Adjunct Professor at the University of East Anglia, UK

Adjunct Professor at Pantheon-Assas University Paris II

Member of the Advisory Board at Panthéon-Assas University Paris II, Dubai

Member of the Advisory Board at The British University in Dubai

Internationally accredited as a qualified Mediator

CIArb UAE Branch Committee

Chair of ICC-UAE Commission on Arbitration and ADR Steering Committee

ICC International Court of Arbitration Member

ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR Ex Officio Member

ICC-UAE Board Member

Summary Profile

Dr. Mahmood Hussain is the Founding Partner at M&CO Legal and has amassed over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors He serves as a professor at the University of East Anglia, UK, where he teaches about the UAE Sharia law – Islamic Arbitration, and at Pantheon-Assas University Paris II, where he educates his students about the UAE Labour and Employment law. As a litigator at Dubai Courts, Dr. Mahmood has achieved many favorable judgments in several high-profile cases. His niche practice of being an arguing Counsel before the Honorable Judges at the UAE Courts has set up a benchmark for effective representation involving complex legal issues. A Client testimonial obtained from Whos Who Legal (WWL) stated that Dr. Mahmood has an “excellent understanding of multinational concerns and perfect explanation of local laws”.

Dr. Mahmood is a Part II registered practitioner at the DIFC Courts and has the rights of audience before the DIFC courts. He has also led the corporate team of M&CO Legal in dealing with DIFC corporate financial agreements and syndicate loans. Additionally, Dr. Mahmood has the rights of audience before The Federal Supreme Court of UAE.

The Legal 500 has mentioned Dr. Mahmood Hussain as “a standout litigator and lawyer and demonstrates a mixture between legal academic and excellent experience” and “a good strategist for local litigation.” Dr. Mahmood has also been mentioned as a key lawyer for Dispute Resolution: Domestic Litigation in 2022 and 2023.

He has been accredited as an International Arbitrator by both DIAC (Dubai International Arbitration Centre) and Abu Dhabi Commercial Conciliation and Arbitration Center. Dr. Mahmood has successfully acted in more than 50 International Arbitration proceedings under the ICC, LCIA, ADCCAC, and DIAC rules. He is frequently appointed as sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator, or chairman of arbitral tribunals in International Arbitration proceedings. Dr. Mahmood has also recently joined the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) Roster as an Arbitrator.

He is a member of both the ICC-UAE and currently, the Chair of ICC-UAE Commission in Arbitration and ADR. Recently, Dr. Mahmood was appointed to the prestigious and renowned ICC Commission in Paris on Arbitration and ADR which is responsible for rule-making and research in the field of International Dispute Resolution. The commission produces reports and guidelines on legal, procedural, and practical aspects of dispute resolution, including International Arbitration. Dr. Mahmood has been a member of the ICC Task Force on Arbitration of Climate Change-Related Disputes, which concluded in April 2019. He has also recently become a member of a newly formed ICC Task Force on Addressing Issues of Corruption in International Arbitration.

He also played a key role in establishing the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts in his capacity as a member of the Committee that established the DIFC Courts and later as its first Deputy Registrar and participated in the development of various DIFC legislations of DIFC courts.

In 2007, Dr. Mahmood was appointed by a Ministerial Decree as a member of the Special Committee responsible for the Rehabilitation and Compensation of former Camel Jockeys. Mahmood was also a representative of the Special Committee in a Judicial Tribunal established by the government of UAE and the government of Pakistan to compensate former camel jockeys.

Dr. Mahmood was appointed as a Board Member of the Board of Directors of CBC TV Station, Egypt, and a member of the Remuneration and Compensation Committee of the aforesaid Board. He was also the Head of the task force responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for corporate governance in the Company on behalf of the Board. He is also a member of the recently formed DIFC Courts Working Group for the DIFC Courts Code of Conduct Complaints Regime.

