Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm

Legal Department

Partner - Head of International Arbitration

Mr. Ricardo Cid is a Portuguese-qualified lawyer admitted to the Portuguese Bar Association, with extensive experience advising and representing clients within the State of Qatar. He currently serves as Senior Legal Counsel and Head of the International Arbitration Division at Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm, where he plays a central role in the Firm’s dispute resolution and arbitration practice.

In his capacity as Head of the International Arbitration Division, Mr. Cid draws upon a diverse and sophisticated legal background to advise and represent both local and international clients across a broad spectrum of complex legal matters. He provides legal services fluently in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, enabling effective communication and strategic engagement with clients, counterparties, and arbitral tribunals.

Mr. Cid is widely recognised for his expertise in civil and commercial disputes, and has acted in numerous high-value and legally complex arbitration proceedings involving significant commercial, infrastructure, and development projects. He regularly advises on disputes arising from major contracts and large-scale transactions, including matters of substantial financial and strategic importance.

He is also highly experienced in construction and infrastructure disputes, including claims arising from major projects, engineering and EPC contracts, and development agreements. Mr. Cid routinely advises clients on the resolution of such disputes through arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms, applying a commercially focused and strategically robust approach.

As an experienced commercial and construction arbitrator, Mr. Cid has been involved in arbitral proceedings seated in Qatar and internationally and has developed a deep command of international arbitration rules and procedures. He leads the Firm’s international arbitration practice in proceedings conducted under the rules of leading arbitral institutions, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), and the Qatar International Court of Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA). His role encompasses the preparation and submission of written pleadings, statements, and memorials, as well as active participation in hearings before arbitral tribunals.

In addition to arbitration, Mr. Cid regularly represents clients in complex commercial disputes before the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), where he advises on strategy, jurisdictional issues, and substantive claims involving high-profile public and private sector entities.

Through his extensive experience with Qatari law, judicial practice, and international dispute resolution, Mr. Cid has developed a strong reputation for delivering commercially astute, strategic, and results-driven advice. His ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and high-stakes disputes enables him to provide robust protection and long-term value to the Firm’s clients. Areas of practice:

Corporate & Commercial Construction & Engineering Media, Entertainment & Sports Property & Real Estate Labour & Employment

Portuguese English French Spanish Italian

Member of the Portuguese Bar Association Member of the Disciplinary Committee of the Portuguese Rowing Federation Member of Qatar Sports Arbitration Tribunal (QSAT)

Law degree from Ciombra University, Portugal Master’s degree in Sports Law from Ciombra University, Portugal