A Vision of Justice: HRH’s Roadmap for Global Economic Confidence

I had the distinct honor of attending the inauguration of the King Hamad Forum for Justice and the official launch of the Bahrain International Commercial Court. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa graciously entrusted His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to deliver the keynote address. His speech resonated deeply, filling us with pride in a visionary leadership that continues to elevate Bahrain’s global prominence.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness shared profound insights worthy of academic study in the fields of economics and international law. He emphasized that the invisible foundation of every thriving economy is trust born from justice. To safeguard justice, nations must establish strong and resilient institutions that go beyond slogans and deliver real accountability — institutions capable of preserving market integrity and ensuring efficient mechanisms for dispute resolution.

His Royal Highness also reflected on the complexity of the modern world, where integrity and impartiality are increasingly challenged by superficial rhetoric. Bahrain’s goal, he affirmed, remains clear and unwavering: to build a system rooted in integrity that delivers justice with efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness. These remarks served as a precise diagnosis of contemporary global challenges — and a reminder that integrity is the antidote to today’s most pressing disputes.

Speaking with the expertise of a seasoned economist, he noted that commercial prosperity cannot flourish amid contractual uncertainty, unpredictable legislation, or a lack of trust — all lessons drawn from his decades of experience in trade and economic leadership. He reinforced that the rule of law is not a constraint on economic growth, but rather its essential engine.

As he concluded, His Royal Highness outlined Bahrain’s aspirations for the new International Commercial Court — a platform designed to enhance the Kingdom’s global stature with every judgment it issues. He paid tribute to Bahrain’s judicial talent and the future of legal education, highlighting the important role of partnerships that will strengthen national capabilities and prepare the next generation of legal professionals.

The vision of His Majesty the King — may God preserve him — shines brightly through His Royal Highness’s words: “Disputes cross borders at the same speed as data transfer.” Thus, our legal systems must be agile, technologically advanced, streamlined in procedure, and capable of ensuring that justice keeps pace with innovation.

The Bahrain International Commercial Court has been purpose-built to combine the precision of the law with the speed of modern business — offering transparent, efficient services to regional and international enterprises. This is precisely the environment global investors are looking for today.

(Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood is the Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Tribune and the President of the Arab-African Unity Organisation for Relief, Human Rights and Counterterrorism)