Areas of Practice

• Dispute Resolution and International Commercial Arbitrations

• Civil and Commercial Litigation

• Corporate Governance

Education

• PhD of Law (Research)

University of East Anglia, UK, 2020

• International Diploma in Compliance from International Compliance Association, UK, 2012

• Director Certificate exam from UCLA Anderson School of Management, California, 2008

Master Degree in Digital Economy law from Monash University, Australia 2004

• LLB of Shari’a and Law (First Class Hons with Distinction) of the United Arab Emirates University, 2001

Languages

• English

• Arabic

Summary Profile

Hafidh, a partner and policy specialist regarding all fintech matters at M & CO Legal is one of Dubai’s leading Emirati legal practitioners in jurisprudence and legislative drafting. He is an expert of media, technology and finance, and is highly regarded for his advisory services and development of cutting-edge infrastructure focused on corporate and commercial compliance and preservation including the structures required for energy entities and advising the services related to oil and gas and the cutting age of technologies related to the energy sectors.

He manages, advises and consults commercial corporate entities and private entities regarding the strategic implementation of their market connectivity and financial goals by developing comprehensive legal frameworks and establishing Intellectual Property (IP) rights. He provides guidance for all financial and technological aspects of media, corporate communications, digital platforms, telecommunication, event management, and regulatory issues.

M & CO Legal has amplified its innovative corporate practice and advisory services with the arrival of Hafidh A. Thani as its partner.

Experience

UAE’s most prominent personalities in the fields of jurisprudence. With an extensive background in infrastructure and policy development ensuring legal compliance in tandem with innovative practices, Hafidh’s portfolio includes clients such as the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Jebel Ali (JAFZA), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Silicon Oasis, Masdar City, KIZAD and other free zones in the UAE.

Hafidh also has extensive experience working with corporate governance issues, such as guiding organizations through challenges related to managing governance risk, offering regulatory and industry knowledge, and creating tailored strategies to manage the cycle of legal, reputational, and operational risk. Hafidh has developed solid connections over the years with a broad range of private clients including private/family offices in the UAE, where he provides advise on their management, exercising the requisite legal and fiduciary obligations while adhering to the necessary legal protections.

He has played a key role in the development of legal frameworks and in the design of real estate regulatory transaction requirements as head of legal for Dubai Media Inc., and head of DIFC. Hafidh has held central roles regarding the development of preservation laws designed to safeguard and regulate UAE cultural and heritage sites and other IP and arts. He has also served as an esteemed advisor for the Dubai Culture Authority and other prominent bodies of the Dubai Government.

In relation to the ADGM, Hafidh was part of the incorporation and initiation process of the freezone in line with developing the rules and regulations to establish a structured framework for the ADGM. He was entrusted to assist with developing the policies to be adopted by the freezone to help prospective establishments and investors to set up their businesses hassle free, including the running of the freezone.

Focus Area

Hafidh’s areas of expertise span commercial and corporate law, banking and finance, property and real estate, media and technology, fintech and digital platforms, and franchising. As such, Hafidh provides advisory services in the aforementioned fields alongside IP litigation, art and event management, telecommunications, legislative drafting, policy development, and regulatory transaction design among others.

Special Projects

Hafidh was an integral part of special projects such as Dubai Art Bank which was part of 10X and the creation of Al Quoz Creative District and the policy making for Legal Academy in Abu Dhabi.

Hafidh is advising established business families and family offices and enrolled in the creation of family structures in the UAE.

Professional Memberships

• A managing partner of Principle Consultants

• An independent board member for several family-owned businesses, including the OBK Group, the Al Khouri Group

• An independent board member for CBC Egypt

• An independent board member for Kuwait Investments

Areas of Practice

• Media and Technology

• Corporate & Commercial

• Finance

Education

• Master Degree in Commercial Law University of Melbourne, Australia, (2004)

• LLB Dubai Police Academy, (1998)

Languages

• Arabic

• English

Summary Profile

Salman, a partner and practitioner of law specializing in sports and real estate law for Mahmood Hussain Advocates and Legal Consultancy (MHLF), is an Emirati lawyer with extensive experience in governmental affairs, real estate development, and ports and customs law. He is one of the UAE’s first sports law practitioners and is highly regarded for his advisory and quality control services developing innovative solutions and legal compliance frameworks for private and commercial clients.

