This will be conducted in English and according to Riyadh local time. 

Legal Plus is pleased to present our Legal Plus Premium conference, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & Middle East: International Arbitration Summit is scheduled on on Tuesday 7 November 2023 at Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter. 

Join us to learn the changes and new trends that has affected businesses after the pandemic as well as looking through the looking glass into the near future on how Arbitration, crypto disputes, competition law and corporate crime affects your business now and in the future. Dynamic & upto date presentations on essential issues covering Construction & Energy Disputes, ESG, Enforcement of Awards, Asset Tracing, Cartels, Compliance, Technology issues in Disputes, Corporate Crime, AI – ChatGPT and important topical Competition Law issues . Also covered are important regional updates given to you by local and international experts who will joining us to share their invaluable knowledge and experience. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to Legal household names in the region, network and create business opportunities, meet & greet and make some new friends!

Registration is now open.  Contact us today or view the latest flyer for registration and program details. Download

If you are interested to sponsor or speak at the event, contact Jason at jason.sinclair@legalplus-asia.com for package details.  For registrations details, contact Bettina at legalpluseventsasia@legalplus-asia.com.

Program
The organiser reserves the right to change the program without prior notice.

• Welcome Message by Chairman
  Paul Key KC, Essex Court Chambers
• Opening Keynote Welcome Address
  Dr. Hamed Hassan Merah, CEO, Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration
• Keynote Session: 10 Years After The IBA Guidelines on Party Representation: Did We Make Progress on the Parties’ Duty to Arbitrate in Good Faith
  Alexis Mourre, Partner, MGC Arbitration
• How the New Civil Transactions Law Will Impact Saudi-Law Governed Disputes
  Sarah Gonem, Partner, Z&Co.
  
• The Regional Panel — Monetizing & Enforcing Awards in Different Industries — Important Regional Updates in
  2023
  Moderator: Victor P. Leginsky, International Arbitrator, Arbitralis
  Panellists:
  • Alexis Mourre, Partner, MGC Arbitration
  • Nesreen Osman, Partner, Pinsent Masons
  • Julian Cohen, Barrister , Resolution Chambers International
  
• FIRESIDE Chat — Managing and Avoiding Construction Disputes in the Coming Energy Transition Era
  • Euan Lloyd, Partner, Al Tamimi & Company
  • Khushboo Shahdadpuri, Senior Dispute Resolution Lawyer, Al Tamimi & Company
  
• Construction Disputes; Differences Between the Civilian and Common Law Worlds
  Julian Cohen, Barrister , Resolution Chambers International
• 1st Grand Panel: The Energy Transition 2023 & Beyond — Arbitration, ESG, Regulatory Issues, Choosing Seats & Investment
  Moderator: Martin Gusy, Partner, Bracewell LLP
  Panellists:
  • Khalil Mechantaf, Legal Director, Kennedys
  • John Balouziyeh, Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP
  • Leonora Riesenburg, Independent International Arbitrator
  • Fatima Ghaith, Associate General Counsel, Weatherford International
  
• 2nd Grand Panel: Ask the Experts — Expedited & Emergency Procedures in International Arbitration After the Pandemic — Is Faster Better and Who Really Benefits?
  Moderator: Reshma Oogorah, Independent Arbitrator
  Panellists:
  • Emma Geange, Senior Director, Legal, Roshn
  • Aimy Roshan, Partner, White & Case LLP
  • Christian P. Alberti, Chief of ADR and General Counsel, Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)
  
• State Immunity Under English Law and Reciprocal Enforcement Between the UK and KSA
  Dan Smith, Partner, Stephenson Harwood LLP
  
• 3rd Grand Panel: Arbitration V Mediation — Different Regions Different Options & Tips on Dispute Avoidance
  Moderator: Jean Abboud, Partner, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLC
  Panellists:
  • HK Suresha, Senior Partner and Country Head, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Masin
  • David Hume, Partner, Abu Dhabi, Shearman & Sterling LLP
  • Sarah Gonem, Partner, Z&Co.
  • Simon Boote, General Counsel, Al Bawani Co. Ltd & Barrister
  
• Expert Evidence in Construction Disputes: Expert Witness Perspective & Contracting Contracts in the Newly Issued Civil Transactions
  • Mohamed Ghofrane, Managing Director, Parley Parsons (Middle East | Africa | Asia Pacific)
  • Dr. Hassan Okour, Head of Office, Alhababi Law Firm
  
