ESSA AL SULAITI LAW FIRM
Doha, Qatar
"Your Partner in Navigating Legal Challenges"
Recognized for its excellence, depth of expertise, and regional reach, Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm stands as a leading full-service law firm in Qatar, the Middle East, and the wider region. Headquartered in Doha, the firm delivers sophisticated legal solutions to a diverse portfolio of domestic, regional, and international clients, supporting them in navigating complex legal and commercial environments with confidence and precision. Established in 2015, the firm has steadily built a strong reputation for excellence, integrity, and regional capability, advising clients on complex and high-value matters across Qatar, the Middle East, and the wider region. By combining an in-depth understanding of local regulatory frameworks with extensive regional and cross-border experience, the firm is widely regarded for its ability to manage multifaceted legal challenges across jurisdictions.
Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm is consistently ranked as a top-tier law firm by reputable independent international legal research bodies, including Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, reflecting its standing among the most respected legal practices in the region. The firm has also been honoured as “Qatar Law Firm of the Year” by such trusted research institutions, underscoring its sustained excellence, market leadership, and regional impact. These recognitions affirm the firm’s reputation not only within Qatar but across the Middle East legal market.
The firm advises clients across a broad spectrum of core practice areas and industry sectors, including Litigation, Arbitration, Corporate & M&A, Engineering & Construction, Property & Real Estate, Tax, Maritime, Transport & Shipping, and Hospitality. With particular strength in complex dispute resolution and high-value commercial matters, the firm acts on some of the most significant and challenging cases in Qatar and the wider region.
Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm provides strategic, commercially focused advice tailored to the realities of doing business in the Middle East. The firm regularly advises on cross-border transactions, regional disputes, and multi-jurisdictional matters, positioning it as a trusted legal partner for clients operating both within Qatar and across the broader regional market.
A firm that firmly believes in the future of the legal profession, Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm is at the forefront of adopting advanced legal technologies to enhance efficiency, precision, and the overall quality of client service. The firm integrates secure digital platforms, innovative legal tools, and streamlined workflows to strengthen analytical capabilities and responsiveness, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, data protection, and information security. This forward-looking and secure approach enables the firm to deliver faster, smarter, and more transparent legal solutions, allowing its members to focus on strategic, high-value advisory work for the benefit of its clients across Qatar, the Middle East, and the wider region.
At the core of the firm’s philosophy is a commitment to building long-term client relationships founded on trust, responsiveness, and results. The firm’s approach is defined by integrity, innovation, and an unwavering focus on client objectives, ensuring that legal advice is both technically robust and commercially practical.
With a forward-looking mindset, Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm remains closely attuned to the evolving legal and regulatory landscape in Qatar and the Middle East. The firm continuously adapts to emerging trends and regulatory developments, enabling clients to mitigate risk, seize opportunities, and remain competitive in an increasingly complex environment.
Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm stands as a trusted legal advisor in Qatar, the Middle East, and beyond, delivering high-quality legal services that reflect international best practices, deep regional insight, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence—always aligned with the best interests of its clients.
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Practice areas
At Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm, our lawyers are committed to preparing for court from day one.
Our experience demonstrates that our precautionary planning measures strengthen the position of our clients in court.
As seasoned resolution strategists, we squarely focus on delivering the best results for our clients. Our expert litigators also provide personal and responsive legal advice on local law and domestic and foreign litigation proceedings.
Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm professionals have long-standing local, regional and international experience in assisting and supporting clients on a broad array of legal matters.
In employment, our intimate understanding of the realities facing both employer and employee, in addition to their respective legal rights, obligations and responsibilities enables us to offer unparalleled counsel and effective representation in all workplace-related matters.
In Qatar, our lawyers have been mainly involved in advising a rising number of Qatari and international companies on employment procedures, policy, contract development and revisions.
What do we do for Insurance Companies?
Insurers in Qatar and across the Middle East regularly seek out our firm for our in-depth understanding of the legal, regulatory and business issues they face.
We meticulously evaluate coverage issues and provide Insurers with strategic advice in this regard.
Equally important, we counsel clients on litigation avoidance in all insurance related transactions and promptly develop effective de-escalation measures as soon as our clients are notified of a claim against them.
Real Estate has become an increasingly attractive long-term investment for those seeking diversification and relatively stable yields.Though real estate holds a global reputation as a smart investment option, there are significant risks and stakes associated with every transaction.
Oftentimes, risks can prove to be incredibly high when deals are built on weak, unsubstantial foundations.
Identifying and navigating potential pitfalls of even the most mundane transactions can protect you against significant losses. More importantly, it can help you achieve optimal yields.
As a home-grown, Doha-based firm, Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm is strongly plugged into Qatar’s corporate and commercial community, where many members of our legal team have accumulated years of rich professional experience.