Salman manages, advises and consults corporate and governmental entities regarding all levels of compliance, safety and quality control matters. As a specialist of sports and real estate law, Salman implements full-cycle transactions, quality control, and dispute resolution measures in compliance with all construction frameworks and aspects of UAE customs and regulations.

Mahmood Hussain Advocates and Legal Consultancy (MHLF), has amplified its innovative corporate practice and advisory services with Salman Al-Tuweel as its partner.

Experience

As one of the UAE’s first sports law practitioners, Salman’s portfolio includes enhancing the procedures and safety measures for clients such as Nakheel and Dubai Customs Authority. He has played a key role in governmental and corporate dealings and in the development of regulations and quality assurance methods for construction and real estate sites. He has held central roles regarding the development of safety policies and procedures designed to safeguard and regulate UAE construction sites through the implementation of preventative practices and procedures.

Focus Areas

Salman’s areas of expertise span commercial and corporate law, sports law, property and real estate, investigations, government legal affairs, UAE ports and customs, and construction regulation. As such, Salman provides advisory services in the aforementioned fields alongside dispute resolution, risk assessment, policy development, and regulatory transaction design among others.

Areas of Practice

• Real Estate

• Dispute Resolution

• Arbitration

• Sports Law

Education

• Law and Economics Bachelor degree from Al Jazeerah University, Dubai, UAE

• Master’s Degree in Sports Law from American University in the Emirates, Dubai, UAE

Professional Memberships

• ICC – UAE Member

• UAE Football Association (Member since 2019 – Disciplinary Committee)

• International Association for Football Lawyers (AIAF), member since 2019

• Vice-President in Sports Committee under UAE Lawyers Association, 2020

Languages

• Arabic

• English

Summary Profile

Tariq is the Head of International Arbitration, specializing in dispute resolution within the construction, engineering, and infrastructure sectors, Tariq has been involved in more than 50 complex and high-stakes arbitrations across various industries, working with clients from around the world.

With a wealth of experience, Tariq has served as a sole arbitrator in over 10 cases under institutional arbitration rules and recently, as a mediator, successfully resolved a dispute valued at over 200 million USD. In 2021, Tariq was appointed as a Partner of one of India’s oldest arbitration law firms.

Tariq has extensive experience working under the rules of various arbitral institutions and a deep understanding of institutional frameworks and procedures, having previously served as the Registrar of the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre (IAMC). As an arbitrator and accredited mediator, Tariq is empanelled with leading institutions such as Asian International Arbitration Centre and Singapore International Mediation Centre, among others.

An adjunct professor at several law universities, Tariq has authored multiple books, including a commentary on Indian Arbitration Law and a book on the Law Relating to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises. Tariq has published over 60 articles on arbitration and has been recognized as an expert in the field by SCCOnline.

Additionally, Tariq has conducted training programs for arbitrators, mediators, bureaucrats, general counsel, and company secretaries, and serves as a resource person at the Judicial Academy.

Recognized for outstanding achievements, he recently received an Award for Excellence in Arbitration and Mediation by UKILP at the Supreme Court of United Kingdom, 2024he was listed in the Forbes Legal Powerlist 2020-2021 as one of the top individual lawyers and as the youngest lawyer in the BW (Business World) Legal 40 under 40 in 2020.

As a lead trainer, Tariq recently conducted a workshop on arbitration for senior officers of various Central Public Sector Enterprises organized by Ministry of Finance, Government of India in Leh, 2024 and a Med-Arb workshop for senior officers of various Central Public Sector Enterprises organized by Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance, Government of India in Delhi, 2024.