• 4th Grand Panel: Navigating Supply Chain Disputes & Problems in Turbulent Times
  Moderator: Dr. Nagla Nassar, Senior Partner, NassarLaw
  Panellists:
  • Karim Mariey, Partner, White & Case
  • Marcus Antoine, General Counsel, ALEC Engineering
  • Paul Coates, Partner, Clifford Chance LLP
  

Speakers

Paul Key KC, Chairman

Essex Court Chambers London

Paul Key K.C. is recognised as one of the leading QCs at the English Commercial Bar. He has particular expertise and specialism in arbitration, both international commercial arbitration and investment treaty arbitration (including ICSID). He also regularly appears in arbitration-related Court matters, including appearing in the English Supreme Court in Jivraj v Hashwani. He has been ranked in the toptier (band 1) rankings for arbitration for over 10 years and has consistently been identified as one of the leading figures in that field (“a real arbitration expert”, “few can rival his expertise, ability and knowledge in the field of arbitration”, “the first port of call for important arbitration disputes”, “an arbitration guru”). He has appeared as advocate in over 300 major international arbitrations worldwide, as well as appearing regularly before the English Courts (at all levels) and foreign Courts on arbitration matters. In addition to his extensive experience in international commercial arbitration, he is one of the very few English QCs to have real expertise in investment arbitration. He has been lead counsel in a very large number of BIT / investment arbitrations, acting both for and against States. He is Visiting Professor in international arbitration law at King’s College, London, and has lectured and published widely in this field. He has been a longstanding representative of the UK on the ILA International Commercial Arbitration Committee and is also a delegate for the UNCITRAL Working Group on Arbitration.

Biography

Dr. Hamed Hassan Merah, Welcome Message

CEO, Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration

Dr. Hamed Hassan Merah is the CEO of Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration. Dr Hamed is a transformational leader and internationally recognized expert with an extensive track record of achievements during his two-decade experience, encompassing Standard-setting, Alternative Dispute Resolutions, Governance, Compliance, and Islamic Finance. Led a specialized international organization with activities and members in more than 45 countries. He has comprehensive academic qualifications, professional fellowships, and advanced training courses in Law, Shari’ah, Leadership, Compliance, Governance, Insurance, and Capital Markets, such as Harvard Business School Alumni; MSc and PhD from The Higher Judicial Institute, Riyadh and MCIArb, Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK. Dr Hamed has offered consultations to several companies, government, semi-government agencies; and research centers, and formulating regulations, by-laws, policies and procedures, and standers. He has also conducted courses, workshops, and keynote speeches at numerous specialized Conferences in more than 30 countries; and Author of two published books.

Biography

Alexis Mourre, Keynote Speaker

Partner, MGC Arbitration

Alexis Mourre, founding partner of Mourre Gutiérrez Chessa Arbitration, has served as counsel, President of the Tribunal, Co-Arbitrator, Sole Arbitrator or Expert in more than 280 international arbitrations, both ad hoc and before most international arbitral institutions (ICC, ICSID, LCIA, ICDR, SIAC, SCC, DIAC, VIAC, etc.). He established his own arbitration practice in May 2015, after having founded Castaldi Mourre & Partners in 1996. Alexis has been a Court member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration for 12 years, first as Vice-President (2009- 2015) and then as President (1 July 2015- 30 June 2021). He was Vice President of the ICC Institute of World Business Law (2011-2015), co-chair of the IBA Arbitration Committee (2012-2013), LCIA Court member (2012-2015) and Council member of the Milan International Chamber of Arbitration (2006-2014). He is the author of numerous books and publications in the field of International Business Law, Private International Law and Arbitration Law. He is founder and former editor in chief of Les Cahiers de l’Arbitrage – The Paris Journal of International Arbitration, a leading publication in the field of international arbitration. Alexis is a member of a large number of scientific and professional institutions dedicated to Arbitration and Private International Law. He is the founder and former president of Paris Place d’Arbitrage/Paris the Home of International Arbitration. He is fluent in French, English, Italian and Spanish, and has a working knowledge of Portuguese.

