Bond Solon to showcase expertise at Dubai

Bond Solon, renowned in the UK for its witness familiarisation training, is set to take a prominent role at the upcoming Dubai Arbitration Week (DAW) in 2026. The company will facilitate a debate focusing on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in witness and expert evidence. Additionally, they will co-host a session aimed at addressing factual evidence in international arbitration.

On Wednesday 11 November, Bond Solon will collaborate with the Dubai offices of international law firm Kennedys to host the breakfast session titled “In the hot seat: putting evidence to the test.” This session will delve into critical topics surrounding factual evidence, witness preparation, and the importance of accurate record keeping. The event promises to engage participants with a live mock cross-examination directed by David Parratt KC, showcasing practical applications of the discussed themes.

Furthermore, Jonathon Parris, senior account executive at Bond Solon, will moderate a panel during the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Young Members Group Debate Series on Monday 9 November. This engaging dialogue will challenge attendees with the motion: “The use of generative AI in drafting of witness statements and expert reports should be prohibited.” As AI technologies develop, the profession faces pressing concerns regarding the authenticity of evidence and the dependence of expert opinions.

Bond Solon’s recent research highlights the burgeoning demand for guidance on AI's incorporation into expert testimony. In their 2025 Expert Witness Survey, a striking 89% of respondents acknowledged the necessity for clear guidelines on AI usage among expert witnesses in the UK. Parris noted the concerns surrounding the implications of AI, stating that “Generative AI is changing how evidence is prepared, and the profession needs to decide where the boundaries lie.” He emphasised that a witness statement must reflect the witness's own words, and an expert report needs to encapsulate the expert's independent viewpoint. If AI affects either aspect, the integrity of the evidence and the overall case could be compromised.

“Dubai Arbitration Week is the right forum for this conversation, bringing together practitioners from around the world,” Parris added. He pointed out that regardless of technological advances, the requirement for witnesses to articulate their evidence clearly and credibly during cross-examinations remains paramount.

Bond Solon’s Witness Familiarisation training offers a framework for witnesses to enhance their confidence and ability to present their evidence effectively in court. By educating participants about court procedures and what to expect during cross-examination, the training enables witnesses to navigate the experience proficiently. Delivered by legally qualified trainers, Bond Solon's preparation approach is ethical, specific to hearings, and ensures that evidence is not coached but authentically represented. Training sessions are available both in person and online, accommodating various preferences.

Since its inception in 2011, Dubai Arbitration Week has garnered significant attention, attracting over 10,000 arbitration practitioners and professionals, solidifying its status as one of the foremost arbitration gatherings globally. Organised alongside the Dubai International Arbitration Centre, this community-led event continues to evolve, providing a vital platform for discussions and advancements in the field of arbitration.