Qatar

Our expertise in Qatar

Operated from our London office, Fenwick Elliott LLP has extensive experience advising on major construction, infrastructure and energy projects in Qatar, and have been involved in some of the most significant projects in the country.

We combine an extensive knowledge of local laws together with a legal pedigree of over thirty years with our highly acclaimed, international construction law expertise. Our aim, is to partner with our clients throughout the projects contractual lifecycle covering all phases from inception to completion, offering effective, legal services and advising on matters that protect the interest of our clients, at all times.

Our expert team spend 100% of their time working on construction law matters in the building, engineering and energy sectors both on dispute and non-dispute related work. This makes us true construction law specialists and is the key differentiator between us and other law firms with construction departments.

We represent clients at all levels of the construction supply chain, including employers, contractors, architects, institutional investors, governments and consultants. Our specialist focus means we understand all types of construction and energy projects and how they are managed, where and why problems occur and, importantly, the underlying commercial objectives.

Some examples of our work in Qatar include:

Major infrastructure project, Qatar

Advising one of China’s largest construction companies in ICC arbitration proceedings concerning major infrastructure works in Qatar. Delay, variations (including design changes) and local authority requirements were central issues. Heavy civils works and design/M&E works and design. Amount in dispute exceeded US$1 billion.

Expressway project, Qatar

Advising a German contractor in an arbitration under the ICC Arbitration Rules, seated in Geneva. The project related to the construction of an expressway in Qatar. The amount in dispute was approximately US$100 million. The central issue was termination, although there were a range of other issues including claims for an extension of time, quantum, variations and contra-charges. The dispute involved a number of hearings including an evidential hearing in Geneva as well as complex jurisdictional issues as the dispute was linked to proceedings at the top of the contractual chain between the client and employer which were before the local courts.

Integrated Water & Power Plant, Qatar

Providing contractual and claims advice in respect of a joint venture agreement and EPC turnkey agreement for a 900 MW oil fired steam power plant and desalination plant (880,000 cubic metres of fresh water per day). Project cost US$1.8 billion. One of the largest independent water and power projects in the world at the time. English law, bespoke adjudication and ICC arbitration. Claims circa US$300 million.

£100 million arbitration proceedings, Qatar

Acted on behalf of a joint venture contractor (in an approximately £100 million ICC arbitration proceedings concerning disputes with a Turkish Subcontractor, arising out of a complex civil engineering project in Doha, Qatar. Our role involved advising on contract interpretation, delay and disruption, loss and expense claims, termination, and New York Convention 1958 enforcement.

Integrated Water & Power Plant, Qatar

Advising an EPC contractor on legal issues arising throughout construction of an IWPP Project in Qatar, including advising on claims against consortium partner, multiple claims against Owner in relation to delays and cost overruns. Advised on contractual adjudication proceedings against Owner and on potential arbitration proceedings against owner and consortium partner. Claims circa US$30 million.