Biography

Victor P. Leginsky, Moderator — Regional Panel

International Arbitrator, Arbitralis Moderator

Victor P. Leginsky, Canadian citizen, is an experienced international arbitrator and mediator resident in the United Arab Emirates since 2007. Victor has earned the internationally-recognized designations of Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is appointed to the CIArb Panel of Arbitrators. Victor is a CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution, London) accredited mediator and mediation experience as Chair, Manufactured Home Park Dispute Resolution Committee (Attorney General of British Columbia, Canada, appointment) and in mediations. Victor is appointed to the panels or lists of arbitrators in a number of international centres and is a committee member of the International Court of Arbitration (ICC) Canada. He has instructed and assessed in respect of Mediation though the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the CIArb. He is the past Middle East Regional Director of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN). He is a member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia, Canada.

Biography

Martin Gusy, Moderator — 1st Grand Panel

Partner, Bracewell LLP

Martin Gusy is a dual-licensed common law-civil law disputes attorney and arbitrator and leads the firm’s international arbitration practice. He has over 20 years of experience serving as legal counsel to commercial parties as well as sovereigns in more than 100 high-stakes, cross-border disputes and transactions, including international arbitration dispute resolution, international commercial arbitration, investor-state/investment arbitration, US litigation and corporate matters. Martin regularly serves as sole arbitrator, president of the tribunal and partyappointed arbitrator in more than three dozen ICC, AAA/ICDR, UNCITRAL and ad hoc arbitrations. He has been a member of the AAA/ICDR International Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators since 2010 and served in international commercial disputes involving sovereigns both as a mediator and sole arbitrator. He is the co-author of the second edition of A Guide to the ICDR International Arbitration Rules (2019), a leading industry text published by Oxford University Press, as well as the AIEN research paper, “A Global Review of Joint Operating Agreement Disputes” (2020). He is recognized by his peers for his international legal experience and broad substantive experience, including technology, manufacturing and engineering joint ventures, energy, oil and gas, mining, banking and finance, construction, distribution and franchising, insurance, IP protection and IP licensing. He has prior work experiences in Frankfurt, Singapore, Paris, Houston and São Paulo, and regularly advises clients from Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. He has counseled dozens of parties in international arbitrations under rules including ICC, ICSID, AAA/ICDR, JAMS, LCIA, UNCITRAL, DIS, VIAC and SIAC International Arbitration Rules. Martin is active in various professional associations, including serving on the Executive Committee of the New York International Arbitration Center (NYIAC), AAA/ICDR committees and the ICC Commission’s Task Force on “Disability Inclusion in International Arbitration”. He has helped draft institutional arbitration rules and is regularly asked to speak at industry events or teach on international arbitration.

Biography

Reshma Oogorah, Moderator — 2nd Grand Panel

Independent Arbitrator

Reshma Oogorah is an international arbitrator and legal counsel with over a decade of experience in high-value and complex commercial disputes. She focusses on the construction, technology and energy sectors, and has represented clients in both common and civil law jurisdictions. She has sat as Sole and Presiding arbitrator and acted as counsel in adhoc arbitrations, and under most major arbitration rules. Prior to setting up her arbitration and legal practice, Niyom Legal, Reshma spent time working with leading law firms in the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, and with a top London Barrister’s chambers. Throughout her career, Reshma has advised and represented clients in transactions and disputes worth up to US$25 billion. Reshma is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), an elected committee member and Public Relations Officer of the CIArb UAE Branch, and General Editor of the Branch’s quarterly newsletter.

Biography

Jean Abboud, Moderator - 3rd Grand Panel

Partner, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLC

With over fifteen years of experience in the Middle East, including a decade of specialized practice in Saudi Arabia, Jean Abboud is a seasoned legal expert specializing in dispute resolution. His command of corporate and commercial law, telecom and technology-related laws, and capital markets provides a strong foundation for his extensive involvement in complex litigation and arbitration cases. Jean has spearheaded numerous high-profile litigation cases, reflecting his deep expertise in dispute resolution. Recent notable achievements include the successful collection of USD 98 million from a leading Saudi oil and gas company and defending a large insurance company against a USD 42 million claim from a major Saudi bank in front of the Riyadh Court of Appeal. He has overseen a vast array of cases in Saudi Arabia before various courts and forums. His wide-ranging experience covers advising multinationals, U.S., European, and East Asian clients on project development, commercial contracts, and company setups, among others. He also consults on matters of general company law, corporate governance, and legal complexities related to franchising. In addition to his litigation portfolio, Jean has an established track record working with investment firms, including funds, private equity companies, venture capital entities, and startups. He advises on acquisitions, financing, and strategic transactions, blending his litigation skills with an indepth understanding of deal structuring and risk management. Jean’s in-depth local knowledge further extends to advising on foreign investment and insurance-related transactions. His comprehensive expertise in local laws and practices makes him a go-to advisor for both local and international clients embroiled in intricate legal disputes or looking to navigate the complex regulatory landscapes of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.

