ALI AL HENZAB
Chairman and Founder, Al Henzab & Partners Law Firm
Ali Al-Henzab is a distinguished lawyer, legal Counsel, and certified international arbitrator with a bachelor’s degree in legal sciences and Police. With over 17 years of comprehensive legal experience in the Ministry of Interior, he has held several pivotal legal roles. Profoundly believing in the noble and esteemed nature of legal practice, Ali Al-Henzab established Al Henzab & Partners Law Firm in 2018, aiming to bring unparalleled legal expertise and ethical representation to clients in all areas of law from corporate law to civil & criminal law.
AL-ANOUD ABDULAZIZ AL-KHAJA
Senior Associate, Al Sulaiti Law Firm
Al-Anoud Abdulaziz Al-Khaja is a highly skilled Qatari lawyer with over seven years of legal experience, currently practising at Al-Sulaiti Law Firm. As a member of the Qatari Lawyers Association, she has developed extensive expertise across various areas of law, particularly in litigation, legal consultations, drafting pleadings, defense memoranda, and client representation before the courts of the State of Qatar and expert committees.
Al-Anoud's practice spans arbitration, contracts, construction, real estate, corporate law, intellectual property, information technology, and banking transactions. Since joining Al-Sulaiti Law Firm in 2019, she has excelled in complex litigation matters, demonstrating a strong track record of effectively advocating for clients in Qatari courts. Her proficiency in drafting and reviewing intricate contracts, coupled with her strategic approach to dispute resolution, enables her to deliver tailored legal solutions that meet her clients' needs.
With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, Al-Anoud is recognized for her ability to navigate challenging legal issues and achieve favorable outcomes for her clients.
GEORGES ABI SAAB
General Counsel, Ooredoo Group
Georges Abi Saab is the General Counsel at Ooredoo Group, where he plays a pivotal role in managing and overseeing all legal aspects of the Group. In this capacity, he provides vital support to the Chairman and the Board of Directors on legal matters, develops the overarching legal strategy for mergers and acquisitions, and ensures the successful implementation and dissemination of these strategies.
Georges collaborates closely with the strategy, digital, and finance teams to optimize financial, tax, and transaction structuring.
One of Georges’ notable achievements has been leading the implementation of the first compliance framework agreement at Group level. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance understanding of the relevant laws and regulations across the company’s business units.
Georges is also active in board governance, currently serving as the Board Secretary or Ooredoo Myanmar and Ooredoo Tunisia. Additionally, he is a member of the Executive Committee of both companies and holds the role of Audit Committee Secretary at Ooredoo Algeria.
Georges holds a bachelor's degree from the University of La Sagesse (Lebanon).
ASSAD ALASAD
Managing Director, Asma Muftah Al- Ghanem Advocates & Legal Consultants &
Director of the Commercial Companies Section
Mr. Assad is a highly experienced legal professional with over 12 years of expertise in corporate and business law. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Alnileen University, Republic of Sudan, and has been licensed to practice law by the Sudanese Lawyers Admission Committee since 2011.
He has worked in various prestigious law firms both within and outside the State of Qatar and has held numerous legal and executive positions, including in one of Qatar’s leading companies. As the head of the Corporate Department at Asma Law Firm, Mr. Assad advises individuals and businesses on a wide range of legal matters, including company formation, mergers, acquisitions, corporate governance, and compliance with domestic and international laws.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, he provides legal opinions on complex business transactions and investments.
BERTRAND ALEXIS
General Counsel, Khwarizmi Artificial Intelligence Center (KAIC)
Bertrand is a seasoned general counsel and US-qualified lawyer with over 30 years of diverse legal and compliance experience across the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. He has a proven track record of building and leading professional legal teams and serving as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives.
Bertrand specialises in providing strategic, commercially focused legal advice, with expertise spanning telecommunications and internet law, cloud-based technology, Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, smart contracts, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, distribution and agency agreements, litigation management, compliance, and data privacy.
KHALID AL HARAMI
Founder and Chairman, West Bay International Consultants & Lawyers
Khalid Al Harami is the Chairman and Founder of West Bay International Consultants & Lawyers. He has more than 20 years’ experience practising law, including representing government entities such as the Ministry of Justice in domestic and international cases.
Khalid formerly served as Director of the State Cases Department at the Ministry of Justice, during which time he achieved many successes in litigation and arbitration.
Khalid has a strong record in dealing with complex and sensitive cases effectively – especially in the field of administrative law.
