March 1, 2025 | The University of Duhok (UOD) has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing third place among 154 participating teams, in the prestigious SCCA International Moot Court Competition, hosted by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Competing against leading universities from across the region, UOD’s College of Law (CLAW) students won the Best Respondent Memo Award, showcased their expertise in legal research, arbitration strategies, and advocacy skills, affirming the university’s growing international presence in legal education. The Memo Award is an award given to students who demonstrate outstanding performance in a specific academic category.

A Groundbreaking Achievement for UOD and Iraq

As the only university from the Kurdistan Region and Iraq to reach the top three in this highly competitive legal forum, UOD has set a new benchmark for excellence in arbitration and legal advocacy.

This historic achievement reinforces UOD’s commitment to global engagement, advancing its strategic goal of integrating international legal frameworks into its academic programs. By excelling in such a demanding competition, UOD continues to position itself as a pioneer in legal studies and arbitration research in Iraq and beyond.

Excellence in Arbitration and Legal Advocacy

The SCCA International Moot Court Competition is widely recognized for its rigorous focus on commercial dispute resolution and arbitration. The competition challenges participants to analyze complex legal disputes, draft legal memoranda, and present compelling oral arguments in a simulated arbitration hearing.

UOD’s outstanding performance included:

• Expertly crafted legal memoranda representing the respondent in arbitration proceedings.
• Exceptional oral advocacy, demonstrating sharp legal reasoning and persuasive argumentation.
• In-depth understanding of arbitration laws, showcasing proficiency in international commercial dispute resolution.

UOD’s College of Law supervisors and participating students

UOD team from the College of Law was supervised by two faculty members:

• Dr. Ary Arif Abdulaziz
• Dr. Jutyar Abdullah Mustafa

And students who contributed to this victory were 

• Amir Abdullah Salih
• Anwar Abdulsalam Ismail
• Mohammed Alaaddin Mohammed Baqir
• Dilin Dilshad Hazim
• Mohammed Abdulaziz Ali
• Hiwi Yobert Zikir

This success is a direct reflection of UOD’s strategic vision, emphasizing:

• Legal Research & Academic Excellence – Encouraging law students to engage in high-level arbitration research and moot court competitions.
• Career Readiness & Professional Development – Equipping graduates with practical legal skills, ensuring their competitiveness in international arbitration and commercial law careers.
• Internationalization & Global Recognition – Strengthening UOD’s partnerships with international legal institutions and enhancing global academic collaborations.

Through its law curriculum, research programs, and extracurricular legal training, UOD is preparing its students to excel in the evolving landscape of international law and arbitration.

Expanding Global Engagement & Future Collaborations

This achievement serves as a catalyst for UOD’s continued expansion in the global legal arena. Moving forward, the university remains committed to:

• Participating in elite international moot court competitions to further enhance student advocacy skills.
• Strengthening ties with arbitration bodies, law firms, and academic institutions to offer students unparalleled exposure to global legal practices.
• Hosting legal workshops and conferences to establish UOD as a regional hub for arbitration and legal excellence.

By continuing to foster global partnerships and academic exchanges, UOD is reinforcing its role as a leader in legal education, equipping its graduates with the skills to thrive in international dispute resolution and commercial arbitration.

📢 For more updates on UOD’s legal education initiatives, follow our official channels.

📍 UOD Media | March 1, 2025
✍ Reported by: Rondik Fadhil Adil

Photos: photos on FB

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