Our veteran lawyers and rising associates have excellent reputations in the Qatari and wider Middle Eastern markets and other markets across Europe.
We offer an array of corporate and commercial services and expert legal counsel to local and multinational businesses and individuals.
Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm criminal defence lawyers are sophisticated, astute and experienced in handling an array of criminal cases in Qatari courts.We have built a formidable reputation through our pro-active and strategy-centric approach in assisting clients suspected of crimes.
We understand that criminal charges and subsequent proceedings can prove to be incredibly overwhelming for a victim of a crime as well as the accused.
In turn, we are committed to promptly addressing our clients’ questions and concerns whilst keeping them well in the loop of our defence strategy and relevant undertakings throughout the duration of their case.
Need help with a legal matter?
Reach out to our team for expert legal guidance tailored to your situation.
Our Partners and Associates
Mr. Essa Mohammad Al Sulaiti is a Qatari attorney admitted to practice before the Court of Cassation by the Qatar Lawyers Admission Committee. He serves as an active Board Member of the Qatar Lawyers Association (QLA) and is also a Board Member of the Qatar Experts and Arbitrators Association for Cultural and Awareness (QEAACA).
Drawing on his prior education and experience in reputable law firms, Mr. Al Sulaiti founded Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm in 2015 to effectively align his practice with a personal mission: addressing the emerging legal demands of local and international businesses operating in the State of Qatar.
Mr. Al Sulaiti is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and an arbitrator certified by the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre (GCC-CAC), Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA), and Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), Kuwait Commercial Arbitration Center (KCAC), and Oman Commercial Arbitration Center (OCAC).
Mr. Al Sulaiti has represented clients and served as counsel in international arbitration proceedings held under several rules such as but not limited to; the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), and the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA). As an arbitrator, he has been appointed in several disputes as a sole arbitrator and as a member of a tribunal, including as a president of an arbitral tribunal. Throughout his arbitral experience, he has also advised clients on disputes concerning arbitration clauses, governing law, jurisdiction, the enforcement of arbitration awards, and international judgment enforcement.
Mr. Al Sulaiti’s experience includes a broad range of corporate services with a focus on dispute resolution. He also works closely with various local and international clients advising on mergers, acquisitions, takeovers, leveraged buyouts and joint ventures, and has represented several companies, shareholders and directors in corporate/commercial disputes in court and arbitration. Mr. Al Sulaiti’s practice emphasizes counselling clients on company formation/establishment, foreign investment across a full range of industries and a broad variance of corporate governance matters, including structuring, directors’ duties, shareholders’ responsibilities, general meetings/assemblies, corporate compliance matters, legal auditing and due diligence. He was also recognized as a “Recommended Lawyer” for the years 2023 and 2024 by The Legal 500 EMEA Editions.
Mr. Al Sulaiti’s background couples extensive academic experience and hands-on practice in the legal sector of the construction industry. His practice emphasizes resolving complex construction disputes through mediation, and when necessary, arbitration and litigation in relation to projects in Qatar and internationally.
Mr. Al Sulaiti frequently addresses construction claims and has handled hundred-million-dollar litigations and arbitrations involving breach of contract, construction and design defect, delays/damages, variations and impact, default, and termination matters. Given his depth of experience, he has provided an impressive range of services to his clients, including advising on FIDIC, EPC, design/build, design and construction contracts as well as risk management, negotiation of contracts, project legal counselling/guidance and preparation of claims. In this field, Mr. Essa Al Sulaiti received the “Lawyer of the Year” honour at the LegalCommunity MENA Awards 2022 in the field of Infrastructure & Construction. This accolade highlights his exceptional legal skills and contributions, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished practitioner and arbitrator.
Mr. Al Sulaiti represents and regularly counsels main and sub-contractors, project managers, engineers, employers and other members of the construction and government contract industries. This includes the representation of contractors and owners in connection with some of the most prominent projects built throughout the State of Qatar, both public and private.
In the public arena, he has extensive experience counselling, litigating, and arbitrating complex disputes regarding high profile facilities, government construction/civil works and projects pertaining to museums, sport stadiums, rails, bridges, plants, and highways.
In the private sector, Mr. Al Sulaiti has ample experience providing counsel, litigating, arbitrating, and mediating substantial claims concerning private assets including hotels, malls, residential/commercial towers, and medical and manufacturing facilities.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Construction & Engineering
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Litigation & Arbitration
Mr. Ricardo Cid is a Portuguese-qualified lawyer admitted to the Portuguese Bar Association, with extensive experience advising and representing clients within the State of Qatar. He currently serves as Senior Legal Counsel and Head of the International Arbitration Division at Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm, where he plays a central role in the Firm’s dispute resolution and arbitration practice.