Khalid holds a Bachelor of Law from Qatar University and has completed several specialized training courses in arbitration and dispute resolution. He is a member of [the International Bar Association], [the Qatar Lawyers Association] [and] [other association].
FAISAL AL-SAHOUTI
CEO, Qatar International Court & Dispute Resolution Centre
Faisal Bin Rashid Al Sahouti has been the CEO of the QICDRC since April 2014. He is also a member of the Court’s Advisory Board. He is responsible for the administrative, financial and legal affairs of Court under the supervision of the President of the QICDRC.
During Mr. Al-Sahouti’s tenure, the QICDRC has witnessed remarkable growth, as he has led the administrative development of the Court, particularly advancing the QICDRC electronic services provided to litigants and lawyers. In addition, Mr. Al Sahouti has contributed extensively to the development of human resources at the QICDRC by employing talented and highly qualified Qataris to work at the QICDRC registry and other administrative departments of the Court.
In 2017, Mr. Al Sahouti chaired the executive council responsible for organizing the Qatar Law Forum (QLF), which is considered one of the most important regional and international conferences promoting importance of the Rule of Law.
In 2019, the Council of Ministers appointed Mr. Al Sahouti as a member of the Grievances Committee of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority pursuant to Council Ministers Decision No. 22/2019. As of 2019, Mr. Al-Sahouti is a member of Alumni Council in Qatar University and a member in the finance committee in the Council.
Mr. Al Sahouti joined the Qatar International Court in 2011, where he worked as an assistant to judges in preparing case fi les and worked in the Court Registry.
Mr. Al Sahouti holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Qatar University, and a master’s degree in Commercial Law from the University of Nottingham (UK). Mr. Al Sahouti is also a certified international arbitrator and a judicial mediator accredited by the CEDR Institute in London. He has acted as an arbitrator in a number of arbitration cases in the State of Qatar.
MUBARAK AL SULAITI
President of Qatari Lawyers Association
Founder & Chariman of Al Sulaiti Law Firm | Senior Legal Consultant
Mubarak Al-Sulaiti founded Al- Sulaiti Law Firm in 2002. As an experienced lawyer and arbitrator with over 27 years’ experience in Qatari law, Mubarak has extensive knowledge and experience advising in construction, commercial, insurance, employment, and sports law including civil and criminal litigation.
During his many years as a litigator before courts and tribunals on all levels, including the Court of Appeal and the High Court, Mubarak has provided legal counsel to both domestic and international companies (including State and private companies) and has interacted routinely with regulators and law enforcement authorities. He has a diverse experience of resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation.
Having served on the board of the Qatari Lawyers Association since 2014, Mubarak Al-Sulaiti became the President of Qatari Lawyers Association in 2022.
Prior to establishing Al Sulaiti Law Firm Mubarak led the Qatari Ministry of Transportation’s Legal Affairs Department.
Mubarak is an active commission member if the ICC Global Arbitration and ADR Commission, representing the State of Qatar.
UMAR AZMEH
Registrar, Qatar International Court & Dispute Resolution Centre
Umar is the Registrar of the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC). He is a dual-qualified solicitor and barrister, and has practised as a self-employed barrister, within government for the Attorney General for England and Wales, and in private practice as a solicitor.
Umar holds a master’s degree from the University of Oxford (Worcester College), where he graduated at the top of his class, and is currently undertaking a doctorate in law from the same university (St Anne’s College).
FARAS BALOCH
Barrister, Red Lion Chambers in association with Five Pillars Law (UK partner of Al Hail Law Firm)
Faras Baloch is a barrister associated with Five Pillars Law, UK partner firm to Al Hail Law Firm in Qatar. He is a specialist in the most serious and complex criminal cases. He has particular expertise in Business Crime & Fraud, Money Laundering & Proceeds of Crime, Financial Services Regulation & Professional Discipline and Serious and Organised Crime.
Faras acts for and against companies and senior professionals accused of serious financial misconduct. He has also advised in internal investigations relating to financial misconduct by major financial institutions and breaches of international Sanctions. Faras also has an extensive experience of the intersection between AI and criminal law. He has also lectured nationally and internationally on the topic, including to the UK Financial Conduct Authority, Crown Prosecution Service, His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs, and in Germany and Oman.
Faras lectures nationally and internationally on topics including the Bribery Act, Common Reporting Standard and the Proceeds of Crime Act. Faras has been shortlisted by Legal 500 for the 2024 Corporate Crime Junior of the Year. Faras holds an LL.B from the University of Nottingham.