He also conducted a two-day workshop on arbitration, mediation and commercial courts act for High Court Judges of Gujarat.

Tariq has also conducted a sensitization programme on arbitration and mediation for Maldives Judiciary in presence of Chief Justices of Bangladesh and Maldives.

Experience

Tariq has represented leading players in high-stake project disputes involving issues relating to defective works, breach of contract, loss of profits, liquidated damages, prolongation, escalation, delay, indemnities and illegal termination of contract, across a variety of industries including construction, infrastructure, energy, oil & gas, joint-venture and intellectual property and worked with clients from around the world.

He is also handling matters before the Courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and various international and domestic arbitrations before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) etc.

With over 12 years of experience in common law, Tariq has achieved favorable outcomes as a litigator and counsel in the Supreme Court of India, handling high-profile cases before various High Courts.

In addition to being the Head of International Arbitration at M&CO Legal, Tariq has been advising clients on risk assessment and day-to-day legal issues concerning commercial & business affairs, commercial contracts, and documentation.

Focus Area

1)           Represented a leading renewable energy solutions provider in a multi-million-dollar arbitration proceedings arising out of a dispute relating to several wind power projects of different capacities.

2)           Represented a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) in an international arbitration under the ICC arbitration involving claims pertaining to unauthorized usage and violation of drawings and design by the PSU, with a foreign entity filing for breach of contract and damages.

3)           Represented a public sector undertaking in an international arbitration against a consortium of companies from India and the Netherlands in a multi-million-dollar complex dispute under the ICC Rules involving issues of delay and quantum.

4)           Assisted the arbitral tribunal consisting of two former chief justices of India and a leading arbitrator, in a high value complex international arbitration conducted under the SIAC institutional rules involving acquisition of Indian entity by a leading healthcare provider in the middle east.

5)           Represented a public sector undertaking against a Russian entity in an international arbitration under the ICC Rules, arising out of an illegal termination of contract for setting up a blast furnace.

6)           Represented a public sector undertaking in a dispute arising out of various agreements for gas supplies, sales and transmission where the dispute value was more than 200 million USD.

7)           Represented a company in the biomass energy sector in an arbitration arising out of breach of Engineering Procurement Construction Contract for development of a biomass plant.

8)           Represented a company in a joint venture dispute regarding the operation of a luxury train and subsequent illegal termination of the agreement.

9)           Represented a leading water technology company in an arbitration arising out of a supply contract and issues involving illegal invocation of bank guarantees.

10)        Represented leading logistics company in a high-stake dispute involving breach of contract and issues relating to transmission loss, quality of coal etc.

11)        Represented leading construction player in a large project involving issues relating to defective works, loss of profits, loss of goodwill etc.

12)        Represented a production house in a complex dispute regarding the non-telecast of popular television series resulting in significant profit loss.

13)        Handled a complex dispute involving the termination of Registrar Accreditation Agreements by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI).

14)        Represented the Respondent in the Hon’ble Supreme Court wherein it was held that stamping of foreign awards is not required for enforcement.

15)        Represented a leading US based seismic imaging service provider in its enforcement of a foreign award in India.

Areas of Practice

•             Arbitration, Litigation and Mediation

•             Construction and Real Estate Disputes

•             Shareholders Disputes

•             Energy

•             Oil and Gas

•             Joint Venture

•             General Commercial Disputes

Summary Profile

Melis Buyukcelen is a Turkish qualified lawyer with extensive experience in large scale, sophisticated dispute resolution and mediation matters, from investigation through trial, appeal, and enforcement. She has gained over 18 years of experience assisting local and international Clients in commercial litigation and corporate dispute resolution, during which she handled landmark cases and developed expertise in corporate governance, competition, intellectual property, dept collection, labor, employment, bankruptcy cases.

