About this office:
Established in 1967, the firm has developed a pre-eminent position in the State of Qatar, providing advice to local business leaders and government entities, international investors and financial institutions involved in major projects in Qatar. The firm has substantial experience in providing advice to foreign clients directly or through their international counsel on the application of Qatari law. In a market where local knowledge and contacts are key, the firm is in a strong position to provide in-depth insight into Qatar's rapidly developing business environment. The firm comprises two departments: the Arabic Language Department which has 14 lawyers qualified in Qatar, Lebanon, UAE and Egypt, who provide advice on local law issues and handle commercial litigation matters and arbitration including execution of local judgments and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitration awards in Qatar; and the International Department which currently comprises 5 English speaking lawyers, qualified in the US, England, India and Malaysia, who represent international clients involved in projects in Qatar, including the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). Clients include companies in the oil and gas, utility, banking and insurance, engineering and construction, trading, manufacturing, real estate, telecoms, education, defense and hospitality sectors. Both departments work closely together, pooling their local and international law expertise and experience to provide added value to the firm's clients. The firm has been involved in most major infrastructure and energy projects in Qatar over the past 20 years and many key mergers and acquisitions. The firm also advises on establishing in the QFC and operating within the QFC's regulatory environment. Lawyers of the firm have been involved in drafting Qatari legislation and have established relationships with various government departments, regulators and other agencies involved in the regulation of business in Qatar. The firm has also developed long-standing relationships with a wide network of leading international law firms.
The firm has acted for most of the major banks in Doha on local lending and other transactions. It has advised on numerous conventional and Islamic financings, including energy projects, aircraft and shipbuilding/ charter party financings and real estate financings. It has advised a large number of international investment banks regarding the conduct of business in Qatar including areas such as anti-money laundering, marketing of securities into Qatar, and providing opinions on derivatives trading and security arrangements in relation thereto. Members of the firm developed groundbreaking documentation for taking security over assets in Qatar, which is now considered the market standard, having previously advised on structuring arrangements utilizing special purpose vehicles for major international financings. The firm has also advised on issues involving insurance and the Qatar Exchange.
Energy & Utilities Projects: The firm has advised either sponsors or lenders on most of the major gas and power projects being developed in Qatar including those for Qatar Petroleum, RasGas, Qatargas, and the power sector. Its extensive experience was obtained working with international investors and banks on complex project and finance arrangements.
Construction Projects: The firm has advised major international and regional construction and engineering companies and consultants on Qatari aspects of contracting with government and private entities.
Corporate and Commercial: The firm advises on mergers and acquisitions involving major Qatari companies as well as the incorporation of start-ups and regularly drafts and reviews shareholders agreements. A substantial part of the firm's expertise lies in advising on the methods of establishing a presence in Qatar under the foreign investment laws, including the formation of companies, branch and representative office registrations, joint ventures between local and foreign investors, and registration of international and local engineering and consulting offices. The firm has provided guidance in relation to establishing within the Qatar Financial Centre, and the Qatar Science and Technology Park. The lawyers review all types of commercial and government contracts and opine on the validity and enforceability of contracts under Qatari law. They also draft and review labour contracts, commercial leases, sponsorship and agency agreements, and other specialized commercial agreements. Other areas of Qatari commercial law include the laws relating to commercial agencies, distributorships, franchises, corporate restructuring and dissolution, intellectual property including trademarks and copyright, anti-corruption, employment and pensions, environmental law, and commercial real estate. The firm has advised telecommunications companies and has been closely involved in the development of telecommunications and electronic commerce legislation in Qatar.
Dispute Resolution: The firm is a leading commercial litigation practice in Qatar, acting for international as well as local clients.