Ashurst-strengthens-dispute-resolution-capability-in-Middle-East

Reflecting the growth in disputes in the Middle East, partner Dyfan Owen is joining Ashurst's Dubai office. Dyfan will further develop the firm's market leading resources and infrastructure practice by establishing on the ground contentious capability for the firm.

Dyfan has in-depth experience of complex commercial disputes in the energy, transport, infrastructure and construction sectors, with a particular focus on the Middle East. He will be joined in the office by associate James McDonald with the team expected to expand in the next twelve months.

Managing partner of the Middle East, Joss Dare, said:

"The disputes market in the Middle East has gone through a transformative period in the last few years. The level of mega-projects and infrastructure investments have been generating an increasing number of large, multi-jurisdictional disputes and we see this trend as continuing. Having someone with Dyfan's background and expertise based in Dubai will play a key role in further developing our capability and offering to clients in the region."

Ashurst's international head of arbitration, Ronnie King, added:

"Arbitration centres in the region have turned the Middle East into a growing arbitration hub. Ashurst's disputes practice has been involved in a number of very high value arbitrations for clients based in the region and having Dyfan on the ground will further enhance this. More broadly, this reflects our ambitious plans to grow Ashurst's global dispute resolution practice in priority sectors and regions for the firm."

Dyfan commented:

"Our plan is to focus on premium dispute resolution work, particularly in international arbitration, for clients based in and/or operating across the Middle East. We expect to be able to promote our already strong credentials, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. I am excited by my move and I am looking forward to helping to drive our practice further forward by being based in the region."

Recent matters on which Dyfan has advised include:

• A project company in arbitration proceedings in respect of a dispute with a sub-contractor relating to the cost of construction works to an airport in the Middle East.
• A top-100 Saudi company in respect of anticipated arbitration proceedings arising from an infrastructure project.
• A Canadian oil and gas company in respect of the termination of an exclusivity agreement relating to the Middle East and North Africa entered into with a UAE entity.
• An international oil company in the context of potential arbitration proceedings relating to its investments in oil and gas fields in Iraq and its ability to exit Iraq as a result of security concerns.
• An oil and gas company in respect of its ability to terminate an agency agreement entered into with a Saudi entity.
• A joint venture entity, in respect of anti-bribery and corruption issues arising from a collaboration agreement with a UAE entity.