Our Legal Team

Diversity Distinguishes Us

At Sharq Law firm, diversity is not just a matter of compliance with the letter of the law or a statistic to be reported. We firmly believe that lack of diversity leads to loss of excellence. The diversity in our team members in terms of their nationalities, backgrounds, education, language and qualifications address our client requirements across an extensive sphere of industries, languages and cultures to better understand the needs of our domestic and international clients.

The firm is strengthened by our team of professionals which comprises of people with diverse and rich experience working as lawyers in local and international law firms, in house counsels, private practice, government and heads of legal departments of large corporations. Our vigorous, well-knitted organization is made up of lawyers from multiple civil and common law jurisdictions qualified to practice law in Qatar, the GCC, MENA Region as well as internationally.

Rashid Al Saad

Position: Senior Partner
Email: r.alsaad@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Senior

Rashid Al Saad is the Founder and Senior Partner of Sharq Law Firm. He is a Qatari qualified lawyer with the right to appear before the Court of Cassation in Qatar. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Qatar University and an Executive Master’s in Business Administration (EMBA) from HEC Paris, and he is also a member of Qatar Lawyers Association Bar Committee. Prior to establishing Sharq Law Firm, he was the General Counsel at Qatari Diar and Qatar Railways Company.

He has a wide legal experience in different fields of law; including Dispute Resolution and Corporate & Commercial. He is also extremely knowledgeable and experienced in major infrastructure projects, and large-scale commercial transactions, particularly cross-border transactions and ventures in the State of Qatar and abroad. With an excellent legal base, a unique perspective in the fields of law, and a distinguished and creative approach, he leads Sharq Law Firm and ensures that only a top-class result is achieved.

Mr. Al Saad has greatly provided his contribution to the Qatari legal system as he has been instrumental in drafting and negotiating agreements for some of the most sophisticated transactions in Qatar as well as representing clients in several high-stake and complex cases.

What distinguishes Mr. Al Saad and allows for the great success of Sharq Law Firm is his ability to lead the firm in a way which incorporates the different fields of law by creating a pool of lawyers within the firm with different legal experience and specializations in cases and transactions to ensure that all the legal aspects are covered. This in addition to his strong connections and knowledge in the Qatari market which provides clients with the best possible outcome.

Furthermore, Mr. Al Saad is acknowledged for providing innovative solutions which combine the commercial needs of the clients in line with the legal requirements of complex and novel transactions.

Experience:

  • – Representing Qatar Railways Company on several disputes relating to construction and operation of the Metro Stations– claims value above of  QAR 1.4 Billion.
  • – Advised the State of Qatar, acting through the Ministry of Finance, on annual issuance of bonds; including reviewing and drafting prospectus, due diligence and transactional documents on a USD 12,000,000,000 international bond issuance for five years.
  • – Representing Energy City in civil and commercial disputes – claim value above QAR 1 Billion.
  • – Representing MazayaQatar Real Estate in construction and civil disputes – claim value above QAR 100 Million.
  • – Representing a high portfolio of banks in Qatar in litigation disputes at the Qatari courts, from the Court of First – Instance to the Court of Cassation, where several precedents were established in the Qatari law, this includes representing successfully:- Al Ahli Bank– with a claim valued above QAR 180 Million.- Qatar Islamic Bank – with a claim valued above QAR  2.6 Billion.- Al Khaliji Commercial Bank – with a claim valued above QAR 60 Million.- Qatar National Bank –  with a claim valued above QAR  2.1 Billion.- Dukhan Bank – with a claim valued above QAR 90 Million.
  • – Representing Al MirqabReal Estate in lease disputes for Al MirqabMall and Doha Mall – claims value above QAR 300 Million.
  • – Representing HBK Contracting in a construction dispute – claim value above QAR 260 Million.
  • – Representing United Development Co in a dispute – claim value above QAR 330 Million
  • – Gulf Warehousing Company – Assisting and advising client in listing Rights Issue – valued at QAR 586,031,480.
  • – Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) – Transactions regarding the transfer of several assets – valued at QAR 6.7 Billion.
  • – AlkhaleejTakaful Group – Advising the client on the termination of the health Insurance Scheme in Qatar – valued at over QAR 1 Billion.
  • – Represented the families of the Villaggio Fire Victims – Litigation valued at QAR 280 Million.
  • – Qatar Property Management – Representing the client in an Arbitration matter at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – valued at QAR 100 Million.
  • – Tanween WLL – Representing the client in an Arbitration regarding a Termination for Convenience by the Owner – valued at QAR 69 Million.
  • – Techno Q – Representing the client in a Litigation – valued at QAR 32,000,000.
  • – Investment House – Restructuring the Real Estate Fund for the Tornado Tower in the State of Qatar – valued at QAR 1.8 Billion.
  • – AFCONS Infrastructure Limited – Rendering Mediation, Litigation and Arbitration support to recover the claimed values – valued at QAR 25,000,000.
  • – Successfully represented and advised Uber against the Competition and Anti-Monopoly Committee in Qatar on anti-trust and competition dispute in connection with the Uber’s acquisition of Careem. This included representing Uber in a litigation case before the Qatari Courts due to the Committee’s rejection of the said acquisition. The claim was successful, and the award came to Uber’s favor; revoking the Committee’s rejection decision.
  • – Represented FIFA in assessing FIFA’s requirements against the current applicable laws in the State of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and provided the organization with a draft enabling legislation in order to effect the changes necessary to host said competition.
  • Acting as the Qatari law counsel in establishing a Public Shareholding Company owned by QE (QAMCO) including advising on the structure, reviewing the prospectus, and drafting the establishment documents (Capital of QAR 1,000,000,000).
  • – Advised a client and acted in negotiations in relation to a major proposed settlement for a construction matter with a value of over USD 350 million.
  • – Representing the Claimant(s), two real estate developers, in two QICCA arbitrations concerning delays to a major real  estate development in Qatar.  The dispute value is circa QAR 800 million.
  • – Successfully represented the Claimant in two simultaneous QICCA Arbitrations concerning the supply of manpower, where the Claimant recovered 100% of the claim value and costs.
  • – Assisting colleagues in a dispute before the Qatari court of appeal regarding the construction of residential high-rise buildings in Qatar.  The dispute value is over QAR 1 billion.
  • – Advised a government entity on the handling of EOT claims in light of COVID-19.
  • – Representing a large developer in a dispute before the QICCA surrounding the provision of facilities management services.  The claim value is circa QAR 600,000,000
  • – Advising on international real estate transactions, finance and acquisitions; establishing policies and procedures for the Qatari Diar board and corporate; and advising on the assignment of bidders for the main contracts – valued at USD 23 billion.
  • – Drafting contracts and agreements related to Qatari Diar’s transaction to payout DBI (Deutsch Bahn International); Qatar Railway framework regulation; Railway law for land acquisition & tunneling; main contract for metro – FIDIC.
  • – Gulf Warehousing Company – Assisting and advising client in listing Rights Issue – valued at QAR 586,031,480.
  • – Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) – Transactions regarding the transfer of several assets – valued at QAR 6.7 Billion.
  • – Alkhaleej Takaful Group – Advising the client on the termination of the health Insurance Scheme in Qatar – valued at over QAR 1 Billion.
  • – Black-Cat Engineering and Construction WLL – Litigation valued at QAR 104 Million.
  • – Acrossit Industry and Trading – Litigation valued at QAR 34 Million.
  • – Represented the families of the Villaggio Fire Victims – Litigation valued at QAR 280 Million.
  • – Qatar Property Management – Representing the c;ient in an Arbitration matter at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – valued at QAR 100 Million.
  • – Tanween WLL – Representing the client in an Arbitration regarding a Termination for Convenience by the Owner – valued at QAR 69 Million.
  • – Techno Q – Representing the client in a Litigation – valued at QAR 32,000,000.
  • – Investment House – Restructuring the Real Estate Fund for the Tornado Tower in the State of Qatar – valued at QAR 1.8 Billion.
  • – AFCONS Infrastructure Limited – Rendering Mediation, Litigation and Arbitration support to recover the claimed values – valued at QAR 25,000,000.
  • – Representing the Claimant, a major Qatari contractor, in an ICC arbitration seated in Qatar before a panel of three arbitrators. The dispute is in relation to a high-profile infrastructure project in Doha. The dispute value, to date, is circa QAR 500 million.
  • – Successfully represented the Claimant in an ICC Arbitration seated in Doha, before a panel of three arbitrators concerning a landmark infrastructure project.  The client successfully recovered 100% of its claim value and was awarded costs.
  • – Acted for a major real-estate company based in Doha in a QICCA arbitration surrounding the development of a landmark commercial district in Doha.  The dispute was in excess of QAR 60 million and was ultimately, successfully settled in favor of the client.

