Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Commercial, corporate and M&A in Qatar

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

The corporate and commercial department at Al Tamimi & Company In Association with Adv. Mohammed Al Marri acts for a diverse range of clients across a spectrum of industries, including technology, private equity, logistics, and oil and gas. The team stands out for its significant expertise in transactional matters, often overseeing some of the most complex matters in the market involving multiple jurisdictions, stakeholders or novel areas of law. Ahmed Jaafir and Frank Lucente jointly lead the team, with Jaafir's extensive transactional experience, including in M&A, foreign investment and IPOs, complementing Lucente's background and experience with Australian and Asian jurisdictions and high-value multinationals. Senior associate Samiya Mitha has been active in the team's local and international restructuring, incorporation and acquisition mandates.

Practice head(s):

Ahmed Jaafir; Frank Lucente


Other key lawyers:

Samiya Mitha


Testimonials

‘The team are very knowledgeable and easy to work with.’

‘Ahmed is very personable.’

‘Their scope of expertise is wide.’

‘Very customer focused partner, drilling down to understand the client requirement. Very much available on short notice.’

Key clients

Investment Holding Group


Ericsson


Loro Piana


Dolphin Energy


FIFA


Masraf Al Rayan


Microsoft


Ferrari


Sinopec


Glaxosmithkline


Commerzbank


MasterCard


Azumi


Work highlights


Dentons

Dentons' Doha-based commercial, corporate and M&A practice leverages the firm's international reach to offer both domestic and multinational clients assistance in transactional matters, including some of the most novel and high-value deals in the market. Alongside share acquisitions, the team oversees transactions involving Islamic finance, asset leases and leasebacks, and is active in both regional jurisdictions as well as European, Asian and North American cross-border matters. In particular, the aviation sector is a key area of activity in which the team demonstrates specialisation. Zaher Nammour heads the team, bringing over 24 years of experience in restructurings, acquisitions, joint ventures and other corporate matters. Associate Sarah Fewster is a notable member of the team, acting in matters within the aviation and shipping industries. Samer El Husseini has notable experience in the real estate and hospitality sectors, particularly in share listings and acquisitions. Safwan Moubaydeen is no longer at the firm.

Practice head(s):

Zaher Nammour


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Fewster; Samer ElHusseini


Key clients

Tesla Netherlands B.V.


Cooley (UK) LLP


Qatar International Islamic Bank Q.P.S.C.


Commercial Bank of Qatar P.S.C


Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy


The Machinery Group


Mohamed Hamoud Al Shaya W.L.L.


Qatar Mining


Qatar Airways Q.C.S.C


Work highlights


  • Assisted Tesla Netherlands in obtaining a 100% foreign-owned entity in Qatar.
  • Acted as legal counsel to Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) on its first sustainable sukuk issuance, worth $500m.
  • Acted as English and Qatari legal counsel advising CBQ in relation to its EMTN programme update.

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners

Praised for offering 'swift and strategic solutions', the corporate advisory department at Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners offers broad expertise in both transactional and non-transactional advisory matters, overseeing share and asset sales, incorporations, regulatory issues, consumer law and data protection. International clients also turn to the firm for advice on establishing a presence in Qatar. Salman Mahmood continues to head the team and is highly regarded in his field of advising local and international clients in the oil and gas sector on debt and corporate matters. Associate Ribal Fattal is a highly active member of the team, often seen alongside Omar Qouteshat and Rana Elbashir. Associate Mohamed Fouad is highlighted as 'an excellent associate'.

Practice head(s):

Salman Mahmood


Other key lawyers:

Mohammed Fouad; Ribal Fattal; Omar Qouteshat; Rana Elbashir


Testimonials

‘Solid team with competent staff on the ground and very good experience of the market.’

‘In the realm of data compliance, this team stands out as a beacon of professionalism, efficiency, and timeliness. The team’s expertise in navigating the intricate landscape of data regulations is nothing short of remarkable. The swift and strategic solutions they provide are a testament to the commitment to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that the client not only meet but often exceed the standards set by the industry.’

‘This law firm is very reliable and very responsible. They answer to our questions very quickly and accurately. Also, they can deal with many practice area.’

‘Mr.Salman Mahmooda and Mr. Ribal Fattal are amazing and astonishing. They answer our questions very quickly and their fee is very flexible. Also, They often point out the points that we did not notice. We really rely on them.’

‘People at the firm are great, very pragmatic and efficient.’

‘Mohamed Fouad is an excellent associate.’