Biography

Dr. Nagla Nassar, Moderator – 4th Grand Panel

Senior Partner, NassarLaw

Dr. Nagla Nassar is Senior Partner at NassarLaw which was established in 1885. She graduated from Cairo University and Trinity College where she got her M. Litt and has an LL.M from Harvard University as well as a PhD from Geneva University and the Diploma of The Hague Academy in Private International Law. Before joining NassarLaw in 2004 she practiced in several jurisdictions and is a member of several bars. She was with the ICSID Secretariat and is a member of different arbitration forums including being a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is a Council Member of the ICC World Business Institute. She has many legal publications analyzing critical legal problems and is abreast of current issues. With many years of experience both as corporate counsel and arbitrator she has acted on behalf of many major multinationals and Egyptian entities. Also, Dr. Nassar is appointed frequently as an arbitrator and has chaired many tribunals.

Biography

Julian Cohen

Barrister, Resolution Chambers International

Julian has 30 years of specialist experience of heavyweight international, and domestic, disputes. Sums in dispute in his cases vary from small to in excess of USD 2 billion. In addition to acting as counsel, he also regularly sits as an arbitrator. Julian has over 10 years’ experience in the MENA region, including 2 years based full time in Dubai, and an ongoing long-term commitment to the region. Julian has been involved in projects and disputes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Benin, Sierra Leone and Mali. Julian was called to the Bar in England & Wales in 1990. He was with Pinsent Masons’ Construction Disputes practice in London and Hong Kong from 1993 to 2009. He left Pinsent Masons as a partner in 2009, and was called to the Bar in Hong Kong in 2010. Julian is particularly well known for his heavy weight practice in relation to the Construction and Engineering sectors, the Energy, Oil and Gas sectors and International and domestic arbitrations.

Biography

Sarah Gonem

Partner, Z&Co.

Sarah Gonem is a Partner at Z&Co., with her core practice in commercial litigation. Sarah joined Z&Co. in 2014 from the London office of an international law firm and is a UK-qualified lawyer. In the litigation department, she works closely in the overall project management of complex commercial matters, including supporting in scrutinising the structure and justification of each argument. As a result of Sarah’s international experience and bilingual language skills, she acts as an essential conduit between the local Sharia and judicial context and international best practices in the management of complex commercial issues and disputes. Sarah is currently ranked as a Leading Individual by the Legal500, and has been ranked in her individual capacity since the 2020 edition, which reported that Sarah is “excellent” and “has a particular talent for facilitating progress in cross-border cases”. She has also been ranked in Chambers Global since the 2021 edition, which states “Sarah Gonem has an increasingly substantial presence in the market and is noted by commentators for being “good at combining Western and Arabic legal expertise in a very effective manner.” She is well placed to advise on significant claims for both multinational companies and major Saudi players. Clients also comment that she provides “very strong and detailed advice.”

Biography

Karim Mariey

Partner, White & Case

Karim Mariey is a Partner in the Construction and International Arbitration Groups of White & Case LLP and is based in Riyadh. Karim advises owners and contractors on the resolution of disputes arising out of international construction and engineering projects, with a particular focus on projects in the Middle East, and has experience in litigation, arbitration, dispute adjudication boards and mediation. Karim is regularly instructed to act as ‘project counsel’ advising on the day-to-day administration of contracts on major construction projects, including reviewing, and advising, on construction claims. In addition to his work as counsel and advocate, Karim also sits as an arbitrator. Karim is a native Arabic speaker and is qualified to practise in England & Wales. Karim is also a contributing author of “Commentary on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration” (ed. Ilias Bantekas), Cambridge University Press, 2020.