SIMON CHAN
Partner, K&L Gates
Simon Chan is a partner in K&L Gates’ Doha office and a member of the firm’s Finance practice. He has been based in Doha since 2010. Simon is renowned for his adept guidance to financial institutions, corporate sponsors, and borrowers. His expertise spans diverse finance-related domains, encompassing project finance, leveraged finance, fintech, asset finance, Islamic finance, and restructuring activities, both in Qatar and internationally. Additionally, he has extensive experience in regulatory matters.
Simon has been advising Qatari financial institutions with respect to complex regulatory matters throughout the regulatory landscape including in relation with general regulatory perimeter requirements, banking capital, and investment funds-related requirements. His practice also extends to advising on regulatory compliance issues including AML/KYC regulations and investor protection rules.
Actively involved in the fintech and regtech initiatives of Qatar and the Qatar Financial Centre, Simon regularly contributes to various working groups and committees dedicated to advancing these initiatives. He advises top fintech companies and startups revolutionizing the Qatari financial market and explores opportunities with local fintech companies.
ANDREW DAHDAL
Associate Professor, Qatar University
Dr. Andrew Dahdal is an Australian academic based in Doha, Qatar and has taught law in Australia, Europe and the Middle East. He has published numerous cited books, articles, notes and commentaries and is currently researching and writing on topics related to corporate law, financial services and new technology.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Andrew regularly helps industry professionals understand the connections between law, finance and technology and is engaged in law reform in the Middle East. Based at the College of Law, Qatar University, Dr. Andrew is the Chair of the Commercial Law group at the International Association of Law Schools (IALS).
Dr. Andrew completed his PhD at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Sydney, Australia) in 2014 examining the history of banking and its relationship the Australian Constitution.
DR. GEORGIOS DIMITROPOULOS
Associate Professor of Law & Associate Dean for Research
Georgios (George) Dimitropoulos is an Associate Professor of Law, as well as Associate Dean for Research and S.J.D. Program Coordinator at HBKU College of Law. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar and a Research Associate at the University College London Centre for Blockchain Technologies (UCL CBT). He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of World Investment & Trade (JWIT) and the Asia Pacific Law Review (APLR).
George studied law at the University of Athens, and holds an LL.M. and J.S.D. from Yale Law School, as well as an LL.M. and Ph.D. summa cum laude from the University of Heidelberg. Before joining HBKU he was a Senior Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute Luxembourg and a Hauser Research Scholar at New York University (NYU) School of Law. He has held visiting positions at the Athens Public International Law Center (AthensPIL), Singapore Management University (SMU), University College London Centre for Law, Economics and Society (UCL CLES), the Université Catholique de Lyon (UCLy) and the Jigme Singye Wangchuck (JSW) School of Law in Bhutan.
George’s work has appeared in journals such as the Washington Law Review, the University of Pennsylvania Journal of International Law, the Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business, the World Trade Review, and the Journal of International Economic Law. Some of his recent work includes a book on Regulating Blockchain: Techno-Social and Legal Challenges (with Philipp Hacker, Ioannis Lianos and Stefan Eich – Oxford University Press, 2019) and a book on International Commercial Courts: The Future of Transnational Adjudication (with Stavros Brekoulakis – Cambridge University Press, 2022).
AHMED DURRANI (MCIArb)
Managing Associate, Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners
Ahmed Durrani is the Managing Associate at Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners and leads the arbitration team.
Ahmed specialises in international arbitration, with an emphasis on construction and commercial matters. He also regularly appears as an advocate before the Qatar International Court (at first instance and on appeal) and the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Tribunal. He represents clients in complex and high-value construction and commercial arbitrations conducted under the rules of the major arbitral institutions, including the ICC, LCIA, DIAC and QICCA.
Ahmed also sits as an arbitrator, including as a sole arbitrator.
Ahmed has been consistently ranked as a “Rising Star” and a “Recommended Lawyer” by The Legal 500 in the category of Dispute Resolution.
Ahmed is admitted in Pakistan and was Called to the English Bar.
He obtained his LL.B. (Hons) degree from City, University of London, and completed the Bar Professional Training Course from the same institution.
BURAK ERYGIT
Special Counsel, K&L Gates
Burak Eryiğit is Special Counsel in the Doha and London offices of K&L Gates. He is a dual-qualified (civil law and common law) construction and disputes lawyer. He focuses his practice on international arbitration, dispute resolution, energy & infrastructure projects and construction matters, and also advises clients on general Qatar, English, and Turkish law issues relating to the same matters.