In his capacity as Head of the International Arbitration Division, Mr. Cid draws upon a diverse and sophisticated legal background to advise and represent both local and international clients across a broad spectrum of complex legal matters. He provides legal services fluently in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, enabling effective communication and strategic engagement with clients, counterparties, and arbitral tribunals.
Mr. Cid is widely recognised for his expertise in civil and commercial disputes, and has acted in numerous high-value and legally complex arbitration proceedings involving significant commercial, infrastructure, and development projects. He regularly advises on disputes arising from major contracts and large-scale transactions, including matters of substantial financial and strategic importance.
He is also highly experienced in construction and infrastructure disputes, including claims arising from major projects, engineering and EPC contracts, and development agreements. Mr. Cid routinely advises clients on the resolution of such disputes through arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms, applying a commercially focused and strategically robust approach.
As an experienced commercial and construction arbitrator, Mr. Cid has been involved in arbitral proceedings seated in Qatar and internationally and has developed a deep command of international arbitration rules and procedures. He leads the Firm’s international arbitration practice in proceedings conducted under the rules of leading arbitral institutions, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), and the Qatar International Court of Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA). His role encompasses the preparation and submission of written pleadings, statements, and memorials, as well as active participation in hearings before arbitral tribunals.
In addition to arbitration, Mr. Cid regularly represents clients in complex commercial disputes before the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), where he advises on strategy, jurisdictional issues, and substantive claims involving high-profile public and private sector entities.
Through his extensive experience with Qatari law, judicial practice, and international dispute resolution, Mr. Cid has developed a strong reputation for delivering commercially astute, strategic, and results-driven advice. His ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and high-stakes disputes enables him to provide robust protection and long-term value to the Firm’s clients.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Construction & Engineering
♦ Media, Entertainment & Sports
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Labour & Employment
Mr. Mustafa Ali Magzoub is a distinguished Sudanese lawyer with a Master's degree in Public Law from Juba University, Republic of South Sudan, earned in 2009. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Law and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Khartoum. With a robust career spanning 25 years, he has expertly navigated both the legal and judicial sectors.
His legal acumen was further honed through his tenure as a private sector lawyer, during which he established strong connections with international organizations focused on refugee affairs and combating human trafficking. In 2001, he embarked on a judicial path, joining the Sudanese judiciary and ascending to the role of an Appeals Court Judge. In this capacity, he oversaw all courts in the southern part of Kassala State in Sudan, adjudicating civil, criminal, family appeals, and administrative disputes.
Notably, his four-year term as a judge at the Port Sudan Court, in the Republic of Sudan, deepened his expertise in maritime commercial law, maritime labor disputes, and he gained thorough knowledge of related laws and treaties.
Mr. Magzoub's commitment to refugee affairs is evident from the numerous courses he undertook with the UNHCR in Sudan. Additionally, his extensive training in arbitration has qualified him as an arbitration expert at the Sudanese Center for Conciliation and Arbitration.
His proficiency in drafting legal documents, memoranda, and managing all aspects of legal practice has been finely tuned over 22 years in the judiciary. He possesses a deep understanding of legal trends and schools of thought, demonstrating a keen awareness of the nuances and procedural differences between Sudanese and Qatari law.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Litigation
♦ Criminal
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Labour & Employment
Mr. Mohamed Kabil has been a member of the Egyptian Bar Association since 1999. He obtained his law degree from Tanta University in 1997. He also obtained a diploma in public law in 2013, and a diploma in economic and financial sciences in 2014, MA in law in 2014 from Mansoura University.
Mr. Kabil has done much research and studies in the legal and tax fields. He has also delivered several lectures on various Qatari laws, including labor law, rental law, and income tax law. He also holds many courses in accounting for non-commercials, bookkeeping, financial companies, and preparing tax returns, among many others.
Mr. Kabil is well-versed in all Qatari laws and their updates, and he closely monitors all newly issued laws in all legal fields, especially civil law, and its various sectors. He also compares them to their Egyptian counterparts, making it easier to understand the objectives sought by the legislator in creating new provisions or amending existing ones.
With his continuous knowledge, Mr. Kabil possesses exceptional abilities in interpreting laws and rulings, as well as monitoring the established rulings, enabling him to make scientific comments on laws and rulings with the support of jurisprudential opinions and established judicial rulings in both the Qatari and Egyptian judiciary. His excellent abilities and scientific and practical experience in the fields of taxes and finance, along with his legal experience that spans over 24 years since the beginning of his career until now, which has significantly enhanced his abilities and capabilities.