Biography

Euan Lloyd

Partner, Al Tamimi & Company

Euan leads Al Tamimi & Company’s construction & infrastructure practice. Euan is admitted as a solicitor in England & Wales and New South Wales and has practised in a variety of civil and common law jurisdictions across Europe, the Middle East as well as Asia Pacific (where he was the Group General Counsel of a global construction and engineering company for over 4 years). Euan has advised different stakeholders on various high value concession agreements, construction contracts, O&M contracts and consultant services agreements in respect of a variety of power, utilities, infrastructure, building and development projects. Euan also has significant construction claims and contentious construction experience (including in the form of arbitration, court proceedings, expert determination and mediation/conciliation). Euan speaks at various construction industry events and regularly publishes topical articles. He is also the secretary of the Abu Dhabi branch of the Lighthouse Club.

Biography

Khushboo Shahdadpuri

Senior Dispute Resolution Lawyer, Al Tamimi & Company

Khushboo Shahdadpuri is a senior dispute resolution lawyer with Al Tamimi & Company. Recognised as a Rising Star by Legal 500, Khushboo is dual qualified in Singapore and the State of New York. She specialises in infrastructure, construction, energy and joint venture arbitration disputes arising out of prominent projects around the Middle East and represents clients in complex, multi-party and high value matters. She has worked on gas pipelines, solar power plants, World Cup stadiums and prominent real estate development projects, where the value of the dispute has exceeded USD 1 billion. Khushboo works with leading experts and King’s Counsels in her matters and has extensive experience in dealing with arbitration matters under both civil and common law. She has also argued cases before prominent arbitral tribunals and the Singapore courts. Khushboo regularly speaks and publishes on salient topics in arbitration and construction. Her committees and board memberships include leading the YSIAC Council as Regional Chair for Europe, Middle East and Africa, being elected to the Building and Construction Law Committee of the Law Society of Singapore, the Global Steering Committee of the Equal Representation for Expert Witnesses, the MENA sub-committee of the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations and the executive committee of ENERAP, amongst many others. She also sits in the editorial board of Kluwer Arbitration Blog and the Journal of Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Issues.

Biography

Khalil Mechantaf

Legal Director, Kennedys

Khalil is a member of Kennedys construction and energy practice, specialized in providing contentious and non-contentious commercial, construction, and energy law advice. He has over 10 years’ experience in the UAE, which includes various matters concerning major infrastructure and power related projects, and commercial, compliance and insurance related matters. He has advised on and drafted a wide variety of standard form and bespoke contracts including EPC, O&M, JV, framework and licensing agreements of relevance to the construction sector. Khalil works closely with multidisciplinary teams throughout a projects’ life cycle and advises on issues of scope, contract notifications, claims prevention and preparation, defects and issues of workmanship, coverage, negotiation and enforcement of warranties, bonds and guarantees, as well as negotiations and amicable resolution of conflicts. On the contentious side, Khalil represents a variety of developers and contractors in claims before Dispute Adjudication Boards and arbitration proceedings under the Rules of the ICC, LCIA, DIAC, SIAC, ADCCAC, SCC and UNCITRAL Rules. He has extensive experience in arbitration, covering: construction, commercial, aviation, insurance and shipping related disputes. Khalil has a client centric and commercial approach which is endorsed by several clients, including being recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer for both Construction and Dispute Resolution’ in the Legal 500 EMEA (2022). Clients praise him for being “an excellent construction and dispute lawyer who has deep understanding of the industry but with a commercial focus” (Legal 500 2022)’.

Biography

Aimy Roshan

Partner, White & Case LLP

Aimy Roshan is a Local Partner in the International Arbitration Group of White & Case LLP and is based in Dubai. Aimy represents clients in all areas of dispute resolution and has particular expertise advising clients on contentious issues arising from a wide variety of commercial and construction contracts. Aimy has appeared in both ad hoc arbitration proceedings and proceedings under various institutional rules including ADCCAC, DIAC, DIFC-LCIA and ICC. She also represents clients in DIFC Court and ADGM Court proceedings. Aimy is regularly involved in speaking at conferences and seminars and is actively involved in publishing articles on legal developments in arbitration and dispute resolution in the Middle East.

