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).
MELISSA ABBOUD
Associate & Legal Business Development Manager, Al Attiya & Partners Legal Consultants and Attorneys
Melissa Abboud, holding a Bachelor of Laws from Notre Dame University (Lebanon) and a Master’s degree in International Business Law from La Sagesse University (Lebanon), is a legal professional with a strong foundation in both Civil and Common Law Systems. She has enhanced her academic qualifications with various certifications from prestigious institutions, including courses from Harvard Law School, the University of British Columbia, and the Asser Institute in The Hague, specializing in International Law, Business, and Arbitration.
As an Associate and Legal Business Development Manager at Al Attiya and Partners, Melissa represents corporate clients and individuals in high-stakes litigation across Qatar and the GCC region. Her legal practice spans multiple industries, including Corporate, Banking, Real Estate, Labor, and Intellectual Property Law. As a Certified Arbitrator, she offers expertise in conflict resolution, particularly in Construction-related Disputes, helping clients avoid traditional Litigation when possible.
Melissa has built a strong reputation in Corporate and Commercial Law, advising on Franchise Agreements, Trademarks, Copyrights, and International Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Registrations. Moreover, she provides legal counseling to Embassies, Governmental, and Semi-Governmental institutions on Corporate, Labor, and Civil Law matters.
Melissa’s continuous Professional Development, combined with her business acumen, makes her a key asset in managing Legal Operations and driving strategic growth for her firm's clients.
ASMA MUFTAH AL-GHANEM
Founder and Managing Partner, Asma Muftah Al- Ghanem Advocates & Legal Consultants
Asmaa Al-Ghanem is the esteemed founder and managing partner of Asmaa Muftah Al-Ghanem Law Firm. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Law from Qatar University in 2013. Driven by her passion for legal studies, she pursued advanced education and, in 2017, attained a Master’s degree in Private Law from the same institution. Currently, she is in the process of obtaining her Doctorate in Law.
In 2016, after gaining significant experience in the legal field, Asma Al-Ghanem launched her own firm. Since then, she has been dedicated to providing comprehensive legal consultations to individuals, corporations, and government entities. She also represents her clients before judicial authorities and arbitration bodies, both locally and internationally.
With extensive expertise in various branches of Qatari law, Asma Al-Ghanem specializes in commercial, civil, criminal, labor, and family law, as well as sports disputes and arbitration. She personally oversees all case files and offers tailored legal advice across diverse sectors. Despite her broad knowledge, her primary focus lies in family law and sports disputes, where she has established a notable reputation.
Asma Al-Ghanem's commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of the legal landscape make her a distinguished figure in the field, dedicated to serving her clients with integrity and professionalism.
HILAL AL-KHULAIFI
Chief Legal, Regulatory & Corporate Governance Officer, Ooredoo Group
Hilal Al-Khulaifi was appointed Chief Legal, Regulatory & Corporate Governance Officer of Ooredoo Group in March 2023. Prior to joining Ooredoo, he was Director of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).
Throughout his distinguished career, Hilal Al-Khulaifi has taken on several leadership roles, including Chairmanship of the Anti-Concealment Committee, the Tender & Auction Committee of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment, the Health Insurance Law Drafting Committee, and the Qatar Chamber Election Committee. Additionally, he has served as Secretary of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment. Moreover, he has represented the State at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
Hilal Al-Khulaifi is currently an active member of various committees, including the Court of Trade and Investment at the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, the Financial Sanctions Committee at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (CRA), and the Permanent Residential Committee at the Ministry of Interior.
Hilal Al-Khulaifi is a member of the International Association of Legislation (ILA) and a certified arbitrator at the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA). He earned his Bachelor of Law from Qatar University and an LL.M from the University of Portsmouth (UK).
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). In addition, Mr. Al Sahouti is 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. Mr. Al Sahouti is currently a member the advisory board of LexisNexis Journal in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and is the author of numerous articles in international journals.
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, he 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 has 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 in association with Red Lion Chambers (UK Partner to Al Hail Law Firm)
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
DR. JON TRUBY
Associate Professor, National University of Singapore CIL
Dr. Jon Truby is Founder of MENAExecutiveTraining.com, the Gulf region’s leading professional training and qualification academy specialising in AI, data privacy, financial compliance, cybersecurity, digital literacy and legal skills training.
Dr. Truby is an AI Law & Governance Professor, named by Stanford University as one of the World's Top 2% Researchers. He is a highly cited and published specialist in emerging technologies law, with strong research impact in AI Governance which has helped influence policy. He is an Academic Visitor at the Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University and a Visiting Fellow in AI at Newcastle University Law School. His research on emerging technology was presented at the United Nations, and he serves on several AI policy and advisory committees including the UNESCO Group of Friends on the Ethics of AI. During 2010-2023 he was a Law Professor at Qatar University, directing the University Legal Research Centre which delivered major research in AI and emerging technologies law and policy.
GEORGE VLAVIANOS FCIArb
Partner and Head of Qatar Office, DLA Piper Middle East
George Vlavianos is a partner in the firm’s Litigation, Arbitration & Investigations practice, based in Doha. George specialises in dispute resolution with a focus on energy and constructions disputes. He has considerable experience advising owners, contractors and engineers on a wide range of complex, multi-party construction disputes and arbitrations across the Middle East, Europe and the North America, including insurance claims arising out of large-scale construction projects. In addition, George has significant experience handling energy-related disputes for national and international energy companies, and is ranked in both Chambers Global and Legal 500.
George holds a Bachelor of Laws from McGill University (Canada).