Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Commercial, corporate and M&A

PricewaterhouseCoopers established its Doha office in 2022, bolstered by the arrival of Ahmad Anani from Addleshaw Goddard in September 2022.

Commercial, corporate and M&A in Qatar

Al Tamimi & Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri

A go-to firm for high-profile international corporates doing business in Qatar, Al Tamimi & Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri‘s corporate team emphasises ‘interdepartmental cohesion‘ within its large team of experienced practitioners who are experienced advising on the range of corporate and commercial matters. The team’s deep roots in the local market make it well-placed to support clients in joint ventures between Qatari and global partners, and provide local law expertise on major financial transactions. Co-heading the team are Ahmed Jaafir and Frank Lucente. Jaafir boasts notable experience in transactional analysis mergers and acquisitions, with a client base including blue-chip multinationals, while Lucente leverages experience across Australia, Asia and the Middle East to advise high-profile financial services clients.

Practice head(s):

Ahmed Jaafir; Frank Lucente


Other key lawyers:

Samiya Mitha


Testimonials

‘Strong listening ability in the team, and interdepartmental cohesion.’

‘Corporate structuring leadership team always available / following up.’

Key clients

Investment Holding Group


DSV


Loro Piana


CVC Capital


FIFA


Masraf Al Rayan


Microsoft


Precision Capital SA


Dar Al Arkan


Commerzbank


Work highlights


  • Advised DSV, the Danish transport and logistics company on their acquisition of Panalpina.
  • Assisted CVC Capital, a global private equity and investment advisory firm with Qatar elements of worldwide investment by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in TMF Group worldwide operations including Qatar.
  • Arranged first migration of a body corporate into Qatar with the movement of Precision Capital SA into the Qatar Financial Centre.

Dentons

The well-established corporate and commercial team from Dentons in Doha combines international expertise with longstanding experience of the Qatari market. Safwan Moubaydeen and Zaher Nammour co-lead the team from Jordan and Qatar respectively: Moubaydeen is particular noted for his work advising financers on large-scale infrastructure projects, while Nammour’s practice runs the gamut of corporate matters including joint ventures, restructuring, public offerings and regulatory. A distinct area of sector strength for the team is the aviation industry, with clients including major aircraft leasing companies, airports and airlines. Multi-lingual capabilities are a hallmark of the team, with fluency across Arabic, English and French.

Practice head(s):

Safwan Moubaydeen; Zaher Nammour


Key clients

Qatar Sports Investments (QSI)


Dar Al Arkan Properties LLC


The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy


Qatar Mining


Cooley (UK) LLP


Castlelake L.P.


Qatar Airways Q.C.S.C.


Qatar Star


KIMS Holding Company BSC


Work highlights


  • Advising client on a corporate restructuring in preparation of listing the company on the London Stock Exchange, including assistance in carrying out the due diligence exercise, drafting of a master sale agreement and assignment of proceeds agreement and preparing the necessary corporate approvals and authorisations.
  • Advised the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (Supreme Committee), which was the body in charge of implementing host country operations for the World Cup, on data privacy related matters as part of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 preparations.
  • Advised Qatar Star, the company awarded the concession for providing catering services to the Stadiums for the 2022 World Cup event, on their Concession from FIFA.

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters for clients ranging from international corporates to domestic and international law firms – with particular strength advising on Qatari law elements of international transactions. This expertise extends to cross-border tax matters, and providing complex corporate structuring advice. Salman Mahmood leads the team, with experience in debt restructuring, syndicated finance, and infrastructure matters including advice on special economic zones. A ‘go-to firm in Qatar’, the team is praised for its ability to ‘quickly get to the essence of the issues which need to be addressed and then to suggest common-sense solutions’. Michael Earley is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Salman Mahmood


Other key lawyers:

Sultan Al-Abdulla; Ribal Fattal; Michael Earley


Testimonials

‘The attorneys in this firm have the very important abilities to quickly get to the essence of the issues which need to be addressed and then to suggest common-sense solutions.’

‘Both the partner we work with, Salman Mahmood, and the associate we work with, Ribal Fattal, have the very important abilities to quickly get to the essence of the issues which need to be addressed and then to suggest common-sense solutions.’

