Valuing the Role of Soft-Law Rules in Arab Competition Laws: A Forward-Looking Legal Vision Inspired by the European Model

Abstract

The European experience has provided a valuable lesson in the use of soft-law instruments to harmonise competition laws. In this regard, the Greater Arab Free Trade Area sought to build upon such instruments. This initiative, which spanned two decades, culminated in the publication of the Arab Competition Soft Law at the beginning of 2023. This coincided with an increase in intra-regional trade and significant voluntary engagement by the member states of this regional grouping. Going forward, there is potential for further value creation in the near future, and perhaps even the unification of Arab competition laws in the longer term