Biography

Dan Smith

Partner, Stephenson Harwood LLP

Dan advises on high-stakes commercial disputes and investigations, particularly in the areas of investment and finance, complex commercial litigation, contentious restructurings and insolvencies, and bribery and corruption. Dan develops comprehensive dispute strategies early in line with clients’ business objectives, and achieving those objectives through litigation or alternative dispute resolution. Dan regularly represents financial institutions, corporates, issuers, banks, bondholders, lenders, shareholders, investors, trustees, and related parties in major cross-border disputes, with a focus on High Court litigation, and on contentious regulatory and enforcement matters. Dan also advises clients outside litigation, on risk prevention strategies, predispute counselling and analysis, and internal and external investigations into fraud and other wrongdoing. Dan has advised clients on a large range of cross-border disputes involving nearly two dozen jurisdictions throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Dan is adept at formulating litigation and disputeresolution strategies involving disputes in multiple jurisdictions. Dan has also represented major Saudi Arabian financial institutions for over a decade in high stakes disputes and investigations connected to Saudi Arabia and the UK. Dan is a member of the LSLA and Transparency International, and has written numerous articles and commentary on leading cases and trends in litigation. He also co-authored the UK section of the inaugural Insolvency Litigation guide published by Lexology’s Getting The Deal Through.

Biography

John Balouziyeh

Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP

John Balouziyeh is an accomplished international lawyer with an acknowledged depth of expertise in dispute resolution, public international law and foreign direct investment in the Middle East. He has represented clients in international arbitrations, international investigations, treaty law disputes and government contracts. Mr. Balouziyeh is notable for his expertise in advising international investors doing business in the Middle East and is praised by clients for his ability to “navigate highly complex regulatory hurdles” (Legal 500, 2023). Mr. Balouziyeh has represented foreign investors before arbitral tribunals in the Middle East and in Europe. In advising clients on disputes, he “is pragmatic and understands the needs and risk appetite of multinational compan[ies]” (Legal 500, 2023). Having previously served as an attorney for the U.S. Department of State, Mr. Balouziyeh has represented the U.S. in international arbitrations involving U.S. corporations and sovereign governments of Latin American states. Mr. Balouziyeh is the author of over 15 books and 40 articles on international law, including A Legal Guide to Doing Business in Saudi Arabia (Thomson Reuters), Principles of International Law (Vandeplas Publishing) and Public International Law: A Handbook for International Arbitrators (forthcoming, Kluwer Law).

Biography

HK Suresha

Senior Partner and Country Head, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Masin

HK Suresha is the Senior Partner and Country Head for Masin in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He is an engineer and surveyor with over 23 years of experience. Suresha specialises in delay and quantum analysis, with extensive experience in mega and large-scale projects in understanding, identifying, and evaluating engineering and construction disputes and claims, contracts and project advisory. He also specialises in dealing with complex issues by simplifying them towards resolution. Suresha has provided expert testimony in international arbitrations, such as ICC, LCIA, QICCA, DIFC, and DIAC, and has been cross-examined in arbitration hearings. Suresha has also acted as an arbitrator and mediator, leading numerous claims negotiations and settlements. Suresha has worked on various types of projects in sectors like oil & gas (up-stream and downstream), international airports, metro rail, process plants, power projects, treatment plants, buildings (residential, commercial, highrise and mix development), highways, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Suresha is an RICS Registered Expert Witness and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Society of Construction Law (SCL), and the American Association of Cost Engineering (AACE International).

Biography

David Hume

Partner, Abu Dhabi, Shearman & Sterling LLP

David Hume is a Partner in the International Arbitration practice at Shearman & Sterling. Based in the UAE, he is qualified in England & Wales and New Zealand, with rights of audience before the ADGM and DIFC Courts. David acts for multinational and State-owned companies in commercial arbitrations under ICC and LCIA Rules, as well as large-scale construction and engineering disputes in institutional and ad hoc arbitration, Dispute Board proceedings, and related litigation. David’s expertise spans disputes relating to aviation, energy, mining and natural resources, projects and construction, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures and shareholder agreements, and financial services. David is recognised in The Legal 500 Private Practice Arbitration Powerlist - Middle East Region (2023) and in The Legal 500’s UAE Dispute Resolution: Arbitration & International Litigation (2023) and UAE Construction. Clients say David ‘has exceptional drafting skills, is up-to-speed at all times, and never off-guard’. And describe him as ‘smart, eloquent and very strong on explaining concepts’ and ‘always accessible, available and highly adaptable’.

