Alex is Global Co-Head of Arbitration. He has over 20 years' experience advising and representing clients in complex international disputes arising out of construction and development projects, investments, acquisitions and joint ventures.
 

These disputes arise in a range of industries, in particular infrastructure, energy, mining, and telecoms. Alex also frequently serves as arbitrator in these sectors.

Noted in the market for his invaluable strategic thinking and advocacy skills, Alex has represented clients in some of the most complex international arbitrations. Alex is also frequently called upon to help shape law and practice in international arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution, for example, advising the Abu Dhabi Global Market on developing its award-winning arbitration ecosystem.

Experience

Representative matters

International consortium of contractors, Claimants in ICC arbitration against a Middle Eastern State arising out of the design and construction of an airport. Law of the Middle Eastern State.  Over USD 1 billion at stake.

International consortium of contractors, Claimants in ICC arbitration against a Middle Eastern State entity arising out of the design and construction of a metro system. Law of the Middle Eastern State.  Over USD 1 billion at stake.

International consortium of contractors, Respondents in ICC arbitration brought by a Middle Eastern State entity arising out of the development of a world-class medical facility in the Middle East. Law of the Claimant’s State, London seat. Over USD 3.7 billion at stake.

Project owner in a series of disputes with two sets of international EPC contractors in respect of a major water desalination project. The law of the Middle Eastern State applies.

A large energy multinational in a complex construction dispute worth over USD 1 billion with a contractor in connection with a megaproject for an oil and gas facility in Central Asia. 

Turkish contractor Enka Insaat ve Sanayi AS in an ICC arbitration in London and English Supreme Court proceedings against insurance group Chubb in respect of Russian power project.

A European energy company in disputes arising out of three projects for the design, supply and installation of energy substations in high profile urban development projects in Dubai. The contracts are governed by the Laws of Dubai and the Federal Laws of the UAE.

Turkish industrial group, Claimant in ICC arbitration against Russian entity arising out of a major urban development project in Moscow. Geneva seat, English law.

A Middle Eastern company in the aviation sector in seven LCIA arbitrations against a European aircraft components supplier. London seat, English law.

A Middle Eastern company in the aviation sector, Claimant in an LCIA arbitration in Jeddah against a Middle Eastern aviation services partnership concerning unpaid contractual entitlements. Jeddah seat, KSA law.

A seismic survey company in a dispute concerning termination of an oil exploration project in Saudi Arabia.

A Middle Eastern energy company, Claimant in an ICC arbitration against a Middle Eastern insurance company arising from the termination of an insurance policy. Abu Dhabi seat.

A GCC National Oil Company (NOC) in relation to claims made under a contract for the construction of refinery facilities in the Middle East.

A Middle Eastern fund, Respondent in an ICC arbitration in Paris arising from a sports sponsorship agreement. Over EUR 530 million at stake.

An Asian State-owned entity and its joint venture partners in a dispute with a Middle Eastern State-owned entity arising from an EPC contract for the construction of a large petrochemical project.

A contractor regarding interim project claims against Employer for extensions of time and adjustments to the Contract Price. Claims arise principally from a series of design changes imposed by the Employer.

Advice to an international joint venture as project owner in a dispute with a contractor arising out of a contract for the supply of heavy equipment in connection with a construction project for a large scale oil and gas production facility. The dispute concerns allegations of delay and defects. English law.

A Middle Eastern real estate developer in relation to the construction of a large mall in the Middle East. The contract provides for DFIC-LCIA arbitration.

A European contractor, Claimant in an ICC arbitration against a Middle Eastern owner arising from a contract for the conversion of a simple cycle power plant to combined cycle technology. London seat, English law.

A European contractor and its subsidiary in a dispute before a Dispute Adjudication Board against a Middle Eastern owner arising from a contract for the construction of combined cycle technology power plant. London seat, English law.

European contractor, Claimant in ICC arbitration against a US supplier in relation to a renewables project in the Middle East.

Major Asian conglomerate in a dispute with a Middle Eastern LNG producer regarding our client’s potential liability related to a gas pipeline failure.

North Asian company in LMAA arbitration arising from a contract to build an offshore construction vessel. London seat, English law.

Middle Eastern luxury goods retailer in connection with a warranty claim (for a material adverse change) asserted by a private equity investor and arising from a share purchase agreement. English law.

Middle Eastern investor in a dispute with a Eastern European country arising from a concession agreements to develop, maintain and operate high speed rail and high speed road networks.

European consortium, Claimant in ICC arbitration arising out of the construction of a nuclear power plant in Finland. Stockholm seat, Finnish law. Over EUR 6.1 billion was at stake.

Indian industrial conglomerate, Respondent in ICC arbitration arising out of an agreement for the construction of an industrial gases facility in Oman. Bahrain seat, Omani law.

U.S. engineering firm, Claimant in LCIA arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules in connection with a fire at an oil refinery in Lithuania. London seat, Lithuanian law.

Middle Eastern State-owned company in a series of disputes with EPC Contractors and offtakers in connection with the construction and operation of power and water desalination plants. Law of the Middle Eastern State.

Spanish investment bank, Claimant in two LCIA arbitrations in connection with the expropriation of an electricity distribution concession in Argentina. London seat, English and New York law.

Syndicate of Spanish and US investment banks, Claimants in LCIA arbitration in connection with the expropriation of an electricity distribution concession in Argentina. London seat, English law.

Spanish investment bank, Claimant in two LCIA arbitrations in connection with financing arrangements made for the Dominican Republic. London seat, English and New York law.