She advises clients in commercial and corporate litigation as well as insolvency, restructuring and bankruptcy law. She also has extensive experience in ethics investigations, administrative law, competition law, intellectual property, data protection & privacy, debt execution, labor, sports and employment law.

She has conducted numerous highly contentious, complex, and high-volume cases for banks, multinational groups, artists, volleyball players and foreign investors.

She also gave legal advice for corporate and commercial matters, doing legal investigations and getting preliminary injunctions for time sensitive disputes. She has remarkable experience of advising companies on key matters during contract negotiations in connection with potential defaults and remedies thereof.

She specializes in handling contentious general assembly meetings including but not limited to representation of shareholders in complex general assembly meetings with major legal agendas.

Practice Areas:

Corporate Governance, Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Corporate & Commercial Law, Contract Law, Construction Law, Administrative Law and Administrative Litigation, Employment, Intellectual Property and Personal Data Protection, Sports Law, Family Law, Execution, Recognition & Enforcement, Debt Collection.

Work Experience:

(i) M&CO LEGAL 2024-ongoing DUBAI & ISTANBUL

Melis actively represents clients before the Courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and various international and domestic arbitrations before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and she oversees M&Co Legal Turkish Desk, representing Turkish and International Clients before Turkish Courts and authorities.

In addition to being a member of the Arbitration Department at M&CO Legal, Melis also works closely with the Corporate and Litigation team of the firm and regularly advises clients on disputes pertaining to the above-mentioned areas of law.

(ii) TOYDEMIR & TUMEN LAW FIRM 2004- 2006 & 2009- 2023 ISTANBUL

She started her carrier in 2004 as a legal trainee and acted as an Attorney until 2006. Starting from 2009, Melis Buyukcelen worked as a partner for 14 years.

In August 2021, she moved to Moscow with her family; attended A1 and A2 levels Russian language courses at MGU and worked remotely during this period, until June 2023. She gained valuable experience in corporate governance, mediation, competition law, media law, debt execution, labor, and employment law.

Selected Experience List: (strictly confidential)

• Turkish sector leader Company in flavor industry Aromsa:

– for assisting several commercial disputes (including but not limited to competition lawsuits against white collar workers and competitor companies, debt collection, execution files)

– for providing legal services in relation to disputes (e.g., action of debt) between the Company and third parties having a commercial relationship with the Company.

– for providing legal services in relation to disputes between the Company and Employees.

– for assisting in the commercial disputes, preparation, negotiation and amendment of procurement agreements, sales, and purchase agreements,

– for representing all lawsuits in which the Client is a party such as:

◼ compensation lawsuits filed by its own distributors including but not limited to portfolio compensation, collateral compensation and compensation arising from the investment.

◼ reemployment and labor indemnity lawsuits.

◼ trademark license cases against third parties with regards to Turkish Patent Institute’s decisions.

– for providing legal services to obtain resident permits for the Company’s foreign employees.

– for leading HR and Personnel Management teams in relation to disputes/legal affairs on a daily basis.

• Landesbank Baden-Württemberg for assisting the collection of debt (appr. 2 million EUR) from Insolvent Asya Katılım Bankası A.Ş. before Bankruptcy office.

• Richemont Istanbul (mostly Cartier & IWC brands)

– for providing legal services in relation to disputes (e.g., action of debt) between the Company and third parties having a commercial relationship with the Company.

– for providing legal services in relation to disputes between the Company and Employees.

– for representing all lawsuits in which the Client is a party.

– for representing all mediation procedures in which the Client is a party. – for assisting in their several general assembly meetings.

• Cellmark Paper for assisting the collection of debt from Barış Koli …. A.Ş. before the Commercial Court.

• Pergel and Minimale Construction & Architectural Design Companies for assisting in their several general assembly meetings as shareholder(s) representative.

• Balnak Logistics for providing daily legal service.

•Professional Volleyball Players (Turkish and International) and Coaches for assisting the collection of debts from the Sport Clubs before CEV, FIVB and Turkish Courts.