Having worked in Qatar since 2018, Burak has gained extensive practical knowledge of arbitration rules and regulations not only in Qatar but also in the wider Middle East. He has acted for clients in a number of ICC, LCIA, QICCA, and ad hoc arbitrations seated in numerous jurisdictions and subject to various governing laws, as well as co-authored a multitude of articles and practice notes covering various aspects of domestic and international arbitration.
Burak has been recognized as a Future Leader for Arbitration in Qatar in joint research for WWL and Global Arbitration Review and is the only non-partner amongst the cohort of brilliant arbitration practitioners (distinguished by clients for his expertise in resolving complex international disputes).
AHMED GABALLAH
Senior Associate, Al Yafei Law Firm
Ahmed Gaballah is a goal-focused, results-driven, and accomplished senior legal professional with over 10 years of experience in various facets of in-house legal advising, drafting and reviewing legal documents, contract management, legal research, and case investigations. He has a proven ability to meet and exceed legal objectives through tactical engagement and broad strategic insight.
Ahmed earned his Bachelor of Law (LLB, English Department) from Mansoura University (Egypt) in 2010. He further developed his legal expertise by participating in a plenary session on arbitration at the University of Ain Shams in 2013 and completing specialized courses in FIDIC and B.O.T. contracts. In 2021-2022, he prepared for the SRA MCT assessment to expand his professional qualifications.
Ahmed’s responsibilities include legal consultation, dispute settlement, litigation, and arbitration, particularly in the construction and commercial sectors. Ahmed's ability to lead a high-performing team of lawyers and secure favorable judgments in high-value construction disputes has been a hallmark of his career. Ahmed's career reflects his dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients through strategic insight, meticulous legal work, and a deep understanding of the law.
AMR HOSSAM ELDIN
Head of Arbitration, Legal Consultant
Amr Hossam is a Senior Legal Consultant and the head of the Arbitration practice at the firm. He brings a wealth of expertise in managing complex and high-value institutional and ad hoc arbitrations and litigations across MENA jurisdictions. His areas of specialisation include construction and engineering, commercial, technology, public property, public procurement, corporate, intellectual property rights, and sales of goods. Amr serves as an arbitrator, legal expert, and lead counsel in proceedings brought before the ICC, UNCITRAL, QICCA, PCA and FIDIC DABs, representing both private clients and state entities in a wide range of disputes involving claims related to delays and impacts, change orders, changed-site conditions, force majeure events, insurance and bonding claims, inspection and supervision issues, defective quality claims, contract account collection, public property and administrative law matters, corporate insolvency, and disputes over contractual interpretation.
ANDREW JOHNSON
General Counsel, Msheireb Properties
Andrew Johnson is a strategic legal advisor and corporate officer driving effective governance and mitigating risk as General Counsel and Board Secretary for Msheireb Properties in Qatar. With over 20 years of experience honing his expertise internationally across law firms and in-house legal teams, he acts as a trusted advisor on all material and legal matters.
Leveraging extensive experience in real estate, finance, construction, and dispute resolution, Andrew oversees a team providing counsel on development projects, commercial agreements, regulatory compliance, liability management, and standard company operations. He has also contributed to the smooth operations of Msheireb Properties by successfully restructuring teams for improved efficiency, leading due diligence for high-value acquisitions, and implementing alternative legal resourcing models to reduce costs.
Previously in senior roles with leading UK firms, Andrew formulated legal strategy, acted on growth opportunities, and managed risk for diverse portfolios including high-value commercial real estate and infrastructure assets.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia where he first trained and practiced before relocating to gain admission as a solicitor in England and Wales in 1999. An avid linguist and sportsman, he speaks French and is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
ALEX KELSALL
Senior Associate, DWF LLP (Qatar)
Alex Kelsall is a Senior Associate in DWF's Qatar office with extensive experience of handling a wide range of disputes at all stages of proceedings. He represents contractors, construction professionals, and insurers in both the UK and the MENA region.
With a robust background in international arbitration, Alex has successfully acted for contractors under the arbitration rules of the ICC, LCIA, and QICCA, and is currently representing numerous clients in construction arbitrations across various centres.
Alex also possesses significant insurance experience. He has worked extensively for insurers across property, energy, and construction lines in both the UK and the Middle East. His expertise includes acting for construction professionals and their insurers in insurance policy coverage disputes, property damage, and professional negligence claims. Alex is currently advising on several high-value, complex insurance policy coverage cases in Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with DWF's Dubai office.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Laws from Kings College and an LL.M from Durham University (UK). He is admitted to the roll of solicitors in England & Wales.