Member of the Legal Panel of:

1.Qatar Energy 2.Qatar Foundation 3.Ooredoo 4.Qatar Financial Centre 5.Astad 6.Qatar Rail 7.QatarGas 8.Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy 9.Aggrecco 10.Qatar National Bank 11.beIN Sports 12.Al ijarah 13.Commercial Bank of Qatar 14.Al Ahli Bank 15.Tanween Residancy 16.Vodafone 17.NBK Contracting Co. WLL 18.Dukhan Bank 19.Qatar First Bank 20.Qatar Islamic Bank 21.Qatar Airways 22.Al Wajba Group 23.United Development Co. 24.Al Majed Group

He is a member of the Qatari Bar Admission Committee, IBA, and ICC.

Awards:

  • Legal 500
  • Chambers & Partners
  • IFLR1000

Senior Partner

Rashid Al Saad

Rashid Al Saad is the Founder and Senior Partner of Sharq Law Firm. He is a Qatari qualified lawyer with the...

Abdelraouf Elbekei

Position: Partner | Litigation
Email: info@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Senior

Counselor Abdelraouf assumed several positions in the Public Prosecution and Judiciary in Egypt until he was appointed as the Attorney-General for the Ismailia Governorate. He then resumed his position as a Judge in the Qatari Courts; from being a Judge in the Court of First Instance, a Judge in the Court of Appeals, and then Vice President of the Court of Appeals, Counselor Abdelraouf was appointed as an Honorable Judge in the Court of Cassation. He now serves as a Partner at Sharq Law Firm; leading and supervising the Litigation and Arbitration & Construction teams.

Profile:

Counselor Abdelraouf is the Litigation Partner at Sharq Law firm as he leads and supervises the Litigation and Arbitration & Construction departments. He was previously appointed as the Honorable Judge of the Court of Cassation in the State of Qatar in its establishment through Law No. 10 of 2003 Promulgating the Law on Judicial Authority and continued his judicial duties until reaching retirement age in 30/06/2014. He has held many esteemed positions such as a Judge in the Court of First Instance, a Judge in the Court of Appeal, and the Vice President of the Court of Appeal.

Experience:

    • – Highly experienced in international arbitration and has presided over several arbitral tribunals such as The Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) and The Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber.
    • – Held positions in nearly every level of the judicial system and participated in the drafting of new legislation over the course of a distinguished career that spanned four decades.
    • – Member of the committee that reviewed the Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, Law No. 10 of 2003 Promulgating the Law on Judicial Authority, Law No. 12 of 2005 on Procedures in Non-penal Cassation Appeals, Law No. 11 of 2015. Promulgating the Commercial Companies Law, and Law No. 2 of 2017 Promulgating the Civil and Commercial Arbitration Law.
    • – Certified arbitrator in the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA).
Partner | Litigation

Abdelraouf Elbekei

Counselor Abdelraouf assumed several positions in the Public Prosecution and Judiciary in Egypt until he was appointed as the Attorney-General...

Marwa Ali Bamatraf

Position: Partner | Corporate & Commercial
Email: m.bamatraf@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Senior

Ms. Bamatraf regularly advises international and local companies such as Qatar Rail, QatarEnergy (QE), Uber, FIFA, Ministry of Finance and several international and governmental entities in connection to civil, corporate, regulatory and commercial matters. Her experience includes dealing and advising on capital markets (QFMA and QE) and governance of various forms of companies. This includes establishment and conversion of companies to private shareholding and public shareholding companies such as Baladna and QAMCO. She also acted as the Qatari law counsel for the bond issuance of the Ministry of Finance on 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 in addition to advising the Managers in the QE bond issuance. She also advised Qatar Airways on their bond issuance and the Ministry of Finance as guarantor. Her experience also includes drafting Qatari laws, Executive Regulations, and Ministerial Decisions.

