Qatar’s rapid development and its central role in the Gulf economy generate a wide spectrum of complex disputes. We provide high-level drafting and advisory support for contentious matters across industries, combining in-depth knowledge of Qatari law with international best practices.
Arbitration and International Dispute Resolution
Qatar has established itself as a hub for arbitration, through the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) and the ICC Court (Doha). Qatar is also a signatory to the New York Convention (1958), enabling recognition and enforcement of foreign awards.
We assist with:
- Commercial arbitration under QICCA Rules, ICC, LCIA, and UNCITRAL frameworks;
- Investor–state matters under ICSID involving Qatari treaty protections;
- Recognition and enforcement proceedings for international awards before Qatari courts;
- Drafting statements of claim, defense, memorials, jurisdictional objections, interim relief applications, and enforcement petitions.
Construction and FIDIC Disputes
Qatar’s infrastructure and energy megaprojects are governed by FIDIC-based contracts, particularly in transport, stadia, ports, and energy facilities. Disputes regularly involve:
- Delay and disruption claims;
- Extension of time (EOT) submissions;
- Termination and default proceedings;
- Claims before Dispute Adjudication Boards (DABs) and subsequent arbitration.
We prepare comprehensive submissions with contractual analysis, delay and quantum assessments, and sector-specific expert evidence.
Maritime and Shipping Disputes
As the largest global exporter of LNG, Qatar is central to international shipping and offshore disputes. Matters include:
- Charterparty disputes (off-hire, demurrage, deviation, cargo damage);
- Ship arrest proceedings in Qatari ports, with drafting of arrest applications, undertakings, and bond documentation;
- Marine insurance claims, collisions, salvage, and general average;
- Enforcement of maritime liens under Qatari law.
Banking, Finance and Insurance Disputes
Qatar’s financial sector is regulated under the Qatar Central Bank and the QFC (Qatar Financial Centre) framework, each with distinct dispute procedures. We support:
- Debt recovery litigation and restructuring disputes;
- Misrepresentation, fraud, and mis-selling claims;
- Enforcement of security, guarantees, and letters of credit;
- Insurance disputes involving property, marine, and business interruption claims.
Corporate and Commercial Litigation
We draft pleadings, claims, and defenses in corporate disputes concerning:
- Joint ventures, shareholder disputes, and minority protection claims;
- Agency and distributorship termination under Qatari Commercial Agency Law;
- Breach of contract, force majeure, and frustration claims;
- Employment disputes arising from senior executive contracts.
Energy and Natural Resources Disputes
Qatar’s hydrocarbon dominance creates frequent disputes in:
- LNG sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) — price review, delivery, and force majeure;
- Upstream exploration and production contracts;
- EPC contracts for petrochemical and energy facilities;
- Joint operating agreements and risk-sharing disputes.
International Enforcement and Cross-Border Litigation
Qatar’s accession to the New York Convention and bilateral treaties enables recognition of foreign judgments and arbitral awards. We assist with:
- Enforcement of international arbitral awards;
- Cross-border fraud and asset recovery actions;
- Drafts for attachment, freezing orders, and recognition petitions before Qatari courts.
Illustrative Matters Handled
- Drafting memorials in ICC arbitration seated in Doha concerning $250m construction delay claims under a FIDIC Red Book contract;
- Preparation of ship arrest bundle for recovery of charter hire, including lien arguments and undertakings for security;
- Enforcement memorandum for recognition of a foreign arbitral award relating to an agency termination dispute;
- Drafting defense submissions in a QFC-regulated financial institution’s dispute with counterparties over derivative transactions.
Important Note: Court representation in Qatar is restricted to licensed Qatari advocates. Our role is to provide world-class drafting, analytical, and strategic support to complement local representation.