Key clients

BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP


Speedcast Salam


The Doha Golf Club


LPA CGR Avocats


Melki & Associates Law Firm


Allegion EMEA BV


Bird & Bird


Nishimura & Asahi


Work highlights


Clyde & Co LLP

Highlighted for its ‘deep knowledge of the local market’ and ‘client proximity', the commercial, corporate and M&A department at Clyde & Co LLP is retained by clients operating across a diverse range of sectors, including IT, construction and energy. The team is a port of call for regulatory and policy-related matters, such as drafting company governance and data protection policies, as well as restructurings and corporate contracts. On the transactional side, the team is active in share and asset acquisitions. Elias Matni is highly regarded by clients and co-leads the team with Emma Higham, who has over 20 years of experience in local and international corporate matters. Lee Kean departed the Qatar office in April 2024.

Practice head(s):

Elias Matni; Emma Higham


Other key lawyers:

Maha Lawson; Samer Saleh; Abubakar Mahmoud


Testimonials

‘Deep knowledge of local market.’

‘Client proximity.’

‘Clyde & Co provides technical advice on applicable laws and regulations. The Clyde & Co team is one of the most experienced in our area, particularly in advising on rules related to governance and laws concerning the board of directors.’

Key clients

Oceaneering International GmbH – Qatar branch


Accor SA


Qatar Living


The Commercial Bank (P.S.Q.C.)


Lesha Bank LLC (public)


Qatar Foundation Endowment LLC


SIKA Qatar LLC


Work highlights


  • Advising Gulf Drilling International on the Qatar law aspects relating to its $338m acquisition of three drilling rigs and the acquisition of shares from its joint venture partner Seadrill in Gulfdrill LLC.
  • Advised Oceaneering International – Qatar branch on Qatar employment and immigration law.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

The corporate and commercial department at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is active in the aviation and financial sectors, but is particularly notable for its activity in the real estate industry. The team handles a mix of transactional work involving the acquisition of shares and assets, along with more advisory matters, such as regulation drafting, privatisations, restructurings and other areas. Dani Kabbani continues to co-head the team with Samer Sarkis, with the former holding over 27 years of experience in mergers, listings and IPOs, and the latter remaining a go-to practitioner for corporate and commercial matters such as incorporations, corporate and security documentation, and restructurings. Senior associates Julie Menhem and Rhydian Wyn have both been highly active in recent transactional work involving capital markets aspects.

Practice head(s):

Dani Kabbani; Samer Sarkis


Other key lawyers:

Julie Menhem ; Rhydian Wyn


Testimonials

‘Solid team that is involved in some of the best transactions in Qatar.’

‘Dani Kabbani is highly recommended for his legal knowledge and pragmatic approach.’

Key clients

Al Mahhar Holding QPSC


Meeza QSTP LLC (Public)


Qatar Steel


Ooredoo


Qatar Airways


The Group Securities


Lavoya Group


ABSG Consulting Inc


Ministry of Finance


Ministry of Commerce and Industry


Qatar Real Estate Regulatory Authority


Work highlights


K&L Gates

Noted as ‘innovative in thinking and pragmatic in decision-making‘, the corporate and transactional practice at K&L Gates has a breadth of expertise in the technology, real estate, telecoms, and oil and gas sectors. It demonstrates a particular specialisation in advisory matters for both public and private clients, often regarding corporate policy and legislation. Amjad Hussain leads the team and is highlighted for his 'in-depth knowledge and experience in the Qatari market', often overseeing high-value transactions across the region. Associate Jaime Oon has over 15 years of experience in transactional matters in the construction, hospitality and real estate industries, while Reine Haidar is highly active in the team's cross-border matters. Associate Joelle Salame departed the firm in April 2024.

Practice head(s):

Amjad Hussain


Other key lawyers:

Jaime Oon; Reine Haidar


Testimonials

‘The practice is uniquely managed by Mr. Amjad Hussein, an exceptional lawyer with in-depth knowledge and experience in the Qatari market. His commitment to integrity and honesty sets the team apart, as he consistently aims to provide clients with accurate advice in a timely, effective, and cost-efficient manner.’

‘K&L Gates utilizes the talents of lawyers throughout the firm to meet the needs of its clients promptly. Through a number of innovative structures, the K&L Gates team continues to make a significant contribution to several key areas of M&A process and many of the transactions that they have helped to structure have now become market benchmarks.’

‘Innovative in thinking, pragmatic in decision-making, and creative in problem-solving lawyers. We have worked with lawyers specialising in complex cross-border matters. They offered a combination of exceptional transactional skills and deep industry expertise. They create cutting-edge legal solutions for clients.’