In addition to her experience in commercial matters, she has experience in dealing and advising on capital market (including QFMA and QE regulations), governance of various forms of companies and has extensive experience in labour and civil laws.

Experience:

  • – Advised the State of Qatar, acting through the Ministry of Finance, on annual issuance of bonds; including reviewing and drafting prospectus, due diligence and transactional documents on a USD 12,000,000,000 international bond issuance for five years.
  • – Successfully represented and advised Uber against the Competition and Anti-Monopoly Committee in Qatar on anti-trust and competition dispute in connection with the Uber’s acquisition of Careem. This included representing Uber in a litigation case before the Qatari Courts due to the Committee’s rejection of the said acquisition. The claim was successful, and the award came to Uber’s favor; revoking the Committee’s rejection decision.
  • – Acting and advising Pierre Balmain in global trademark, brand protection, intellectual property enforcement, licensing and anti-counterfeiting matters.
  • – Represented FIFA in assessing FIFA’s requirements against the current applicable laws in the State of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and provided the organization with a draft enabling legislation in order to effect the changes necessary to host said competition.
  • – Represented and advised the principle Public Healthcare Provider in Qatar and one of the leading hospitals in the Middle-East. This included drafting different types of agreements related to procuring services that optimize the existing IT solutions across all the existing public hospitals, expanding the existing IT solutions to newly built public hospitals/health centers, and overseeing a technology refresh under currently managed services, which would include the procurement of new hardware infrastructure, commissioning, implementation of hardware/software, hosting, and providing maintenance services valued at QAR 600,000,000.
  • – Acting as the Qatari law counsel in establishing a Public Shareholding Company owned by QE (QAMCO) including advising on the structure, reviewing the prospectus, and drafting the establishment documents (Capital of QAR 1,000,000,000).
  • – Advising Mazaya Real Estate Development, MilahaQatar Navigation and other Qatari Public Shareholding Company on corporate governance and regularly providing legal opinions on different aspects of law.
  • – Restructured a branch of a Canadian college to a Qatari University as well as drafted and advised on the constitutional documents and agreements between the Canadian University and the Government of Qatar.
  • – Advised on Qatar Pharma IPO.
  • – Advised on Baladna IPO.
  • – Conducted a due diligence report for Qatar Investment Authority on a transfer of assets valued at QAR 6.7 Billion.
  • – Acted as the Qatari Counsel to Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C in connection with the issuance of $510,000,000 and $490,000,000 Trust Certificates and acted as the local counsel to the Ministry of Finance as the guarantor in $1,000,000,000. The transaction included drafting an Emiri Decree to the Ministry of Finance, drafting Ministerial Resolutions, and drafting and reviewing condition precedents including all required authorisations and delegations to effect the transaction by the Ministry of Finance and Qatar Airways.
  • – Drafted two Emiri decrees in relation to the issuance of bonds and the establishment of a state-owned college.
  • – Drafted and reviewed a Facility Agreement as per the Islamic finance (Murabaha Agreement) for QAR 2,200,000,000.
  • – Restructured a Private Qatari Shareholding Company (a bank under QFC) to a Limited Liability Company.
  • – Advised Qatar Railways Company on all litigations in the Qatari Courts.
  • – Drafted two laws and one executive regulation for Qatar Railways Company.
  • – Advised on the conversion of three limited liability companies to private shareholding holding companies.

 

Partner | Corporate & Commercial

Marwa Ali Bamatraf

Ms. Bamatraf regularly advises international and local companies such as Qatar Rail, QatarEnergy (QE), Uber, FIFA, Ministry of Finance and...

