Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

At Dalal Al-Mulla Legal Group, key areas of instruction for the team include handling oil and gas, real estate and banking and finance litigation. The group is also adept at advising on criminal disputes, and is also experienced in arbitration.

Dispute resolution in Kuwait

Al Markaz Law Firm

With an excellent reputation for its strength in dispute resolution, Al Markaz Law Firm‘s team includes litigator Qutaiba Al Saeed and Fawwaz Al Saeed, who acts for banks and multinational blue-chip companies in a wide range of contentious matters. Associate Ismail Magely is adept at handling litigation pertaining to corporate finance and syndicated loan agreements, infrastructure and real estate projects.

Practice head(s):

Fawwaz Alsaeed; Qutaiba Al Saeed


Other key lawyers:

Ismail Magely


Al Oula Law Firm (Adel Abdulhadi & Partners)

The 'master strategist' Adel Abdulhadi spearheads the disputes practice at Al Oula Law Firm (Adel Abdulhadi & Partners), which is well known for handling high-profile cases involving human rights, national security, and white-collar criminal matters. Abdulhadi has a notable track record in defending prominent public clients in litigation. Administrative law specialist Duwaim Al-Muwaizri is representing 500 Kuwaiti citizens and public sector workers in high-profile claims brought against the Ministry of Education, concerning the clients' constitutional right to pursue higher education while maintaining positions of employment. Counsel Mohammad Shaaban is a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Adel Abdulhadi


Other key lawyers:

Duwaim Al Muwaiziri; Mohammad Shaaban


Testimonials

‘For me, Al Oula Law is a law firm that inspires trust. The team has extensive legal knowledge in many legal fields and is innovative when the situation requires it.’

‘Al Oula Law has deep understanding of the Kuwait legal system, which is comforting as it ensures receiving the appropriate advice depending on each situation.’

‘Adel Abdulhadi is a master strategist. He is generous with his time and his presence in court is powerful.’

‘Mohammad Shaaban is a star criminal law legal consultant. ’

Key clients

Al-Eid International Logistics Company (AILCO)


Velath Engineering International FZC


Yiaco Medical Company


Kana Group for General Trading & Contracting


China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East)


Aljawda AlKuwaitia for Food Stuff & Vegetables and Fruits


Satco Food Trading Company


Green Carbon Company


Boyua & Aamal for General Trading and Contracting Company


Black Boushiya Company


Kuwaiti Union of Farmers Market


Work highlights


  • Acting for a client in proceedings brought against him concerning the enforcement of a judgment in Kuwait, which has been issued in the claimant’s favour in the UAE.

ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners

Led by Ahmed Barakat, ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners‘ full-service litigation and arbitration practice has a solid track record in advising on banking, construction, insurance, tax and employment sector disputes. The team is well versed in representing multinational clients before the Kuwaiti courts and in international arbitration. Ahmed Zakaria and senior associate Adnan Jaafar ‘know their market and their advice extends beyond the borders of their jurisdiction’. Hisham Al Qura’an is a prominent commercial litigator. Ramy Shehata fields expertise in tax and banking disputes.

Practice head(s):

Ahmed Barakat


Other key lawyers:

Ahmed Zakaria; Hisham Al Qura’an; Adnan Jaafar; Ramy Shehata


Testimonials

‘Ahmed Barakat – the Dean of the litigation Bar in Kuwait.’

‘Diligent and hard working lawyers.’

‘I was impressed by the excellent service provided by ASAR. The team working on the assignment were hands-on from the beginning of the assignment till the end. ’

‘Extremely professional team.’

‘ASAR’s team stand out in Kuwait due to their strong knowledge of the legal framework in Kuwait and practices of Kuwaiti courts. They go out of their way and provide out of the box ideas.’

‘Highly efficient and professional practice. One of the most proactive teams we have engaged in the Gulf Region. Flexible and very knowledgeable about their market.’

‘Ahmed Barakat and Adnan Gaafar have fresh ideas. They are clear on what will and will not be possible and give excellent advice. They know their market and their advice extends beyond the borders of their jurisdiction.’

‘Ramy Shehata provides meticulous guidance.’

Key clients

SK Ecoplant


JCB Sales Limited


International Air Transport Association (IATA)


Grey Wolf Middle East DMCC


R+V Versicherung AG


NBK Capital


Nordic Global


Clyde & Co


BDO


HSBC Middle East


Work highlights


  • Represented the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in a high-value insurance claim brought against Kuwaiti insurance companies.
  • Representing a Korean construction company in litigation against a multi-governmental entity.
  • Acted for a multinational pharmaceutical company in a dispute with its local distributor concerning outstanding payments.