‘This is the firm we go to for any commercial matters in Qatar. They provide quality advice in a swift and cost-effective manner. They have assisted us with many client matters in relation to franchising and also product regulatory in Qatar.’

‘They are our go-to firm in Qatar. Sultan Abdulla & Partners have shown that they are the firm we can trust for securing local law advice for our clients. We have also put clients in direct touch with them, which again shows the level of trust we have in their work. We work closely with Salman Mahmood and Ribal Fattal in commercial matters for our clients.’

‘All individuals are very responsive, knowledgeable and goal-orientated.’

Key clients

Kirton McConkie


Baker McKenzie


Ashurst LLP


Addleshaw Goddard


Jones Day


Bin Yousef & Contracting Group Company W.L..L


Three Crowns LLP


BSA Ahmad Bin Hazeem & Associates LLP


SpeedCast Communications, Inc.


Pipeline Induction Heat Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Providing capacity opinion in relation to a well-known Qatari multinational telecommunications company’s power and authority to enter into a financing arrangement with a Chinese commercial bank ranked as the fourth largest bank in the world.
  • Providing advice to one of the largest drilling companies in the Middle East by rig fleet size as to whether it requires a legal presence in Qatar to operate in an offshore oilfield located on the borders of Qatar and one of its neighbouring countries.
  • Advising an American company, which is a worldwide leading communications and IT services provider, on the transfer of 49% of the shares held by its Qatari partner in a Qatari JV company to its Australian affiliate company that currently holds the other 51% in the Company or its Qatari nominee.

Clyde & Co LLP

Lee Keane, who is noted as the ‘ideal partner to work with as a foreign investor in Qatar’, leads the corporate group at Clyde & Co LLP in Doha. Keane advises on transactional work; investment and emerging market strategies, including local establishment; and complex joint venture agreements. The team is praised for its ‘measured and practical approach‘, specialising in the interplay between international law and Qatari law matters with sector expertise across tech, hospitality, healthcare, infrastructure and energy and resources. Elias Matni joined the team in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Lee Keane


Other key lawyers:

Elias Matni; Emma Higham; Samer Saleh


Testimonials

‘The team at Clyde & Co have been trusted advisers on the disposal of our joint venture interests for several years now. Those transactions have thrown up all sorts of unexpected issues that have had to be tackled and their measured and practical approach has been extremely valuable in helping us to deal with the frustrations.’

‘Lee Keane is the ideal partner to work with as a foreign investor in Qatar. He understands both local norms and issues and the foreign investor’s expectations and concerns and has a very pragmatic and solution-focused approach.’

‘Strong team which has recently expanded – good to deal with.’

Key clients

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Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA)


Aon (DIFC) Gulf Limited


Mashreqbank PSC


Austrian Embassy in Doha, Qatar


MigrantRights.org


Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Praised for its ‘specialized expertise, client-centric approach’ and ‘collaborative culture‘, the corporate commercial team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP works with clients ranging from government entities to high-profile corporates. Its work includes all aspects of multi-jurisdictional M&A, equity capital markets and funds matters. Qatar managing partner Dani Kabbani has particular experience regarding project and finance agreements for construction and oil and gas companies, while Samer Sarkis, whose knowledge of the area is described as ‘nothing short of incredible’, is lauded for his expertise advising banks and financial institutions.

Practice head(s):

Dani Kabbani; Samer Sarkis


Testimonials

‘Samer Sarkis must be the best M&A / transactional lawyer in Qatar. His knowledge of every detail of the Qatari system, the players in every government department (from the clerk to the heads and deputy heads), are nothing short of incredible.’

‘The team is very capable of understanding the Qatari legal environment and bringing international experience.’

‘The managing partner of Qatar’s office has an outstanding ability to assist clients in the region.’

‘This law firm’s uniqueness lies in its specialised expertise, client-centric approach, innovative billing, diversity commitment, technology integration, and collaborative culture. These strengths set it apart from other firms, making it an excellent choice for clients seeking exceptional legal services.’

‘Evershed’s team’s standout qualities include deep expertise, client dedication, innovative thinking, exceptional communication, and efficiency. These qualities distinguish them in the legal landscape.’

