAE’s efforts within the framework of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL, where the UAE co-chairs the first workstream dedicated to strengthening measures aimed at preventing violations of IHL as part of prevention efforts. This approach is of great importance to the ICRC, as it is one of the means that help foster an environment conducive to respect IHL, thereby alleviating human suffering during armed conflicts.
The University of Sharjah won first place in the competition, which was evaluated by a high-level judging panel comprising H.E. Judge Dr. Abdulwahab Abduloul, H.E. Judge Dr. Abdulrahim Yousef Al Awadhi, and H.E. Dr. Waleed Al Ali. In addition, a student from Imam Malik College for Sharia and Law received the award for “Best Oralist”.
The winning team will represent the UAE in the ICRC Regional Moot Court Competition in 2026.
About the Judicial Training Institute at the Ministry of Justice (UAE):
The Judicial Training Institute was established in Abu Dhabi on 14 December 1992 pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. 14 of 1992, with the aim of preparing and training national cadres to assume positions within the courts and public prosecution services in the UAE. The Institute is mandated to qualify graduates of Sharia and Law faculties to work as judges, public prosecutors, lawyers, technical experts, and in supporting legal and judicial professions. It is also responsible for preparing public prosecutors transitioning to the judiciary, as well as candidates nominated for appointments as judges at the Federal Supreme Court, in accordance with the regulations set by the Federal Supreme Council of the Judiciary.
About the ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, impartial and independent organization with an exclusively humanitarian mandate that stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people around the world affected by armed conflict and other violence, doing everything it can to protect their lives and dignity and to relieve their suffering, often alongside its Red Cross and Red Crescent partners.