Al-Yaqout & Al-Fouzan Legal Group (YFLG)

The team at Al-Yaqout & Al-Fouzan Legal Group (YFLG) stands out for its capabilities in civil and commercial litigation, and Ahmad Alshorbagy fields extensive expertise in handling international arbitration cases under ICC, HKIAC, UNICTRAL and LCIA rules; he jointly heads up the practice with Abdelrazzaq Al-Ruzouqi. Yousef Al Sulaili is well versed in handling arbitration in domestic courts, and Anwar Al Fuzaie has strength in litigious matters. Associate Sarah Alturki advises on international disputes.

Practice head(s):

Ahmad Alshorbagy; Abdelrazzaq Al-Ruzouqi


Other key lawyers:

Yousef Al Sulaili; Anwar Al Fuzaie; Sarah Alturki


Testimonials

‘We were very impressed by Al-Yaqout & Al-Fouzan Legal Group. They were the best foreign counsel we have worked with in the Middle East to date. They were intelligent, available, their drafting in English was very good, and they were a pleasure to work with.’

‘Ahmad Alshorbagy and Sarah Alturki were both excellent. Their legal advice was consistently sound.’

‘Al- Yaqout and Al-Fouzan Legal Group are a firm with an appetite for complex and unusual cases. They have the connections for multi-jurisdictional work and a skilled multidisciplinary team.’

‘Ahmad Alshorbagy is deeply knowledgeable and a creative thinker. Sarah Alturki is diligent and methodical in her work.’

Key clients

STFA Group


Subway International B.V.


Warba Bank


Saleh Al Abdali Sons Co


Al-Essa Medical and Scientific Company


Pensee Foundation


Bucher Leichtbau AG


Polatyol Yapi Sanayi


Hyosung Heavy Industries Corporation


Pharma Life


Work highlights


  • Acted as an expert on Kuwaiti law in an ICSID arbitration in Paris.
  • Represented Al-Essa Medical and Scientific Equipment Company and its managers in multiple disputes with a minority shareholder.
  • Successfully advised the client on negotiating a settlement of a dispute with its former agent in Kuwait.

Meshari Al Osaimi Attorneys and Legal Consultants

Meshari Al Osaimi Attorneys and Legal Consultants has solid expertise in domestic commercial disputes and international arbitration. The team represents local and multinational clients in litigation concerning bankruptcy, M&A, employment, and tax matters, as well as inheritance and succession issues. Banking expert Hussain Al Ghareeb acts for secured and unsecured creditors, bond holders and asset purchasers in bankruptcy disputes. Hassan Al Mousawi, Mohammad Al Juaan and Saad Al Asfoor field expertise in corporate and financial litigation, contentious construction and healthcare matters, and arbitration. Ali Al Attar is a key name for white-collar criminal matters, and Mohammed Al Osaimi counts contractual disputes as a core area of strength.

Practice head(s):

Hassan Al Mousawi; Ali Al Attar; Hussein Al Ghareeb; Mohammed Al Osaimi; Saad Al Asfoor; Mohammad Al Juaan


Testimonials

‘Well established office.’

‘Each lawyer has excellent and exceptional experience, and the group covers all the tax, commercial and construction aspects of disputes.’

Meysan Partners

Meysan Partners is well versed in advising on litigation in financial services, transport, telecoms and consumer goods sectors. Senior partner Waleed Al Tattan has over four decades of experience in dispute resolution, and has an excellent track record in handling banking and insurance litigation and civil fraud cases, and jointly heads the practice with Fayez Alfadhli, Husain AlAbdullah and Abdul Aziz Al-Bisher.

Practice head(s):

Waleed Al Tattan; Abdul Aziz Al-Bisher; Fayez Alfadhli; Husain AlAbdullah


Testimonials

‘I believe their dispute resolution process reassures clients in terms of leadership, active listening, trust, curiosity, and flexibility. Moreover, their essential strength of negotiations and set expectations puts control firmly in the hands of the parties. ’

‘Their global mindset and deep local market knowledge combined with their practice and sector expertise really differentiates them from the competition locally, regionally and globally.’

‘Maysan stands out for its expert, client-focused approach that deliver precision and efficiency in legal services.’

‘The individuals at Maysan distinguish themselves through their unparalleled expertise, commitment to client success, and proactive approach to legal challenges. We especially value Abdulaziz Al Bisher for his exceptional analytical ability, setting Maysan apart from competitors and establishing a high standard of excellence within the field.’

Key clients

Aetna


Agility


Al-Oula Investment Co.


Baitek Insurance Co.


Boodai Enterprises Company


Daimler


Ernst & Young


Ford


Hakan USA


Hyundai


KIPIC


KNPC


Mabanee Co.