Key clients

Damaan Islamic Insurance Company QPSC


Al Mahhar Holding QPSC


QInvest


Lesha Bank LLC


Meeza QSTP LLC


Qatar Steel


Ooredoo


Qatar Airways


K&L Gates

The ‘full function specialist team‘ at K&L Gates boasts a specialism in handling high-value, strategic transactions, including those which are cross-border in nature. Amjad Hussain, team head, is praised for his ‘highly effective’ ability to get ‘major deals across the line’. ‘Legal powerhouse’ Jaime Oon is both English and Malaysian qualified; and Joelle Salame is experienced in a range of large-scale multijurisdictional restructuring projects. The team’s sector expertise includes equity capital markets, M&A matters, asset management, and global defence.

Practice head(s):

Amjad Hussain


Other key lawyers:

Joelle Salame; Jaime Oon


Testimonials

‘The K&L Gates team is a full function specialist team. They are aided by a vast network of lawyers across the world giving them access to unparalleled resources and experience on a real time basis.’

‘Amjad Hussain is the rainmaker and is both personable and humble yet highly effective in getting major deals across the line. His effective and responsive style results in repeat business from all his dedicated clients.’

‘Jaime Oon is a legal powerhouse that delivers consistently high services year in and year out. Her local experience and pragmatic approach make her an indispensable member of the team.’

Key clients

Dukhan Bank QPSC


Lesha Bank LLC


QPay International LLC


M Cubed for Oil & Gas Services


QInvest LLC


Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN)


Qatar National Bank Q.P.S.C. (QNB Group)


The Commercial Bank of Qatar (Q.S.C.)


Qatar Navigation QSC (Milaha)


Work highlights


  • Advised Dukhan Bank QPSC on the bank’s successful direct listing on the main market of the QSE.
  • Advised Lesha Bank on the financing of a Qatari consortium of investors in connection with the acquisition of a 10.8% stake in Ennismore, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle hospitality companies owned by Accor.
  • Advised leading fintech company in Qatar, QPay International, on its award-winning M&A transaction whereby the company was acquired by Qatar Islamic Bank, one of the leading local banks.

White & Case LLP

Charbel Abou Charaf who also works from the firm's London office, heads the corporate and M&A offering from White & Case LLP Doha; Charaf is an experienced practitioner with particular expertise regarding local and outbound M&A and equity capital markets matters. High-profile M&A transactions are an area of strength for the team, with additional experience in Islamic finance, real estate & construction, and restructuring. The team collaborates with international colleagues across the wider MENA region as well as the US and Europe. Elias Choueifati is also recommended for his in-depth knowledge of the commercial and legal landscape in Qatar.

Practice head(s):

Charbel Abou Charaf


Other key lawyers:

Elias Choueifati


Key clients

Qatar Investment Authority


Elegancia Group


Qatar Electricity & Water Company


United Development Company Q.P.S.C.


Es’hailSat


Credit Suisse


Qatar Petroleum


Qatari Diar


QatarEnergy


Ooredoo Q.P.S.C.


United Arab Chemical Carriers Limited


Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani & Sons (NBK)


Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy


Barwa Real Estate


Katara Hospitality


Amwal LLC


Qatar Free Zone Authority


Work highlights


  • Advising the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the body responsible for the organisation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
  • Advised Elegancia in relation to the $707m acquisition of its entire issued share capital by IHG, a company listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange (“QSE”), in consideration for shares issued by IHG.
  • Advised Ras Laffan Operating Co (ROC), a subsidiary of Qatar Electricity & Water Company QPSC (QEWC), in the $530m acquisition of 40% of the share capital of Nebras Power from Qatar Holding.

Al-Ansari & Associates

Al-Ansari & Associates‘ corporate and commercial team leverages its ‘deep knowledge of Qatar laws and the local market’ to support its domestic and international clients alike in their transactional and disputes matters. Salman Al-Ansari co-heads the team and is an industry specialist with experience working with multinational tech and communications companies in regards to acquisitions, disputes, and Qatari operations broadly. Rafi Sajian and Sonia Barber co-head the team alongside Al-Ansari, who is experienced in the Lebanese and Australian markets respectively.