Key clients

Ministry of Commerce and Industry


Mazaya Real Estate Development


Doha Venture Capital


Lesha Bank LLC


FynPay LLC


Baker Tilly JFC


Al Jazeera Media Network


Dukhan Bank QPSC (formerly Barwa Bank)


MCubed for Oil & Gas Services


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


QInvest LLC


Qatar National Bank QPSC


United Development Company QPSC


Zad Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advised a State of Qatar entity on the acquisition of assets worth more than QAR6bn in the logistics sector.
  • Advised Lesha Bank on the financing of a Qatari consortium of investors in connection with the acquisition of a further stake in Ennismore, a fast-growing lifestyle hospitality company owned by Accor.
  • Advised Qatar-based fintech company FynPay on its joint venture with Qatar International Islamic Bank.

White & Case LLP

Charbel Abou Charaf heads the corporate, commercial and M&A department at White & Case LLP in Doha, which is active across a range of sectors, including the health, food and construction industries. The team particularly stands out for its international expertise, frequently overseeing cross-border cases in multiple jurisdictions in Asia and Europe. The team’s primary area of activity is in transactional work, and it often oversees mergers, acquisitions and post-transactional matters, particularly involving investment and capital markets. Elias Choueifati is an active member of the team in Doha, especially in transactional matters requiring expertise in equity markets and cross-border mergers.

Practice head(s):

Charbel Abou Charaf


Other key lawyers:

Elias Choueifati


Testimonials

‘The law firm’s team is distinguished by its deep industry expertise, proactive client collaboration, and innovative use of technology for efficient transactions. They bring a strategic, client-focused approach beyond legal execution. Compared to other firms, they provide seamless integration of global reach with local expertise, delivering tailored solutions that add real business value.’

‘Partners like Charbel Abou Charbel are particularly valued for their insightful guidance on complex issues. What truly sets them apart from competitors is their proactive approach, seamless collaboration, and genuine commitment to understanding our business needs, ensuring that their legal advice always aligns with our broader strategic goals.’

‘All skills are available with a high and consistent standard.’

‘Charbel Abou Charaf (Partner in Qatar): Response time is distinguished. Excellent global network. Great with problem solving. Charbel enjoys a powerful combination of depth, accuracy and speed.’

‘W&C stands out for its deep specialization in any area of law related to corporate and M&A and its client-centered approach. Potential clients should know about the team’s extensive experience in handling complex cases, its strong track record of successful outcomes, and its ability to offer personalized, proactive legal solutions.’

‘Key points which standout: understanding of businesses and transaction, timelines for closures, sense of accountability and responsibility of the work awarded.’

Work highlights


Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP

Noted as 'one of the most experienced partners on the ground', Chadia El Meouchi co-heads the 'extremely knowledgeable' corporate, transactional, finance and international advisory team at Badri and Salim El Meouchi LLP alongside Carine Farran, with both joint practice heads bringing significant expertise in cross-border transactional matters. The department specialises in complex deals as well as commercial litigation involving Islamic jurisprudence and corporate restructurings. In addition, Walid Honein has over 30 years of experience in transactional mandates, while Salim El Meouchi brings over 50 years of experience in contentious corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

Chadia El Meouchi; Carine Farran


Other key lawyers:

Salim El Meouchi; Walid Honein


Testimonials

‘The team is extremely knowledgeable and always anticipates our needs.’

‘Chadia El Meouchi is one of the most experienced partners on the ground.’

Key clients

CDCI International


Matelec Group


Deutsche Bank


Lesha Bank LLC Public / QFB


Al Ahli Bank


PriceWaterhouseCoopers


European Investment Bank (EIB)


Pinsent Masons LLP


Clifford Chance LLP


White & Case LLP


Work highlights


  • Assisted a client, an international holding, with a multimillion-dollar sale of shares implicating two foreign-owned entities.
  • Assisted a regional client in the GCC in the context of its acquisition of a Qatari entity operating schools in the state of Qatar.
  • Assisted a leading international bank in its entry into an Islamic repurchase agreement of around $140m with a local Qatari bank from a Qatari and Sharia law perspectives.

Baker & McKenzie Limited

Baker & McKenzie Limited's corporate and commercial offering covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including share and asset sales and dispute resolution, where it often acts for multinational companies. The team has experience in multi-jurisdictional deals, especially in the Gulf and Asia. Ian Siddell and Delwar Hossain co-head the department, lending to the team their expertise in company restructurings, transactions involving Sharia law and Gulf region acquisitions. Borys Y. Dackiw frequently advises multinationals on acquisitions, foreign investments and other areas.

Practice head(s):

Ian Siddell; Delwar Hossain


Other key lawyers:

Borys Dackiw


Key clients

Saudi Binladin Group Company Limited


The Commercial Bank (P.S.Q.C.)


Qatar National Bank Q.P.S.C.