Mr. Kabil has vast experience and complete knowledge of all Qatari legislation, the legal system and litigation procedures before the various courts and judicial committees (rent, insurance, pensions, labour dispute resolution committees, among others).
Mr. Kabil is highly experienced in professionally and accurately drafting various types of contracts, in accordance with the latest updates in laws. He has drafted numerous contracts in various fields, such as corporate contracts, construction contracts, sale contracts, lease contracts, marketing and agency contracts, athlete and agent contracts, and more.
Moreover, Mr. Kabil possesses exceptional negotiation skills to resolve any disputes raised by or against his clients in a manner that ensures the greatest benefit for the client and ending them with a legal agreement that guarantees no adverse consequences or subsequent damages to the client.
Starting his career in 1999 in one of the most renowned law firms in Egypt, that handled many high-profile cases, especially civil and commercial cases, which enriched his practical abilities, skills, and experience extensively.
Mr. Kabil worked as a lawyer until 2002 when he joined the Egyptian Tax Authority at the Ministry of Finance. He took on many technical positions as an examination officer and then as an officer in the Cases Division, during which he has examined lots and lots of tax issues and disputes over the years of his work.
At the beginning of 2016, Mr. Kabil started working in the State of Qatar as a legal counsel in one of the Qatari law firms, and had a prominent role in its success in the disputes and cases he had been assigned to.
Mr. Kabil then moved to Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm from 2020, and since joining the firm he has been contributing with the firm’s staff in reflecting ESLF’s high-quality legal service and achieving outstanding achievements in resolving disputes, major issues and cases that need special skills and abilities such as commercial, tax and corporate matters.
Mr. Kabil has taken on a vast and diverse range of cases, including civil and commercial cases, some of which have reached claim amounts exceeding QAR 50 million. He has also won cases in which our clients were awarded sums of several million Qatari riyals, including tax cases where the disputed amount with the General Tax Authority exceeded QAR 3 million. In addition, he has successfully represented our clients in labor cases where judgments exceeding QAR 1 million were awarded to workers and pursued until full payment was received. And other rulings in which the value of dues exceeds 150,000 Qatari riyals, and they have also been implemented. He has also successfully defended labor lawsuits with a total value of more than QAR 1.3 million against our client. Mr. Kabil has also represented clients in landlord-tenant disputes where judgments were issued in favor of both landlords and tenants. One of our clients, the tenant, was awarded a judgment exceeding QAR 5 million for the termination of the lease contract and the rejection of the landlord's claims. He has also handled family and inheritance disputes at all levels of litigation, including primary, appellate, and cassation courts.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial cases
♦ Labour & Employment
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Retail
Mr. Magdy Salama is an Egyptian lawyer registered with the Egyptian Bar Association since 2007 and graduated from the Faculty of Law at Assiut University in 2005. He boasts about 16 years of experience in legal practice and consultancy, possessing a broad knowledge and expertise in Qatari law, in addition to Egyptian laws.
Mr. Magdy has represented numerous clients, providing legal advice over his career span on various disputes, particularly in commercial disputes involving individuals or companies. His expertise encompasses a wide range of legal services, including handling all types of cases and disputes before various judicial authorities and courts, contract drafting, company formation, and providing diverse legal consultations. This expertise is drawn from his extended years of working with commercial institutions, companies, and law firms in Egypt and Qatar, and from experiences gained in several legal offices and Egyptian companies, especially in Qatar.
With over 16 years of exceptional professional experience, Mr. Magdy excels in drafting pleadings and memoranda in all cases, is well-versed in court procedures and litigation processes in civil and criminal courts, and various judicial committees (like labor, rental, insurance and pensions dispute committees, and others). He is an expert in examining expert reports, pursuing them, and preparing objection and appeal memoranda. Mr. Magdy is adept in providing legal consultations to clients, an expert in registering and establishing companies of various types, preparing incorporation contracts and modification annexes. He has expertise in advising clients ranging from start-ups to well-established companies, proficient in providing expert advice and supervision in major corporate negotiations, and is skilled in handling court system processes including filing cases, applications, submitting memoranda, and all related transactions.
Additionally, he has specialized legal experience; throughout his career in Egypt and Qatar, he has practiced legal work in disputes and consultations related to commercial companies, compensations, disputes related to construction and contracting in the Arab Republic of Egypt or Qatar, and has gained extensive experience in financial disputes related to securities trading, providing numerous legal consultations, and tackling many financial disputes before regulatory authorities.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Litigation & Arbitration
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Criminal
Mrs. Paraskevoula Ntai is a Legal Counsel at Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm. Hailing from Greece, she obtained her Italian lawyer qualification in 2013, specializing in European Laws and Regulations. Her professional journey has been marked by a deep commitment to serving international clients, be it individuals or companies, through collaborations with Qatari law firms. Mrs. Ntai's core competence lies in mediation and litigation proceedings governed by Italian Civil Law. Her wealth of experience ensures effective representation and resolution for her clients. With an academic background in law and practical negotiation and contract administration skills, Mrs. Ntai offers comprehensive legal consultations. Her expertise is instrumental in helping clients navigate complex regulations and find pragmatic solutions to their legal challenges.