Litigation

Dr. Bashir Saad Zaghloul

Position: Senior Counsel
Email: info@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Litigation

Profile:

Dr. Bashir is the Senior Counsel at Sharq Law Firm. Having achieved a doctoral research degree (PhD) in Criminal Law from France, Dr. Bashir has led an impressive career in criminal law. His academic experience (as a Professor of Criminal Law in the Faculty of Law at the Cairo University, the Director of the Center for Combating Crime and the Treatment of Criminals at the Cairo University, an Arbitrator in the Permanent Academic Committee for the Specialization in Criminal Law for the Promotion of Professors in Egyptian and Arab Universities, and a member of the Editorial Board and the Academic Committee in the Faculty of Law at Chadli Bendjedid University) provides Sharq Law Firm with extensive legal experience and distinctive knowledge of criminal law. Prior to joining Sharq, he held several esteemed academic positions; a Professor of Criminal Law at the College of Law – Qatar University from 2008 to 2021, an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Criminal Studies – Public Prosecution – State of Qatar, an Adjunct Professor at the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies – Ministry of Justice – Qatar, an Adjunct Professor at Ahmed bin Mohammed Military College – Qatar, and an Adjunct Professor at the Police College – Qatar. His professional experience as a lawyer before the Egyptian Court of Cassation, as well as being a member of the disciplinary board for members of the Research Authority in the Egyptian Medicines Authority, and an investigator in the President’s Office of Cairo University in disciplinary violations attributed to faculty members at the university provided him with extensive practical experience in handling investigation and judgment files.

Experience:

  • – Published several studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals; most notably: The Principle of Two-Tiered Litigation and its Role in Consolidating Justice and Achieving Equality Before Criminal Justice – Applying the Principle Before Criminal Courts in French and Qatari Law, Criminal Protection Guarantees for the Legal Profession – A Critical Analytical Study – Journal of Law and Economics – Faculty of Law, Cairo University, and The Application with Immediate Effect to the Rules of Organization and Jurisdiction of the Criminal Justice System (research published in the Journal of Sharia and Law – United Arab Emirates). University.
  • – Contributed to legal literature by authoring several books; most recently: Criminology and Punishment (co-author) –Publications of the College of Law – Qatar University, 2019, Criminal Protection Guarantees for the Legal Profession – A Critical Analytical Study – Arab Renaissance House – Cairo, 2017, and The Abolition of Procedural Parliamentary Immunity Between Reality and Hope – A Comparative Study from the Perspective of Establishing Criminal Justice – Arab Renaissance House – Cairo, 2017.
  • – Regularly lectures several academic establishments, and was most recently; a lecturer in the first foundation course for Public Prosecution Assistants, Institute of Criminal Studies – Public Prosecution – State of Qatar, from January 1 to June 30, 2019, a lecturer in the training course for the judicial police officers at the Ministry of Interior on practical applications regarding the procedures of seizure and investigation in the criminal law of the State of Qatar, Ministry of Interior, April 24-26, 2016, and lecturer in the training course for new judicial police officers at the Public Works Authority “Ashghal”, on the topic of “Judicial Seizures and Crimes Stipulated in Law No. 14 of 2015 Regulating Works Within the Roadside”, organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center of the Qatar Public Prosecution, Doha November 4, 2015.
  • – Participated in several press articles and features; most recently, he participated in a journalistic investigation regarding the Qatari law on combating cybercrime and the importance of its awareness and dissemination in the legal culture of school and university students, published in Al-Raya newspaper, on February 16, 2016, a press article on the independence of the judiciary and the public prosecution in the State of Qatar, published in the Qatari newspaper Al-Arab, on March 5, 2012, a press article on the idea of ​​deterrence as one of the purposes of criminal punishment, published in the police magazine “With You” issued by the Ministry of Interior in the State of Qatar, Issue 104, February 2012, and a press article on the topic of “Fraud and Electronic Begging”, published in Al-Raya newspaper – September 28, 2011.
  • – Addressed the issue of human organ transplantation in Qatari law through a journalistic investigation that reviewed the Qatari law’s regulation of the process of human organ donation and the limitations that ensure the combat and prevention of human organ trafficking – published in the Qatari newspaper Al-Arab – Incident Supplement – Issue 7783 – October 3, 2009.
  • – Provided a social legal opinion in an investigative journalism regarding the limitations of opening criminal files for screenwriters – in regard to turning them into television series – with the aim of raising community awareness against the dangers of crime and its negative consequences – Al Arab Qatari newspaper – Incident Supplement – Issue 7921 – February 20, 2010
  • – Regularly leads and participates in several academic and professional seminars; spoke and represented the College of Law at Qatar University in the consultative meeting on “Legal Problems Related to Gender Identity Disorders”, organized by the Behavioral Health Support Center, February 24, 2019, attended sessions of the conference “Law in Keeping pace with Tourism Activity: Its Determinants and Prospects”, organized by the College of Law at Qatar University in cooperation with the National Tourism Council of the State of Qatar, February 4-5, 2019, and participated in a seminar for students of the College of Law at Qatar University entitled “Crimes Committed through Social Media in the Light of Qatari Legislation”, organized by the Professional Services Center at Qatar University, October 11, 2018.
Senior Counsel