Biography

Dr. Hassan Okour

Head of Office, Alhababi Law Firm

Dr. Hassan Okour has joined Alhababi Law Firm as the Head of the Firm since 2019. He also work with Al Aseel Law Firm in Saudi Arabia as an Off Counsel. Dr. Okour worked at Qatar University from Fall of 2009 until Spring 2019 and held the position of the Dean of the College of Law for the term Spring 2010-Spring 2014. Before joining Qatar University, Dr. Okour was a professor at German Jordanian University, and taught as well at Princess Sumaya University of Technology. In addition, Dr. Okour has been a member of the Jordanian Bar as a practicing lawyer since 1999. Dr. Okour held the position of the Regional Manager at Talal Abu Ghazaleh Legal in 2008. Dr. Okour holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Jordan, an LLM (Master of Laws) and an SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) from Southern Methodist University in Texas, USA.

Biography

Mohamed Ghofrane

Managing Director, Parley Parsons (Middle East | Africa | Asia Pacific)

Mohamed Ghofrane, Managing Director of Parley Parsons Middle East, is a chartered quantity surveyor, claim consultant and quantum expert witness. He is a Testified Expert Witness with over 20 appointments in multimillion disputes under various institutional rules, an Expert Advisor and Mediator based between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and has more than 17 years’ experience in Contracts & Commercial Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying & Cost Management, Claims and Disputes Resolution in various industries and projects within the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Mohamed Ghofrane is equipped with a wealth of experience and knowledge, professional practitioner with large exposure to Stadiums & Airports, luxury hotels & Resorts projects, high rise towers, Military Air Bases, Rail, Mixed use development, Malls, theme parks, and VIP palaces Commercial & technical matters. Mohamed Ghofrane been appointed as an expert in complex disputes where the value of the dispute has exceeded USD 500 Million. He has a proven record of advising governments, contractors, and subcontractors on large-scale projects to avoid, mitigate, and resolve disputes. Mohamed Ghofrane is experienced in providing independent quantum expert reports covering all range of claims and for support in construction disputes. This includes the valuation of disruption, disrupted variation, loss of profit, escalation costs, terminated works, the financial impact of extension of time and nonproject related overheads. A Qualified Mediator and Commercial Facilitator, appointed by Clients to assist and support them in bringing and defending major claims on complex projects. Mohamed Ghofrane was appointed as an independent expert determiner in a complex dispute involving USD 200 million, and he was successful in supporting the parties come to a resolution.

Biography

Paul Coates

Partner, Clifford Chance LLP

Paul Coates heads the firm’s construction disputes practice in the Middle East. He advises on a wide range of international and investment treaty arbitrations, both on an ad hoc and institutional basis, and has experience of advising on the rules of many of the major institutions, including the DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, LCIA, ICC, LMAA, AAA and ICSID. Paul’s work spans many jurisdictions and economic sectors, with a particular focus on disputes arising out of large-scale construction and energy projects. He is also a member of the DIFC Court’s Arbitration Working Group.

Biography

Nesreen Osman

Partner, Pinsent Masons

Emma Geange

Senior Director, Legal, Roshn

Emma is a fifteen-year qualified Senior Legal Director with over ten years’ experience in the Middle East. Emma’s specialism is contentious and non-contentious construction and she is currently a Senior Legal Director at ROSHN Group - Saudi Arabia’s pre-eminent Real Estate Developer powered by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. In her role at ROSHN, Emma in the head of the construction division of the legal team. Prior to joining ROSHN, Emma was General Counsel of one of the Middle East’s most highly regarded tier 1 construction companies, ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC. This role involved overseeing the legal function of ALEC’s entire group of companies in the UAE and abroad. Emma is recognised as a commercial and innovative high-achiever with a robust track-record of shepherding and achieving commercial success. Notwithstanding Emma’s commercial aptitude she is highly regarded as an astute lawyer with excellent technical legal skills and ability.