MAPANZA NKWILIMBA
Legal Director, DLA Piper Middle East
Mapanza M. Nkwilimba has significant experience assisting in the resolution of disputes across a wide range of construction, engineering and other related service contracts in the energy and natural resources sectors and has advised on contentious matters relating to major infrastructure projects across the Middle East and Australia.
He is particularly skilled at providing ongoing strategic guidance to clients during project execution, including advice on contract administration and the management of a broad range of construction contract disputes, including those relating to delay, scope change and quality issues.
Mapanza regularly conducts arbitrations under various international arbitration rules, including the ICC and UNCITRAL rules.
Prior to joining DLA Piper in April 2020, Mapanza worked at various international law firms based in Doha, Qatar and Perth, Western Australia focusing on contentious construction, commercial litigation and international arbitration.
MARY-JEAN NLEYA
Legal Counsel, Al Jazeera Media Network
Mary-Jean Nleya is a lawyer from Botswana currently working as legal counsel at Al Jazeera Media Network. She also writes articles at the intersection of law, technology and international development.
In 2020, Mary-Jean was selected as one of the IMF Youth Fellows by the International Monetary Fund. Mary-Jean holds a LL.M. from Harvard Law School and a LL.B. (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria. She also holds an MPhil in African Studies (with research on postcolonial literature and urbanism) from the University of Cambridge.
LARA SALEM
Head of Content Strategy, LexisNexis Middle East & North Africa
Lara SALEM is a seasoned legal tech professional with a rich 17-year career in digital publishing and content creation, specializing in developing legal series. With 14 years dedicated to the Gulf region, Lara has honed her expertise in managing dynamic teams of legal researchers and translators, while fostering strong author relations. Her contributions extend to the development of rule of law projects that have significantly impacted the region.
Lara's impressive trajectory in the legal tech industry has recently been elevated by her role at LexisNexis, where she joined a year ago as the Head of Content Strategy for the MENA region. In this capacity, Lara oversees two pivotal platforms, Middle East Online and Lexis MA for Morocco, steering the content expansion strategy in collaboration with the product teams. Her leadership ensures that LexisNexis remains at the forefront of legal research and content strategy in the MENA region, reflecting her deep commitment to innovation and excellence in the field.
Her recent endeavours include spearheading the transition of legal research through the integration of AI tools. She has been instrumental in training teams on AI utilization, crafting effective prompts, and seamlessly incorporating these advancements into existing processes.
Holding a bachelor's degree in political science, a civil law degree, and a common law degree, Lara Salem brings a diverse and comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. Lara's commitment to personal growth and leadership is further exemplified by her certification as a coach, underscoring her multifaceted expertise and dedication to the legal tech industry.
KHALED SHIVJI
Senior Technology Lawyer, KLME
Khaled Shivji’s experience spans leading global technology companies and navigating complex legal landscapes. He served as Regional General Counsel for industry giants like Microsoft, Expereo, Aggreko, and Digital DEWA, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives and ensured compliance with evolving regulations in the MENA region.
Khaled is a recognised expert in the intersection of law and technology, specialising in AI regulatory frameworks and cloud acceleration strategies. He has a proven track record of successfully implementing legal technology platforms and solutions within diverse legal environments, including in-house legal departments, law firms and non-profit organisations.
His deep understanding of the legal technology landscape, combined with his strong academic background, equips him to provide invaluable guidance to companies seeking to utilise AI to drive productivity and innovation.
Khaled is a qualified lawyer (England & Wales) and holds two degrees in Internet Engineering and Law, and a master's degree in international legal practice. He is an alumnus of Imperial College Business School.
HK SURESHA
Country Manager, MASIN
HK Suresha, an engineer and surveyor with 24+ years of experience, serves as the Senior Partner and Country Head for MASIN in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. His expertise lies in delay and quantum analysis, particularly on large-scale projects. HK Suresha excels in simplifying complex issues for resolution and has a track record of providing expert testimony in international arbitrations (ICC, LCIA, QICCA, DIFC, DIAC).
He has also served as mediator and has led numerous claims negotiations. His project portfolio spans diverse sectors, including oil & gas, airports, metro rail, power, and infrastructure.
HK Suresha is an RICS Registered Expert Witness and is affiliated with professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Society of Construction Law (SCL), and the American Association of Cost Engineering (AACE International).