The dispute resolution practice at ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners leverages expertise across a broad spectrum of contentious mandates, advising clients on commercial claims, civil fraud, IP, finance, tax, and an array of other matters. Led by the ‘responsive' and 'commercially minded’ Ahmed Barakat, the team benefits from his 30 years of experience in litigation matters at all court levels. Ahmed Zakaria is a key member of the team for financial, construction, and contractual disputes resolved through litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Hisham Al Qura’an's portfolio of mandates includes maritime and investment disputes, areas in which Ramy Shehata also has experience. Adnan Jaafar was elevated to the partnership in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Ahmad Barakat is a great lawyer. He is very experienced and a leader in dispute resolution practice in Kuwait.'
- ‘ASAR is one of the oldest and most established law firms in Kuwait.’
- 'Adnan Jaafar is a good lawyer who is following Ahmad Barkat's lead.’
- ‘Longevity, particularly Ahmed Barakat, the dean of the international bar in Kuwait. Responsiveness.’
- ‘Ahmed Barakat. Responsive. Commercially minded.’
- ‘Exceptional client and co-counsel service; excellent on the law; commercially savvy.’
Key clients
- SK Ecoplant
- BDO
- Gulf Insurance Group
- Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast Ltd
- Abbott Operations AG & Abbott Laboratories
- Rizzani de Eccher S.p.A
- Obrascon Huarte Lain S.A.
- Schlumberger Oilfield Eastern Ltd - Kuwait (SLB)
- Korloff
- International Air Transport Association
- GS Engineering & Construction
Work highlights
Represented a Korean construction company in a dispute with Wafra Joint Operations over the suspension of work due to political tension between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Representing a client in a dispute in which the joint venture is claiming KD50m in compensation; the joint venture entered into a KD1,283,394,340 agreement with a state-owned oil company for a refinery project, and upon site takeover, the JV found significant discrepancies between expected and actual conditions, leading to delays and additional costs.
Representing a multinational pharmaceutical company in litigation regarding outstanding amounts due from the company’s local distributor.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Ahmed Barakat
Other key lawyers
Ahmed Zakaria; Hisham Al Quraan; Ramy Shahatah; Adnan Jaafar; Maged Abdella