Practice head(s):

Salman Al-Ansari; Rafi Sajian; Sonia Barber


Testimonials

‘This team has deep knowledge of Qatar laws and the local market. They also have connections in the local market which allows them to provide in-depth legal advices in relation to various transactions that conform to recent legal developments in Qatar and current positions of the local authorities.’

‘They have impressive responsiveness to client’s needs and are always willing to accommodate the client’s requirements.’

‘The Partners at Al-Ansari & Associates are always available for urgent matters that require client’s assistance. They are always ready to discuss issues with the client to come up with the most effective and efficient resolutions for the client.’

Key clients

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC


Qatar Football Association


Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy


Al Jazeera Media Network


Vodafone


Bein


Visa


Amazon


Nomura Singapore Limited


Doha Tech Angles


Talabat


Oracle


Q-Terminals


Midmac


Work highlights


  • Acting for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, which is a new joint venture between FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, responsible for the planning and delivery of operations and services for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournament.
  • Appointed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the entity in charge of delivering the FIFA World Cup 2022, to advise in multiple areas.
  • Representing Al Jazeera Media Network, Qatar’s most successful media export, in a range of issues.

Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP

The corporate, transactional, finance and international advisory-focused group at Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP is valued for its ‘excellent understanding of the Qatar legal framework’, along with its wider regional expertise. Carine Farran in Lebanon co-heads the team with 'highly experienced' corporate specialist Chadia El Meouchi, who works between Lebanon and Qatar: the former a member of the Quebec Bar with extensive commercial transactional experience.

Practice head(s):

Chadia El Meouchi; Carine Farran


Other key lawyers:

Salim El Meouchi; Samia El Meouchi; Walid Honein


Testimonials

‘The team is very personable, has an excellent understanding of the Qatar legal framework and approach matters in a pragmatic manner which is essential when advising clients on complex matters. ’

‘Chadia El Meouchi is highly experienced, has an excellent understanding of local laws and commercial knowledge of the major events sector, and is able to simplify the technical aspects impacting major projects in Qatar. Excellent relationships within the region which is an added bonus.’

‘Walid Honein is highly experienced on commercial and corporate matters.’

Key clients

Matelec group


Pinsent Masons LLP


White & Case LLP


Lesha Bank LLC Public / QFB


Al Ahli Bank


PriceWaterhouseCoopers


Clifford Chance LLP


European Investment Bank (EIB)


Saint-Gobain Middle East


Construction Development Company LLC


Deutsche Bank


Work highlights


Crowell & Moring LLP

Charbel Maakaron heads the corporate team at Crowell & Moring LLP; Maakaron is a particular expert in cross-border transactions in both Europe and the U.S. for Qatari clients. The ‘pragmatic, efficient and knowledgeable‘ team boasts substantial knowledge of local laws and practices, handling a range of mandates across the investment, advanced tech, infrastructure and transport sectors. Expertise spans commercial contracts, corporate structuring, and joint ventures, with notable strength in the luxury sector.

Practice head(s):

Charbel Maakaron


Testimonials

‘They are pragmatic, efficient and knowledgeable, as well as user friendly – they provide commercially oriented advice. Particularly Charbel Maakaron.’

Key clients

Al Mana Fashion Group W.L.L.


Ernst & Young Qatar


Seib Insurance & Reinsurance


Qatar Investment & Projects Development Holding Co (QIPCO)


Qatar Airways Q.C.S.C.


Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF)


DLA Piper

The corporate and commercial team at DLA Piper in Doha supports the business operations of both local and international clients in conjunction with its network of teams globally. Will Seivewright, Dubai-based head of corporate Middle East for the firm, co-leads the team with Brenda Hill, who specialises in providing advice for foreign clients entering the Qatar market, and Doha-New York partner Dr. Ehab Elsonbaty. Areas of strength for the team include advising on investment, establishment and operational issues for foreign firms doing business in Qatar.