Dr. Bashir Saad Zaghloul

Profile: Dr. Bashir is the Senior Counsel at Sharq Law Firm. Having achieved a doctoral research degree (PhD) in Criminal...

Fady Francis

Position: Counsel
Email: info@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Litigation

Mr. Francis graduated from the Ain Shams University in Egypt in 2006 with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Prior to joining Sharq Law Firm, Mr. Fady worked as an associate in the largest law firm in Egypt and had represented multiple high-profile clients.

Mr. Francis’ main responsibilities at Sharq Law Firm include handling litigation files and various types of lawsuits (Commercial, Labor, Civil, and Criminal legal actions).

Profile:

Mr. Francis is skilled in all types of legal actions; whether Civil or Commercial. He also has various experience in labor matters. He has handled all types of lawsuits and litigation cases including Corporate, SMEs, Retail, Taxation, Employment and cases filed from and against governmental authorities.

He is highly skilled in drafting court memos, the execution of judgments, legal contracts and agreements, as well as providing various legal opinions regarding Commercial, Civil, Investment, Corporate and Labor issues.

Experience:

  • – Represented Barclays Bank’s against clients in regard to late payments; gaining experience in all types of legal actions (both civil and criminal actions).
  • – Studied, handled and followed-up – alone and in co-operation with the legal department at Barclays Bank during that period – on many issues regarding various branches of law (Commercial, Labor, Civil, and Criminal Law).
  • – Representing clients all types of lawsuits and litigation cases including Corporate, SMEs, Retail, Taxation, Employment and cases filed from and against governmental authorities.
  • – Experienced in all types of lawsuits including Civil, Criminal, Commercial legal actions.
  • – Drafting court memos and the execution of judgments.
  • – Drafting various types of legal contracts and agreements.
  • – Handling legal matters related to commercial registry and documentation offices, and dealing with government agencies.
  • – Handling the procedures of transfer of ownership in the Notary Public.
  • – Drafting various legal opinions (commercial, civil, investment, companies and labor legal issues).
  • – Dealing with all procedures related to company formation and the general investment authority.
  • – Acting for major real-estate companies based in Doha surrounding multi-million dollar disputes.
  • – Acting major contracting companies based in Doha on multi-million dollar disputes.
  • – Acting for Qatar’s leading commercial and retail banks in several high-stake and multi-billion dollar litigations.
  • – Acting for one of the largest maritime and logistics companies in the Middle East on litigation matters.
  • – Acted for one of Qatar’s leading business hubs on litigation matters.
Counsel

Fady Francis

Mr. Francis graduated from the Ain Shams University in Egypt in 2006 with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Prior to...

Sameh Basyouny

Position: Senior Associate
Email: info@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Litigation

Profile:

Mr. Mostafa is an associate at Sharq Law Firm. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of Tanta University in 2010, and joined the Egyptian Bar Association in 2011. He became registered as a certified lawyer to appear before the Court of Appeal in 2020. Upon joining Sharq Law Firm in 2018, he was able to extend his skills as he gained over 10 years of relevant experience in the same field.

Mr. Mostafa is especially experienced in preparing written and oral pleadings before commercial, civil, criminal and Sharia courts. He also drafts legal memos, represents clients in settlement negotiations and mediation in disputes, and is involved in discussions with experts.

Experience:

  • – Worked for a year as an Attorney at Al Talaoum Company for clearing transactions.
  • – Worked for a period of four years at Noura Al Thani Advocates & Legal Consultancy, Doha – Qatar.
  • – Upon Joining Sharq law firm in 2018, he has managed to broaden his experience and knowledge in the Qatari local court system, legal agreements, resolutions, and drafting memorandums, pleadings and legal citations.
  • – Having a relevant experience for 7 years, Mr. Sameh engaged in all kinds of lawsuits and litigation claims which further developed his skills in drafting litigation memorandum, implementing judgments, and coordinating with experts.
  • – Registered as an appellate lawyer in the Egyptian Bar Association
  • – Registered with the Qatari Bar Admission Committee to represent Sharq Law Firm in appearing before the different courts.