Fluent in Greek, Italian, and English, Mrs. Ntai's multilingual abilities enable her to engage with diverse expatriate communities in Qatar. This linguistic versatility is a significant asset when providing consultancy on their rights and obligations. Mrs. Ntai has a deep understanding of inheritance law, she provides expert advice and support in insurance matters, offering guidance on clients' coverage and ensuring their contractual agreements are in their best interests. Mrs. Ntai's expertise extends to debt recovery and bankruptcy proceedings, where her strategic guidance is invaluable in resolving complex financial disputes. In the realm of Criminal Law, she offers Risk Analysis advice for corporate offenses and ensures compliance with EU legislation on corporate crime prevention, safeguarding her clients' interests. In addition to her legal work, Mrs. Ntai proudly serves as a representative of FederItaly, an Italian non-profit association. Her involvement is instrumental in strengthening Qatar-Italy relations, fostering a sense of partnership and cooperation between the two nations.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Labor Law
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Litigation & Mediation
Mr. Mahmoud Fathallah El Shafie is an experienced Egyptian lawyer and a member of the Egyptian Bar Association. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Alexandria University, obtained in 1991, and brings with him over 34 years of legal experience, encompassing both extensive domestic practice in the Arab Republic of Egypt and international exposure in the State of Qatar.
Throughout his career, Mr. Mahmoud has provided comprehensive legal services across various areas of law, including criminal and civil litigation, personal status law, labor law, and specialized legal advisory. He began his professional journey training at reputable law firms, where he demonstrated exceptional competence in handling complex cases and achieving favorable outcomes for clients. This early success paved the way for him to establish his own law office, where he practiced independently until reaching the distinguished rank of Advocate before the Court of Cassation, the Constitutional Court, and the Supreme Administrative Court in Egypt.
Since relocating to Qatar in 2016, Mr. Mahmoud has continued to deliver high-level legal services at several esteemed law firms. He has taken on key responsibilities in representing clients in criminal and insurance cases, drafting legal memoranda, and offering precise legal consultations across a wide range of matters. His extensive expertise has contributed to securing numerous favorable judgments, affirming his deep understanding of Qatari law and procedural systems.
With a strong legal background and unwavering professional commitment, Mr. Mahmoud is a valuable asset to the legal team, delivering high-quality legal support to both local and international clients surrounded in experience, accuracy, and professionalism.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Labour & Employment
♦ Criminal
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Construction & Engineering
Mr. Hadi Hamed is a British-qualified lawyer with extensive experience in the Qatari legal field. As Legal Counsel at a reputable law firm in Qatar, Mr. Hadi leverages his diverse legal background to support both local and international clients, particularly those requiring non-Arabic language legal assistance and representation.
Fluent in both English and Arabic, Mr. Hadi offers clients the comfort of communicating in their preferred language, ensuring clarity and confidence in legal proceedings. His bilingual capabilities are especially valuable for international clients navigating Qatari law and judicial procedures.
Mr. Hadi brings in-depth expertise in Criminal and Family Law, while also advising and representing clients in civil, corporate and commercial, and labor and employment matters. His experience spans a wide spectrum of legal services, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various types of agreements, such as commercial contracts, leases, franchises, and employment agreements.
Throughout his career at reputable law firms and organizations, Mr. Hadi has acted as a trusted in-house legal advisor for clients, offering strategic counsel on compliance, contractual obligations, risk mitigation, and dispute resolution. His ability to integrate seamlessly with business structures enables him to manage legal risks and provide proactive solutions aligned with clients’ objectives.
Mr. Hadi has handled hundreds of legal cases across multiple disciplines, consistently achieving successful outcomes for his clients. His strong litigation background, combined with a strategic and client-focused approach, makes him a key asset to any legal matter requiring precision, professionalism, and cross-cultural legal insight.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Criminal
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Labour & Employment
Dr. Bobby Naghman Shabbir is a UK-qualified legal professional with a unique and diverse background in both law and medicine. He joined a reputable law firm in Qatar in 2025 as a Legal Consultant following a successful legal career in England & Wales as a Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor, including a leadership role as a Partner in a law firm. In addition to his legal qualifications, Dr. Shabbir is a qualified medical doctor in the UK and a certified TEFL teacher, bringing a rare multidisciplinary perspective to the legal field.
