About

Reza is an experienced arbitration lawyer who has represented clients as counsel and advocate in more than 50 arbitrations conducted under a variety of arbitration rules in many different jurisdictions.

After stints in England, France and the US with the firm, Reza has been based in Dubai since 2009 and leads our global arbitration practice in the Middle East. He handles disputes in emerging markets, especially in MENA, with a focus on the construction, energy and telecoms industries.

Reza is one of the leading arbitration practitioners in the Middle East and holds positions of responsibility with various international organisations, including as vice-chair of the ICC UAE and officer of the LCIA Arab Users Forum and the IBA Arbitration Committee. He was a member of the steering committee that advised the Dubai International Financial Centre on the enactment of its arbitration law.

He is a regular public speaker and author in the field of international arbitration. His publications include 'A Guide to the LCIA Arbitration Rules' which he co-authors.

Reza is also our country partner for Qatar.

Recent deals/Highlights

MTN Group in its ICSID investment treaty claim against Yemen; and Sabafon in a parallel UNCITRAL arbitration against Yemen under the Yemen investment law.

A Dubai-government-owned real estate investor in a series of high-value arbitrations (under the DIAC rules) in relation to the development of a landmark project in the UAE.

Representing a global investment bank in an arbitration arising out of an investment to set up a banking operation in Kuwait.

Awards

Listed in 2011 as one of Global Arbitration Review’s 45 under 45.

Qualifications and education

LLB, University College, London.

Languages

English, French, Persian