Practice head(s):

Will Seivewright; Brenda Hill; Dr. Ehab Elsonbaty


Work highlights


Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm

Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm stands out for the ‘exceptional depth and breadth‘ of its commercial and corporate offering, which advises a range of multinational corporations, government entities, financial entities and high-net-worth individuals. Recommended for ‘excellent performance’, founding partner Essa Mohammed Al Sulaiti co-leads the team with Ricardo Cid, head of the international division cross-qualified in Portugal, and Egyptian-qualified Ahmed Al Sharif.

Practice head(s):

Essa Mohammed Al Sulaiti; Ricardo Cid; Ahmed Al Sharif


Other key lawyers:

Abdelraouf Gharibeh


Testimonials

‘I have been truly impressed by the exceptional depth and breadth of Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm’s team. They possess a remarkable range of expertise and knowledge across various legal areas. What sets them apart is the caliber of their professionals, who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the table.’

‘Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm has been instrumental in handling a wide-range of legal matters for us over the past year. They have provided invaluable support in contractual agreements and represented us in litigation and dispute resolution. We greatly appreciate their professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to our success.’

‘I highly commend Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm for their outstanding ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters. Their expertise, strategic approach, and attention-to-detail have consistently impressed me. I have complete confidence in their capability to navigate intricate legal challenges and provide effective solutions.’

‘What struck me is the atmosphere. The offices and people are all so welcoming and you immediately feel confident that you are in good hands. They are very open to involving the specialists needed for the case so questions can be answered in person promptly. The human factor is strong.’

‘Ricardo Cid is always patient and available.’

‘The strengths of the team is based on their in-depth knowledge in the different fields of expertise in combination with many years of experience, not only in Qatar but also in the wider region.’

‘Having a strong team makes almost anything possible. Mr. Essa Mohammed Al Sulaiti has proved that with the right expertise, mindset and a strong team one can build a unique and ‘future-proof’ organization.’

‘Trust is not only important in the legal practices, but also amongst the people and that is what is part of the ESLF culture. Aside the excellent performance of Mr. Essa himself, I can say from experience that also Mr. Ricardo Cid and Mr. Abdelraouf Gharibeh are amazing people with great expertise.’

Key clients

WJ Groundwater QIT LLC


Cardoso Racing


Al Samrya Trading & Contracting


Doha Logik Enterprises


Lane ME Qatar


Salini Impregilo / Webuild


S & T Company


Katara Hospitality


Westcon Doha


Al Jawda Company


Work highlights


  • Awarded QAR86.6m in litigation proceedings and upheld in appeal as compensation for incomplete and unacceptable works performed by the opponents under a contract related to a large construction matter related to the FIFA World Cup 2022 for client Al Samrya Trading & Contracting.
  • Awarded QAR2.23m in arbitration proceedings pertaining to unsettled payments for dewatering services under corresponding subcontract agreement (Client – WJ Groundwater).
  • Awarded QAR1.92m in litigation proceedings and upheld in appeal for breach of contract and overdue payments for the supply of security equipment for client Westcon Doha.

Sharq Law Firm

Sharq Law Firm‘s ‘very professional team’ runs the full gamut of corporate work, from regulatory compliance advice to mergers and acquisitions. The ‘excellent’ Marwa Ali Bamatraf leads the team, working with clients both international and domestic including government entities, with notable experience in the establishment and conversion of companies. Founder and managing partner Rashid Al Saad Al Kuwari brings his substantial litigation and arbitration experience to large-scale commercial transactions, including cross-border projects.

Practice head(s):

Marwa Bamatraf


Other key lawyers:

Rashid Al Saad Al Kuwari


Testimonials

‘Very professional team and spot-on with solutions. Well-versed with local laws and experienced.’

‘Marwa is an excellent human being and the best lawyer I have ever seen.’

Work highlights


  • Advised the State of Qatar, acting through the Ministry of Finance, on annual issuance of bonds; including reviewing and drafting prospectus, due diligence and transactional documents on a $12bn international bond issuance for five years.
  • Acted as the Qatari counsel of BEEMA, one of the largest Takaful companies in Qatar licensed by the Qatar Central Bank (“QCB”), in its successful conversion to a Q.S.P.C. having its shares publicly listed in the primary market of the QSE
  • Successfully restructured several companies under one holding company through M&A for the subsequent listing of the holding company in the primary market of the QSE.