Having been called to the Bar of England & Wales in 2001, Dr. Shabbir subsequently cross-qualified as a Solicitor in 2006, working across several practice areas including immigration, civil, commercial, and contract law. He has extensive experience in immigration and deportation matters and is also qualified as a High Court Advocate in Pakistan, making him exceptionally well-suited to advise on cross-border legal issues.
Dr. Shabbir’s linguistic capabilities in English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, along with working knowledge of Bulgarian, French, Arabic, and Turkish, make him a valuable asset to international clients. His empathetic approach, sharpened by years of experience managing clients in both legal and medical settings, ALLOWS him to understand and advocate for his clients with both clarity and compassion.
He holds three postgraduate qualifications in Medical Negligence from Cardiff University and has conducted clinical negligence work as a solicitor in the UK. Dr. Shabbir also has extensive experience in family law, including divorce and child custody, as well as personal injury arising from road traffic accidents.
Dr. Shabbir is a registered public access barrister in England & Wales and can provide direct advice, representation, and legal drafting services. His experience spans across civil litigation, clinical negligence, business immigration, and general immigration law, both in England and Qatar.
Additionally, he has completed mediation training in the UK and is currently involved in arbitration work in Qatar as part of his LLM in International Dispute Resolution. His dual professional qualifications and international exposure allow him to offer well-rounded legal insights, especially in complex disputes that involve multidisciplinary elements.
Dr. Shabbir is deeply committed to pro bono work and the development of accessible legal education. He has a long history of volunteering at free legal clinics and is currently developing workshops and seminars aimed at Qatar’s English-speaking community, particularly focusing on Qatar Labour Law.
With his vast and multifaceted experience, Dr. Shabbir brings unmatched insight and depth to the legal field, contributing significantly to civil, medical, and immigration law practices while enhancing a commitment to diverse, inclusive, and accessible legal service.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Litigation
♦ Labour & Employment
♦ Health Care
♦ Civil and Family Law
♦ Corporate
♦ Criminal
♦ Construction & Real Estate
As a cornerstone of our firm’s legal and administrative framework, Mr. Abdulaziz brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to his role as Head of Legal Administrative at ESLF. His dedication to his role as one of our firm’s leaders is evident in his skillful handling of administrative and supervisory tasks within our Litigation Division. Graduating with distinction from Losail University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Mr. Abdulaziz has cultivated a deep understanding of legal intricacies and a passion for delivering exceptional client service.
At ESLF, Mr. Abdulaziz serves as a seamless point of contact, coordinating across various departments and teams to ensure cohesion and organization in our legal endeavors. His adeptness at navigating complex legal landscapes ensures that the divisions within the Legal Department operates smoothly, efficiently, and with the utmost professionalism.
Mr. Abdulaziz’s role extends beyond supervision and coordination; he welcomes new clients, and provides them with comprehensive orientations to our services and offering continuity and a consistent point of contact for their matters. His commitment to client satisfaction and efficient internal coordination ensures that each client receives the personalized care and attention they deserve, and each case is handled with ease and meticulousness.
Moreover, Mr. Abdulaziz plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between our local litigation and international teams, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. Serving as a point of contact not only for clients but also for each team member, he fosters a culture of unity and synergy within our firm.
With his exceptional leadership skills and unwavering dedication to excellence, Mr. Abdulaziz epitomizes the values of our firm and plays an indispensable role in our continued success.
Ms. Atemad Kamal Ali Saeed is a Sudanese lawyer with a Master’s degree in Public Law from Al-Zaeem Al-Azhari University (2014) and a Bachelor’s degree from Al-Neelain University (2008). With 16 years of extensive experience in both legal practice and the judiciary, she has established a significant reputation in the legal field.
Ms. Atemad began her career as a trainee lawyer at the office of Mr. Abu Al-Qasim Mohamed Suleiman, where she developed expertise in labor law cases. She subsequently became a licensed lawyer and further honed her skills in various legal domains. Between 2011 and 2015, she served as a legal advisor and lawyer for the Sudanese Malaysian Factory and Global Steel Factory, gaining substantial experience in mediation, settlement, and interactions with governmental and non-governmental entities, in addition to representing companies in court.
In 2015, Ms. Atemad joined the Sudanese judiciary as a judge, overseeing several courts, including the Intellectual Property Court and the Cybercrime Court—the only one of its kind in Sudan. During her tenure, she handled numerous high-profile cases related to cybercrimes, which drew considerable public attention from 2022 to 2023.
Her judicial experience extends to civil cases, where she has dealt with matters related to construction, compensation, labor, and tenancy disputes. Her judicial decisions have earned her significant praise from the Chief Justice.
