Foreword from the Editor-in-Chief

International Review of Law seeks to promote positive and rational legal developments across borders and cultures, seeking to develop the law and improve legal scholarship. 2013 was a year that saw much change internationally and the need for constructive dialogue was clear. From our base in Qatar, we are well-placed to help build bridges and debate new ideas. Being a bilingual and open-access general law journal allows us to be a venue where readers can learn from one another. Indeed, the development of law in particular fields today happens simultaneously in different nations and is not isolated. Distinguished authors from around the globe have thus contributed in varying fields of law. We receive articles on an array of topical matters concerning legal developments that are of relevance to certain jurisdictions, and from which all jurisdictions can learn. The journal has been noted for its high quality and far-reaching ambition. Much of this results from its stringent peer reviewing process to ensure that each article reaches its full potential to be included. We rely on the most respected scholars in particular fields in this process. We are grateful for the vast support network that helps us achieve our goals. In continuation of our project, we present the latest volume of the International Review of Law covering the Summer and Winter 2013 issues. The Summer 2013 issue has articles on construction law and dispute resolution, developments in Islamic law, medical law, corporate law and criminal law. Meanwhile the Winter 2013 issue covers topics including admiralty law, corporate law, energy law, international law, medical law and telecommunications law. We are delighted with the quality and diversity of authors who have contributed important pieces from across the world International Review of Law has tens of thousands of readers, with its topical multi-jurisdictional discourse prompting wide-scale global attention. Thousands of hard copies of the journal are shipped to the far corners of the world. It is freely available online. It has been indexed in major systems, cited and referenced to an impressive level. We make every effort to maximise its potential and ensure its recognition. To achieve all we have done and ensure authors can continue to publish without cost, we are thankful for the continual support we have received from our university management, and particularly Qatar University’s President, Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad as well as the leadership of the College of Law. We are also grateful for the daily support we receive from our publishers Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation/QScience.com. We are always grateful for the leadership of his Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, whose vision has enabled Qatar University and our journal to achieve success.