Middle East

In recent years, many of our clients have focussed on the Middle East as part of their international development strategies.

The rapid growth, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, has provided extensive opportunities for consultants, contractors and insurers in the region.

Recognising the need to establish a permanent presence in the Middle East to provide the legal support clients need, we opened an office in Dubai in May 2015 in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Claire Miller, Partner, heads up the office alongside a team of other lawyers delivering our core services of international arbitration, dispute avoidance and resolution, contracts and project advisory, and insurance in the engineering, construction and infrastructure sectors.

We work with consultants, contractors, developers and insurers operating throughout the Middle East.

Middle East Construction Experience By Location

Middle East Construction Experience At a Glance

Super-tall skyscraper, Dubai, UAE

Representing a leading Middle Eastern contractor in DIAC arbitration proceedings in the UAE regarding the construction of a super-tall skyscraper, with amounts in dispute in excess of AED 800m. Disputes concern jurisdiction, delay and valuation of works.

Najmat Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Advising in relation to the construction of a residential tower,including advising in relation to a contractor’s tender and in particular the contractual documentation relating to an amended FIDIC 1987 Red Book Conditions.

Sports City, Dubai, UAE

Acting for a Saudi-owned developer in relation to a DIAC arbitration in Dubai arising from the construction of Sports City, Dubai.

Dubai Metro, UAE

Advising on a substantial fee claim and professional negligence counterclaim in connection with the construction of the USD 7.6 billion Dubai Metro system, the world’s longest driverless and fully automated metro network.

Midfield Terminal, Abu Dhabi International Airport, UAE

Advising in connection with claims concerning the design and construction of the Midfield Terminal Complex at Abu Dhabi International Airport – an award-winning building conceived as the gateway to the country with a construction cost estimated to reach AED 10bn.

Bosphorus Tunnel, Istanbul, Turkey

Advising an international contractor on contractual issues arising in respect of the $3bn contract for the construction of the tunnel under the Bosphorus in Istanbul as part of the Marmaray project (FIDIC Silver Book).

Safaniya Phase 3 Project Oilfield, Saudi Arabia

Advising on a sub-contract for dredging and backfilling works for the Safaniya Phase 3 Project, one of the largest oilfields in the world, located 200km north of Dhahran in the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia.

Industrial City Programme of Works, Saudi Arabia

Acting for an international consultant providing detailed masterplanning and engineering services for the Saudi Industrial Property Authorities 2013 Industrial City Programme of Works.

Saudi Arabia Stadium programme, Saudi Arabia

Advising two different architects in relation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Stadium programme.

King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Advising a design and fit out contractor including drafting and negotiating bespoke design consultancy agreements, and supply and installation contracts including a main contractbased on the FIDIC red book and a sub-contract based on the FIDIC sub-contract.

2022 World Cup, Qatar

Advising various design consultants regarding contractual documents for their appointment in relation to the 2022 World Cup.

Port at Ras Laffan, Qatar

Acting for the designer on a potential $30 million claim in respect of the construction of a new port.

Oman National Rail Project, Segment 1, Oman

Advising one of the largest contractors in the Middle East in relation to its tender for the project (the Sohar-Buraimi stretch, connecting the Port of Sohar in Oman with Al Buraimi and Khatmat Milaha in the UAE and preparing a detailed risk matrix to form a project management tool in respect of delivery.

20MLD Desalination plant in Sohar, Oman

Acting for the claimant in relation to claims and counterclaims in the region of OMR 4 million (AED 40 million) in relation to operation and maintenance services and enhancement works undertaken by the claimant (as operator) on the plant.

Solar power project, Jordan

Acting for a contractor in respect of a dispute with its JV partner in respect of the design, construction and operation of 2 large scale solar plants in Jordan with a combined size of 112 hectares.

Hotel and serviced residences, Karbala, Iraq

Acting for a Dubai-based developer on the development of a hotel and serviced residences complex in the city of Karbala, Iraq. This included preparation and negotiation of the construction contract (FIDIC based) for the complex and negotiation of hotel management and ancillary contracts with an international hotel operator which is part of the Kempinski group.

Affordable housing project, Iraq

Advising an Iraqi investor in relation to a large scale affordable housing project in Iraq, including drafting and negotiating a memorandum of understanding with a developer and advising on regulatory issues.

Port Said container terminal, Egypt

Acting for an International Civil Engineering Firm in a $550,000 (approx £330,000) claim relating to the construction of a container terminal at Port Said in Egypt. The dispute concerned the design and construction of the fire fighting pipe work system where leaks were spotted due to cracks and breaks in the pipes. Allegations were made against the Civil Engineer for poor design and the Contractor for workmanship defects and poor materials used. We defended the Civil Engineer such that ICC arbitration proceedings were brought only against the Contractor for the workmanship defects.