Ms. Atemad also served for a year at the Port Sudan Civil Court, gaining expertise in maritime law. She has completed several arbitration courses, qualifying her as a certified arbitrator at the Khartoum Arbitration Center.
Additionally, Ms. Atemad has conducted numerous workshops and training sessions, both in-person and online, for judges and lawyers on Cybercrime Law and Personal Status Law.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Civil and Family Law
♦ Litigation & Arbitration
♦ Labor and Employment
♦ Construction & Real Estate
Mr. Essam Mohamed is a practicing lawyer, who earned his Bachelor of Laws from Assiut University in 2008. He is a member of the Egyptian Bar Association at the Court of Appeal level. Mr. Esam possesses extensive experience in litigation, adeptly handling a wide range of cases in civil, criminal, and rental law.
He embarked on his professional journey in 2009 as an associate at one of Egypt's leading law firms, where he gained significant exposure in handling public, civil, and commercial cases, enhancing his scientific capabilities and skills.
In early 2010, Mr. Essam started working in Qatar, acquiring diverse legal experiences, particularly in commercial disputes, rental disputes, insurance disputes, and offering both written and oral legal consultations in various areas including civil law, contracting laws, and criminal law. He worked for various governmental and private entities in Qatar, including as an associate at a Qatari law firm. His role was pivotal in the firm's success in disputes and cases, and he was authorized by the Qatar Lawyers Admission Committee to represent the firm across all types and levels of Qatari courts, the Public Prosecution Office, and police stations.
Mr. Essam excels in managing daily legal consultancy activities, dispute settlements, litigation, effectively dealing with court cases, combining complex analysis, and courtroom litigation skills to achieve optimal judgments and secure convictions against defendants.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Civil
♦ Criminal
♦ Construction & Real Estate
♦ Banking & Finance
♦ Rental Disputes
Mr. Abdalaziz Al-Sheikh is a Sudanese lawyer admitted to the Sudanese Bar Association before all tiers of courts. He graduated from the Faculty of Law with an honour degree at the University of Al-Neilain in 2014. He practices the legal profession before all levels of courts (the first instance, the court of appeal and the supreme court), and worked as a legal counsel at the Sudanese ministry of justice. Mr. Abdalaziz gained wide experience in civil and commercial law, family law, criminal law, and administrative law, in addition to organizing work practice and time management.
He started his professional career in the office of Prof. Mohamed Al-Fateh Ismail Law Firm and Legal Consultations in Sudan since 2015, and he advocated in many criminal cases related to financial and economic crimes in addition to crimes perpetrated against persons and their freedom and represented many entities and individuals before various litigation bodies in complicated disputes with high values related to contacting sectors, construction, health care, electricity, insurance, banks and companies, and providing legal advice and legal aid to individuals and corporations in his entire period of experience, he was a legal advisor of many companies, corporations and associations.
From 2018 to 2022 Mr. Abdul Aziz was recruited by the Sudanese ministry of justice to be a legal advisor for many governmental authorities where he represented the state cases before all tiers of courts and the public prosecution besides presenting the executive committees’ meetings, in addition to drafting memorandums, letters, reports and bilateral and multi parties contracts, providing legal aid, advice and opinions to the governmental authorities and organizing the legal and administrative work.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
· Litigation & arbitration
· Companies & trade
· Construction & engineering
· Property & real estate
· Banking & Finance
· Insurance
· Criminal
Ms. Amy Saretsky is an Associate at Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm and an active member of the firm’s International Arbitration Division. She brings several years of experience in legal research, arbitration, and client advisory, with additional qualifications in mediation and specialized areas of law. Amy also has extensive experience with intercultural communication and cooperation, which continues to add value to ESLF’s dealings with international clients and contacts.
Leveraging her education and practical experience in the Qatari legal sector, Ms. Amy plays a key role in the firm’s English-language arbitration cases on behalf of our corporate and commercial clients under the rules of the ICC, LCIA, QICCA, and other regional and international arbitration centers. She ensures that all submissions and statements are expertly prepared and reviewed to reflect ESLF’s high standards of legal service and provides valuable support during hearings and other proceedings in representation of our clients.
As part of her work in arbitration, Ms. Amy collaborates with our senior legal counsels in the handling of arbitral proceedings both as counsel and as arbitrators. She contributes to the firm’s advice on arbitration clauses, jurisdiction, the application of Qatari law, and enforcement of arbitral awards.
In acting as a primary point of contact for our international clients, Ms. Amy contributes to a range of corporate and dispute-related matters, including mediation, negotiation, and litigation. She provides consistent and reliable communication between our non-Arabic-speaking clients and our litigation team, and is a trusted contact for advice, consultation, drafting and reviewing documents, and managing various out-of-court matters.