U.S. chemical engineering company, Defendant in consolidated ICC arbitration against consortium concerning the construction of 3 plants for the production of polymer in Argentina, Spain and The Netherlands. New York seat, Argentine/Spanish/Dutch/Tennessee law.

Swedish investors, Claimants in ICSID arbitration against Romania arising under Sweden-Romania BIT.

Indian pharmaceutical company, Respondent in LCIA arbitration against Spanish supplier in connection with a contract for the sale of drug intermediaries. London seat, English law.

Brazilian investment bank, Claimant in LCIA arbitration against a Swiss entity concerning a series of acquisitions in the Brazilian elevator industry. London seat, English and Brazilian law.

Two European companies, Respondents in SIAC arbitration initiated by a South East Asian company in relation to a Share Purchase Agreement. Singapore seat, Singapore law.

Indian entity, Respondent in SIAC arbitration arising out of the acquisition of a travel business.

European pre-shipment inspection company, Claimant in UNCITRAL arbitration against South American State under bilateral investment treaty in connection with expropriation of investment. Laws of South American State.

Turkish consortium, Claimant in ICC arbitration against Republic of Turkey concerning 30-year electricity distribution concession. Geneva seat, Turkish law.

Middle Eastern telecoms operator, Respondent in an ICC arbitration arising out of a joint venture in Tunisia. Paris seat, Tunisian law.

Middle Eastern telecoms operator, Claimant in two ICC arbitrations arising out of a joint venture in Yemen. London seat, Yemeni law.

Middle Eastern telecoms operator, Respondent in LCIA arbitration arising out of a telecoms joint venture in Algeria. London seat, English law.

African State-owned oil company in UNCITRAL arbitration against a US energy company under long-term oil and gas sale and purchase agreement. London seat, English law.

Experience as Arbitrator includes:

President of tribunal in dispute arising out of trading agreement.  Geneva seat, Swiss Centre Rules. 

President of tribunal in dispute arising out of oil & gas project in Middle East. DIFC seat, DIFC-LCIA Rules. 

President of tribunal in dispute arising out of telecoms project in Middle East. DIFC seat, DIFC-LCIA Rules. 

President of tribunal in dispute arising out of urban development project in Middle East. DIFC seat, DIFC-LCIA Rules. 

Co-arbitrator in dispute arising out of design contract.  London seat, LCIA Rules.

Co-arbitrator in dispute arising out of tax treatment of receivables under concession agreement. ICC Rules, Istanbul seat, Turkish law. 

Co-arbitrator in dispute arising out of application of penalties payable under long term licensing agreement. ICC Rules, Istanbul seat, Turkish law. 

Co-arbitrator in dispute arising out of contract for supply of mechanical works in Middle East. Dubai seat, DIAC Rules. 

Co-arbitrator in dispute arising out of design and construction contract. DIFC seat, DIFC-LCIA Rules. 

Co-arbitrator in dispute arising out of design and construction contract. Dubai seat, LCIA Rules. 

Sole arbitrator in dispute arising out of agreement for the sale and purchase of commodities. ICC Rules, London seat. 

Sole arbitrator in dispute arising out of contract for design and construction of electricity substations. ICC Rules, Abu Dhabi seat.

Speaking Engagements

  • “The increasing role of expert evidence in infrastructure disputes: A necessary evil?”, 9th ICC MENA Conference on International Arbitration, Webinar, 24 February 2021 (Moderator)
  • “The pendulum swings both ways: use and abuse of variation provisions in construction contracts,” International Bar Association (IBA) Construction Webinar, 17 November 2020
  • “The impact of the UAE Federal Arbitration Act: two years on from its enactment, has it had the intended effect?”, The Dubai Arbitration Week (DAW), GAR Interactive and DIFC-LCIA, Webinar, 16 November 2020
  • “Tactical Considerations for Commencing an Arbitration,” SIAC / ADGM Arbitration conference 2020, Abu Dhabi, 5 February 2020
  • “The GAR Live Debate,” 5th Annual GAR Live, Abu Dhabi, 28 January 2020 (Judge)
  • “Innovation in arbitration: What does it take to promote useful change?”, Dubai Arbitration Week 2019, 17 November 2019
  • “Oil & Gas Disputes - Past, Present and Future,” Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC), Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during ADIPEC 2019, Abu Dhabi, 12 November 2019
  • “This house believes the rise of new regional arbitral seats and institutions will change international arbitration for the better,” 2nd Annual Who's Who Legal Future Leaders: Arbitration Conference,” London, 26 June 2019 (Moderator)
  • “Claims Management in Oil and Gas Infrastructure Projects,” 4th Annual GAR Live, Abu Dhabi, 5 February 2019
  • “The GAR Live Inquisition – Can Experts Be Relied Upon?”, 3rd Annual GAR Live, Abu Dhabi, 7 February 2018

Leadership Positions And Professional Affiliations

  • Co-Chair, SIAC User’s Middle East Council
  • Member, ICC UAE Commission on Arbitration & ADR
  • Member, LCIA
  • Member, ADGMAC Panel of Arbitrators
  • Member, International Arbitration Institute (IAI)
  • Member, Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA)
  • Member, Spanish Arbitration Club (Club Español del Arbitraje)

Qualifications

Admissions

Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales

DIFC Courts, Part II Registered Practitioner (with full rights of audience)

Academic

Chester College of Law, Legal Practice Course, (Commendation)

Chester College of Law, Common Professional Examination and Legal Practice Course, (Commendation)

University of Southampton, B.A. Combined Honours Politics and Spanish/Latin American Studies (First Class)

Languages

English, Spanish