Biography

Marcus Antoine

General Counsel, ALEC Engineering

Marcus Antoine Khoury is General Counsel of the Dubai-based construction company, ALEC Engineering and Contracting. Marcus has been working as an in-house legal counsel in the construction industry in the GCC, in particular in Saudi Arabia and in the UAE, for the past 20 years. He is both German and Lebanese and has graduated at the Sorbonne in Paris and the Universities of Cologne and Munich. In his spare time Marcus loves to hike and considers having walked more than 1000 km to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela as one of his greatest experiences.

Biography

Leonora Riesenburg

Independent International Arbitrator

Leonora Riesenburg is a seasoned, independent Chartered Arbitrator and Accredited Mediator, empanelled on arbitration and mediation panels across the globe. A UK qualified barrister, Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales, in the UAE since 2007, Leonora is an International Tenant at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square in London, a Chartered Arbitrator and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and a Certified ADR Practitioner and Fellow of the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR). Her practice is international, and routed cross jurisdiction, encompassing both civil and common law systems. Previously Branch Chair of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UAE, and a member of Board of Management for CIArb London, Leonora holds pivotal roles for the CIArb as a Regional Pathway Leader (International Arbitration, Commercial Mediation) in the MENA region and is a highly sought after faculty member for the Institute. She also trains and assesses for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), both in MENA and in the UK. Leonora is honoured to be a serving member of Governing Council of HAC in Hyderabad, India, and on the Global Advisory Panel of ADR Practitioners for MICADR in Karachi, Pakistan. She is also a member of the DIFC Courts Arbitration Working Group and the LCIA Users’ Council.

Biography

Christian P. Alberti

Chief of ADR and General Counsel, Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)

Christian P. Alberti is the Chief of ADR and General Counsel of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) and based in Riyadh and Dubai. Prior to joining the SCCA in 2019, he was the Assistant Vice President of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR). He taught as Adjunct Professor at New York University School of Law (NYU) on International Arbitration and International Sales Law between 2017 and 2019. He is a Member of the Global Advisory Board of the New York International Arbitration Center (NYIAC), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators as well as a member of various international ADR associations. He is certified to practice law in Germany and New York State.

Biography

Fatima Ghaith

Associate General Counsel, Weatherford International

Fatima Ghaith is a Scottish, Bahraini, and English lawyer with over 17 years of experience in the GCC, especially in Saudi Arabia. As the Associate General Counsel for Weatherford International, she leads a team of lawyers that oversees the legal function in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. Previously, she worked as a projects finance lawyer at Baker & McKenzie, where she specialized in Islamic finance and represented large Saudi government and quasi-government conglomerates, as well as leading global and Saudi banks and financial institutions.

Biography

Simon Boote

General Counsel, Al Bawani Co. Ltd & Barrister

Simon Boote is a practicing Barrister-at-Law and General Counsel for Al Bawani Co. Ltd. In his role as General Counsel, he is responsible for dispute management and governance across a portfolio of projects with often conflicting stakeholder interests. He works alongside the Saudi Public Investment Fund (“PIF”) Board to find best practice solutions to contracting and dispute management in an industry that is often misunderstood by procurement and financial practitioners. He is currently working with the King Abdullah Financial District (“KAFD”), the Red Sea Group, NEOM, Gosi/Ossool and Seven Entertainment - a multibillion construction portfolio - to “close-out” numerous claims and disputes by trying to balance the interests of the various stakeholders with the commercial terms and context of each project deliverable. His wide ranging and lengthy international career in the construction, mining and infrastructure gives him a unique perspective on how to best manage stakeholder expectations throughout the dispute and preceding claims process. As a Chartered Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building (“FAIB”) and Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (“AICD”) his work as general counsel encompasses the introduction and alignment of best practice compliance and governance frameworks to the Al Bawani business operational and functional units. Prior to his current role, he has represented various international clients in the UK, Germany, Europe, Russia, Ukraine, and Australia settling countless disputes across all jurisdictions. Simon is currently working with various local and international Consultants and law firms in the MENA region and hopes to further develop his understanding of best practice dispute resolution processes both within the context of local laws and various codified commercial codes. As an active participant within the Vision 2030 portfolio of projects, he looks forward to working with the Saudi Commercial Center for Arbitration and dispute practitioners to improve stakeholder understanding of the ‘Contractors’ world. Hopefully, this will lead to more sustainable commercial outcomes for the benefit of anyone tasked to deliver a commercially successful construction project within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Biography

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