•Girne American University for establishment of a Foundation and providing legal assistance in commercial disputes between the University and third parties having commercial relationship with the University.

(iii) KURAL LAW FIRM 2006 -2008 ISTANBUL

•Represented Türkiye’s leading integrated entertainment marketing company Pozitif Universe; Türkiye’s leading FMCG company Eczacıbaşı, Istanbul Modern and IKSV:

– Advising brand counsel on risk mitigation plan of advertisements and expressions of the product/art.

– for drafting, reviewing, and advising on framework conventions on exhibitions (Le Centre Pompidou/Istanbul Modern) and music festivals and events (Rock’n Coke, One Love, Akbank Jazz, Babylon concerts, Doublemoon records etc.) and contracts of work and services.

– for representing all lawsuits in which the Clients are a party.

– for providing legal services in relation to disputes (e.g., action of debt) between the Company and third parties having a commercial relationship with the Company.

– for providing legal services in relation to disputes between the Company and Employees.

(iv) MELIS BUYUKCELEN LAW FIRM 2007-ongoing TURKIYE & UAE

Of Counsel to Companies and Law Firms

She currently works as an of counsel to leading local and international companies/individuals and law firms on complex matters and disputes. She established her own law firm in Bodrum and moved back to Istanbul after finalizing the title deed exchange of the property purchases of her Foreign Clients investing from several Real Estate Companies. She has her own client portfolio.

Selected Experience List During Of Counsel Service: (strictly confidential)

• providing legal service to Clients on certain potential dispute resolution matters regarding the enforcement of the agreements.

• providing legal service on commercial lawsuits and legally assisting the Clients daily-basis.

• providing legal opinion regarding the breach of a non-compete agreement, within the scope of an acquisition and drafting a new non-compete agreement, issuing Mandatory mediation file as a condition for the admissibility of an action before Courts, file the lawsuit before Courts in case of non-settlement.

• providing legal service in its commercial and labor lawsuits.

• providing legal service to Russian Individuals and Local Russian Law Firm and Consultancy Companies regarding establishment of Turkish Company procedure and transfer of the assets and funds between the Companies.

Education:

2006 – 2008 Istanbul University, LLM 1st year graduate, Istanbul

2000 – 2004 Istanbul University, LLB, Istanbul

1993 – 2000 Le Lycée St-Michel, French High School, Istanbul

SQE1 and CAMS candidate

Languages:

Turkish (Native) / English (Proficient) / French (Proficient) / Russian (A2 level)

Qualifications:

• Member of Istanbul Bar Association (2005, 32418)

• Member of Union of Turkish Bar Associations (2005, 70091)

• Member of European Bars, CCBE, 9000700912715

• SRA registered foreign lawyer, 7160347

• Member of International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

• MCIArb, 6113220

• ACAMS member, 1001018206

• FIDIC Certified Consulting Professional 2024 – 2027

• Official translator French & English, registered before Istanbul, Besiktas 3rd Notary Public

• Mediation Training in Civil Disputes, 2019, Istanbul University

• Personal Data Protection Authority and Data Controllers Registry Registration Process

Summit 2020, Lebib Yalkın Academy, Istanbul

• Turkish Labor Law training in the Light of Legislative Regulations and Supreme Court

Decisions, 2023, Lebib Yalkın Academy, Istanbul

• FIDIC training, 2023, Zabeel International Institute of Management & Technology, Dubai

• Enhancing Financial Inclusion With A Risk-Based Approach ACAMS, 2023

• Recruitment Process & Dealing with difficult people & Leadership, 2023, Bilgeİş

• Royal Academy of Dancing, Ballet, 21 years, Pre-elementary, H. Commended Diploma

Publication:

Construction Agreements and FIDIC

Istanbul Bar Association Journal, 2006 volume 80(4) p.1549-1562 / ŞEREMET, Melis