Senior Associate

Sameh Basyouny

Profile: Mr. Mostafa is an associate at Sharq Law Firm. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of Tanta University...

Corporate Department

Perla El Mardini

Position: Senior Associate
Phone: +974 4021 2444
Email: info@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Corporate Department

Profile:

Perla is a Senior Associate at the Corporate and Commercial Department at Sharq Law Firm and she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Notre Dame University in Lebanon where she had studied the curriculum of both the common and civil law systems. Prior to joining Sharq Law Firm, she had gained legal experience through interning at local law offices and the legal departments of international companies. During her time at Sharq Law Firm, she has worked closely with several governmental institutions and market-leading companies in the Infrastructure, Transport, Media, Energy, Aviation, Trade, Oil & Gas, and Food & Beverage.

During her time at Sharq Law Firm, Perla has shown great ambition and a hands-on approach in matters and transactions. She regularly advises governmental institutions and both local and international companies on a variety of corporate and finance matters including banking, capital markets, competition, financial and corporate restructuring, M&A, and project development.

Perla excels in her commercial and people-skills as she always aims to provide commercially practical legal solutions building trusted relationships and safeguarding client and firm interests.

She is a native Arabic speaker and a proficient English speaker with intermediate-level French skills which has allowed her to take part in international matters and transactions, offering clients a wide array of legal services.

Experience:

• Advising the State of Qatar, acting through the Ministry of Finance, on the GMTN Programme for the issuance of bonds;

•Advising several clients such as Qatar Railways Company, Qatar Airways, Mazaya Real Estate Development, Uber, and FIFA and regularly providing legal opinions on different aspects of Qatari law;

•Restructuring of limited liability companies into private shareholding companies and public shareholding companies;

•Acting and advising Pierre Balmain in global trademark, brand protection, intellectual property enforcement, licensing and anti-counterfeiting matters;

•Advising several companies such as Qatar Railways Company, Msheireb Properties, 360 Nautica, and Q-Tickets on all litigations in the Qatari Courts;

•Advising on Qatar law in relation to a high-profile incident occurred in Qatar in a litigation ongoing in Australia;

•Advised on Uber’s acquisition of Careem in the State of Qatar; and

•Conducted several workshops on the aspects of the Labor Law for several companies, such as Fadaat Media.

•Advised Uber Technologies Inc. on an array of IP and consumer protection related matters.

Senior Associate

Perla El Mardini

Profile: Perla is a Senior Associate at the Corporate and Commercial Department at Sharq Law Firm and she graduated with...

Omar Almanasrah

Position: Junior Associate
Email: info@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Corporate Department

Profile:

Mr. Omar currently practices as a Junior Associate in the Corporate/Commercial Department at Sharq Law Firm; working closely with several governmental institutions and major companies in the Energy, Technology, Infrastructure, and Retail sectors.
Omar regularly advises leading global organisations in commercial and corporate matters.

Experience:

Advised on several corporate, commercial, and employment matters to leading companies in Qatar such as Qatar Rail and Qatar Airways.

Assisted in reviewing, advising, and negotiating on a dealership agreement between Bentley/ Al Wajba.

Assisted in incorporating companies under both the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Qatar Financial Centre,

Assisted in drafting and reviewing supply agreements between international companies and governmental institutions.

Advised several international companies in undertaking due diligence reviews in the State of Qatar.

Assisted in drafting shareholders agreement for major companies in Qatar.

Junior Associate

Omar Almanasrah

Profile: Mr. Omar currently practices as a Junior Associate in the Corporate/Commercial Department at Sharq Law Firm; working closely with...

Arbitration Department

Josias de Salles

Position: Counsel
Email: info@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Arbitration Department

Mr. de Salles is an attorney in Sharq Law Firm’s Construction and Arbitration team. Since joining Sharq Law Firm from the United Kingdom, Josias has established a strong reputation in the construction and arbitration field in Doha and is a highly sought after attorney,.