Mobile Telecommunication Company (Zain)


National Energy Company


Rheinmetall AG


Work highlights


  • Represented Agility Public Warehousing Company KSCP in a US$1.65 billion arbitration.
  • Successfully defended insurance company KFH Takaful in two cases heard before the Court of First Instance in Kuwait, relating to claims for compensation sought under the Business Interruption Policy for losses incurred due to the impact of COVID-19.

Taher Group Law Firm (TAG)

At Taher Group Law Firm (TAG), the practice stands out for advising on a broad spectrum of litigious work, including commercial and banking disputes and criminal defence cases. Abdulaziz Alkhateeb is highly regarded for his arbitration expertise, and co-heads the department with Fawaz Alkhateeb, who has ‘an excellent understanding of Kuwait civil law procedures and practices', and the 'reliable' Khalid Alkhateeb.

Practice head(s):

Abdulaziz Alkhateeb; Khalid Alkhateeb; Fawaz Alkhateeb


Testimonials

‘Our experience has been exceptional with Taher Group. This firm has consistently gone beyond to address our litigation interests both in Kuwait and abroad. They have provided us with expert legal advice, and we greatly appreciate their prompt communication and dedication to our interests.’

‘Taher Group has set the bar high for what a law firm should be, and we are grateful to have them by our side.’

‘I found Fawaz Alkhateeb’s legal expertise to be commendable. He possesses an excellent understanding of Kuwait civil law procedures and practices.’

‘Fawaz Alkhateeb’s strength lies in offering detailed advice, taking into account the specifics of each situation. He demonstrates a nuanced approach to problem-solving, which is beneficial in legal matters. In addition, he is also a competent negotiator. His negotiation skills have proven effective in resolving complex issues.’

Fawaz Alkhateeb is a reliable legal professional who provides valuable guidance in Kuwaiti legal matters. His knowledge of Kuwaiti law and negotiation abilities make him our choice for legal consultations and representation.’

‘Abdulaziz Alkhateeb and Khalid Alkhateeb are our legal advisors. We rely on them when we are dealing with issues in our domestic market, and we are very happy with the dedication and expertise they exhibit.’

‘Abdulaziz Alkhateeb and Khalid Alkhateeb have consistently proven to be reliable and effective legal advisors. We are genuinely pleased with the level of professionalism and expertise they consistently bring to our legal affairs.’

Key clients

Marafie Group


Al Tijaria Group


Hadi Hospital Company


Hilton Garden Inn


Alkhonaini General Trading & Contracting Company


Credit and Information Networks


Al Salaam hospital


Gulf Insurance Group


Mansour Bin Fadhel Group for General Trading & Contracting


Work highlights


  • Defended Warah Real Estate Company in a dispute concerning alleged unauthorized disposals of properties.
  • Acted for a hotel in an insurance dispute over a partially withheld claim payment for water damage.
  • Acted for Marafie Group in a contractual dispute concerning the termination of its distributor agreement with Danish manufacturer Bang & Olufsen.

Abdullah Kh. Al-Ayoub & Associates

At Abdullah Kh. Al-Ayoub & Associates, key areas of instruction for the team include construction arbitration, as well as civil and criminal litigation. Practice co-heads Abdullah Kh. Al-Ayoub and Waleed Al-Ayoub are the key practitioners.

Practice head(s):

Abdullah Kh. Al-Ayoub; Waleed Al-Ayoub


Testimonials

‘Exceptionally good communication.’

Al Tamimi & Company

Al Tamimi & Company displays strong capabilities in handling disputes concerning insurance and transport claims. Omar Al Qahtani brings experience in handling commercial and contractual disputes, family law matters and criminal disputes. Senior counsel Ahmed Rezeik is a key name for contentious maritime matters.

Practice head(s):

Omar Al Qahtani; Ahmed Rezeik


Key clients

Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Co.


Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd


Baker Hughes


IBM


Cisco


Majid Al Futtaim Properties


Nestle


Tamdeen Real Estate


HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (KUWAIT)


Schneider Electric


EMIRATES NBD Bank


China North Industries Corporation


Solus Alternative Asset Management LP


Mashreq Bank


Caterpillar


Work highlights


  • Represented a large retail group in Kuwait in proceedings concerning the validity and application of insurance policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

HFW in association with Attorney Rula Dajani

At HFW in association with Attorney Rula Dajani, the team 'has always provided key advice on disputes within challenging commercial situations'. James Plant is the main practitioner in Kuwait for advising on litigation and arbitration pertaining to the oil and gas, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, to name a few.

Practice head(s):

James Plant


Testimonials

‘Highly knowledgeable of the local market.’

‘The practice and James Plant have always provided key advice on disputes within challenging commercial situations.’

‘Good service and advice, quick responses and works well with our team.’

Key clients

Kuwait Oil Company


GS Engineering and Construction


Technip E&C Limited


GAC Shipping