DBS Bank Ltd (DIFC Branch)


Ooredoo, Group LLC


Work highlights


Crowell & Moring LLP

The corporate and transactional department at Crowell & Moring LLP is noted for its ability to 'combine legal knowledge, professional skills and business acumen'. The team is led by Charbel Maakaron, noted as an 'exceptional' managing partner, who offers to clients his experience in cross-border transactions, commercial restructurings, corporate regulatory matters and capital markets deals. The team is active in franchising, share and asset sales, and often advises international clients on setting up in Qatar. Catherine Martinez is notably experienced in capital markets, along with cross-border matters in the Gulf and Europe, and Sam Cooper is active in several industries, including technology, manufacturing and real estate.

Practice head(s):

Charbel Maakaron


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Martinez; Sam Cooper


Testimonials

‘The team is diligent and flexible. They adapt to all types of cross-border issues taking into account local practical constraints.’

‘Friendly, honest and straight to the point.’

‘Charbel Maakaroun is the definition of professionalism. My company feel particularly safe in the hands of Charbel and his firm.’

‘Sam Cooper is highly skilled and provides great reassurance to clients on all legal aspects.’

‘Our decision to engage with Crowell & Moring was driven by their outstanding reputation as a leading law firm with a strong presence Middle East. Their recognized expertise in complex litigation, regulatory and policy matters, intellectual property, and corporate transactions highlighted them as the optimal choice.’

‘I am dealing with Charbel for a long time and see that he and his colleagues are quite strong professionally and able to assess the cross-border matters.’

‘The team is well experienced, and utilizes time efficiently to deliver the best service and reach the legal solutions you would be aiming for. The team is knowledgeable of the market and its complexities, and the team is well managed by an exceptional managing partner, Mr. Charbel Maacaron.’

‘The quality of the services they provide is far and above any other law firm in the country. They combine legal knowledge, professional skills and business acumen, delivering a tailor made and excellent service to clients.’

Work highlights


DLA Piper

Will Seivewright and Brenda Hill jointly lead the corporate and commercial team at DLA Piper, and are retained for a broad spectrum of M&A mandates, along with advising local and international clients on business restructurings, licensing and other regulatory areas. The team is equally adept at cross-border matters, overseeing incorporations, share sales and restructurings across jurisdictions. The UAE-based Richard Hughes lends to the team his expertise in multi-jurisdictional transactions, while Elias Al-Far is experienced in incorporations, share and asset disposals, and franchises.

Practice head(s):

Will Seivewright; George Vlavianos


Other key lawyers:

Richard Hughes; Elias Al-Far


Testimonials

‘They have very good local knowledge of operating in Qatar whilst also understanding the needs and expectations of a UK business.’

‘Brenda Hill was very thorough and helpful in her advice.’

‘The team thinks well of the commercial aspects, which is good for us to be able to move with the deal/transaction. ’

‘Richard Hughes is quite responsive and pragmatic.’

Work highlights


Mashael Alsulaiti Legal Advocacy & Arbitration fields a 'very innovative and capable team' in corporate and commercial work. The department handles a range of contentious matters, including post-transaction litigation, breach of contract and payment claims, and is particularly active in matters involving the material and construction industries. AbdelRaouf Mohd Gharibeh is the head of the team, bringing over 21 years of experience in commercial litigation, and works alongside founding partner Mashael Alsulaiti.

Practice head(s):

Abdelrauf Mohd Gharibeh;Mashael Mohammad Alsulaiti


Testimonials

‘The staff is always willing to help with whatever is needed and client service is their strong point.’

‘We have seen a very innovative and capable team. Ms. Sulaiti herself is a very competent and experienced lawyer which makes her unique.’

‘ Coordinating with Ms. Mashael herself was very easy being the partner of the firm and she was available for any kind of document and is very proactive in everything. We did not face any difficulty, and we would be happy to work with her again in the future.’

Work highlights


Sharq Law Firm

Sharq Law Firm‘s corporate and commercial department is retained by both local and multinational clients for its transactional expertise, especially in share sales, and restructurings. Marwa Ali Bamatraf heads the department and is noted for her expertise in capital markets, corporate governance and private/public conversions. Founding partner Rashid Al Saad Al Kuwari continues to be active in the team, often handling international matters, particularly those involving several jurisdictions simultaneously. Associate Perla El Mardini is active in the infrastructure, oil and gas, and aviation sectors.

Practice head(s):

Marwa Ali Bamatraf


Other key lawyers:

Rashid Al Saad; Perla Mardini


Key clients

Qatar Airways Company (QSCS)


Qatar Railways Company


Mazaya Real Estate Development Company (QPSC)


Ministry of Finance – Qatar


Msheireb Properties


Nasser bin Khalid & Sons


Al Rabban Oil and Gas


Al Rabban Capital


Al Mirqab Capital


Qatar Energy


Q-Tickets


Work highlights