Profile:

Mr. de Salles advises medium to large contractors and developers based in the Middle East, in both contentious and non-contentious matters. He is most active in international arbitration, acting for clients before the ICC, QICCA, amongst other forums. He also advises clients on the main forms of construction contracts, including the FIDIC suite, NEC, JCT as well as bespoke and governmental forms of contract.

Experience:

  • – Representing the Claimant, a major Qatari contractor, in an ICC arbitration seated in Qatar before a panel of three arbitrators. The dispute is in relation to a high-profile infrastructure project in Doha. The dispute value, to date, is circa QAR 500 million.
  • – Successfully represented the Claimant in an ICC Arbitration seated in Doha, before a panel of three arbitrators concerning a landmark infrastructure project. The client successfully recovered 100% of its claim value and was awarded costs.
  • – Acted for a major real-estate company based in Doha in a QICCA arbitration surrounding the development of a landmark commercial district in Doha. The dispute was in excess of QAR 60 million and was ultimately, successfully settled in favor of the client.
  • – Representing a large developer in a dispute before the QICCA surrounding the provision of facilities management services. The claim value is circa QAR 600,000,000
  • – Advised a client and acted in negotiations in relation to a major proposed settlement for a construction matter with a value of over USD 350 million.
  • – Representing the Claimant(s), two real estate developers, in two QICCA arbitrations concerning delays to a major real estate development in Qatar. The dispute value is circa QAR 800 million.
  • – Successfully represented the Claimant in two simultaneous QICCA Arbitrations concerning the supply of manpower, where the Claimant recovered 100% of the claim value and costs.
  • – Assisting colleagues in a dispute before the Qatari court of appeal regarding the construction of residential high-rise buildings in Qatar. The dispute value is over QAR 1 billion.
  • – Acted for and advised a major developer on the construction of a large compound on a Build Operate and Transfer basis. The overall transaction value is circa USD $400 million.
  • – Regularly advising a listed real estate company on construction claims, construction contracts and dispute avoidance.
  • – Advised a government entity on the handling of EOT claims in light of COVID-19.
  • – An author for various industry publications including Lexology, Real Estate Law Reviews, Lexology Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.
  • – Advised a major developer on the installation of a large telecommunications network.
  • – Advising clients on the preparation of all forms of the main construction contracts, including the FIDIC suite, NEC, JCT as well as bespoke and governmental forms of contract.
Counsel

Josias de Salles

Mr. de Salles is an attorney in Sharq Law Firm’s Construction and Arbitration team. Since joining Sharq Law Firm from...

Sara Nehme

Position: Junior Associate
Email: info@sharqlawfirm.com
Categories: Arbitration Department

Profile:

Ms. Nehme is a member of Sharq Law Firm’s Construction and Arbitration team, having joined the practice in July 2023. She holds two master’s degrees from Lebanese University: a Research Master and a Master in Commercial Law.
Within the team, Ms. Nehme advises contractors and developers on a range of contentious and non-contentious issues. Her expertise includes domestic and international arbitration, as well as providing guidance on construction contracts and Qatari law.
Sara is also fluent in both English and Arabic.

Experience:

• Involved in a DIAC Arbitration representing four Respondents, with the arbitration seated in Cyprus. This commercial dispute involves an amount exceeding QAR 150 million.
• Serving as the primary liaison between an English language department and a predominantly Arabic-speaking department.
• Providing assistance in a QICCA arbitration between a developer and a service provider, centred around a dispute over facilities management services.
• Involved in construction arbitration matters between employers and main contractors.
• Participating in a QICCA arbitration concerning the development of residential high-rise buildings in Doha between a developer and the main contractor.
• Drafting legal opinions on aspects of Qatari law, with a particular emphasis on construction and real estate contracts.
• Coordinating with both technical and legal experts, including specialists in quantum, delay, and architecture.
• Supporting counsel with legal research and proactively monitoring legislative changes.
• Offering advice on FIDIC contracts.

Junior Associate

Sara Nehme

Profile: Ms. Nehme is a member of Sharq Law Firm’s Construction and Arbitration team, having joined the practice in July...

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