Ms. Amy contributes substantively to the litigation, arbitration, and legal advisory work on complex, high-value disputes and claims involving public and private projects in the construction, engineering, hospitality, medical and energy sectors. She brings not only knowledge and continuing experience in these areas, but also strong organizational and case management skills that are essential in handling intricate and multi-faceted legal matters.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Construction & Engineering
♦ Labour & Employment
♦ International Arbitration
Mr. Zahran Abdalla is an experienced Sudanese lawyer and a member of the Sudanese Bar Association since 2016. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Faculty of Law – University of Nilein (2013), and has accumulated over 10 years of legal experience in Sudan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the State of Qatar. Mr. Zahran began his professional journey in 2015 by joining a reputable law firm in Sudan, where he completed his practical training and was involved in handling a variety of cases in personal status law, civil law, and criminal law, forming a strong foundation for his legal career. In 2016, after obtaining his license to practice law, he established his own law office and represented clients in numerous cases, particularly criminal and drug-related cases, achieving notable results on their behalf.
In 2021, he moved to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and joined a well-established law firm in Madinah, where he took on the role of office manager. His responsibilities included drafting legal pleadings, preparing legal memoranda and responses, drafting contracts, and representing clients in criminal, labor, and commercial cases, with a particular focus on drug-related offenses. He also gained extensive experience using electronic judicial platforms such as "Najiz" and "Mueen."
Subsequently, he continued his legal career at another reputable law firm in the Eastern Province – Dammam, where he played a key role in providing legal services, managing the office, receiving clients, and following up on cases before the competent authorities. He then joined another prestigious law office, focusing on legal consultations, contract and bylaw drafting, and filing lawsuits before the competent courts, all within a professional environment that utilized advanced digital management tools and judicial systems.
In 2023, he moved to the State of Qatar, where he joined a prominent law firm as a lawyer. His responsibilities included preparing and drafting statements of claims, legal memoranda, and appeals, reviewing various types of contracts, providing legal consultations to individuals and institutions, and representing the firm before courts, public prosecution, and relevant judicial committees.
In 2024, he continued his work at another leading law firm in Doha, where he currently practices as a lawyer, further enhancing his broad expertise in criminal, labor, and commercial cases, and dedicating his efforts to delivering legal services with a high standard of professionalism and commitment.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Civil & Family Law
♦ Criminal
♦ Labour & Employment
♦ Property & Real Estate
Ms. Rouba Raed is an associate holding a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. Since completing her studies, Ms. Raed has developed extensive expertise in local Qatari laws through her roles as a legal researcher and corporate paralegal in Qatar. Her areas of specialization include data privacy, corporate and commercial law, and construction and engineering.
Ms. Raed has co-advised multiple Qatari companies on establishing subsidiaries across the GCC, providing essential legal support and ensuring seamless regulatory compliance. She has also provided expert consultations on labor law matters, helping clients navigate the complex legal landscape of employment regulations. Additionally, Ms. Raed has made significant contributions to family law by drafting a comprehensive guide for a prominent embassy in Qatar, addressing various family issues faced by expatriates.
In her role within our firm's International Department, Ms. Raed is an active member of the litigation team. Her bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic is invaluable for facilitating effective communication and understanding, ensuring that clients receive the highest quality of legal service.
Ms. Raed is also an aspiring solicitor, eager to leverage her comprehensive understanding of English law to become a qualified solicitor in England and Wales. She aims to integrate this knowledge with her expertise in Qatari law, thereby maximizing her legal acumen and serving a diverse clientele with excellence. Through continuous learning and practical application, Ms. Raed aspires to bridge the gap between international and local legal frameworks, offering unparalleled service to clients from various backgrounds.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Construction & Engineering
♦ Technology & Telecommunication
♦ Labour & Employment
Ms. Aneesa Nisamudheen is an Indian lawyer admitted to the Indian Bar Council with growing experience in the Qatari legal field.
As a Paralegal within the International Arbitration Division at Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm, Ms. Aneesa applies her solid foundation in litigation, legal drafting, and international dispute resolution to assist both local and international clients across jurisdictions. Her bilingual legal background and training allow her to provide valuable support in complex matters involving contractual disputes, debt recovery, and arbitration proceedings governed by leading institutions such as the ICC, LCIA, and QICCA.
Ms. Aneesa began her legal career after earning her Bachelor of Laws with Honours, initially focusing on litigation and procedural advocacy in India. Her interest in transnational legal practice led her to specialize in arbitration, where she now contributes to case preparation, procedural filings, document analysis, and strategic coordination for international cases handled by the firm.
In addition to her arbitration responsibilities, Ms. Aneesa also plays an important role in ESLF’s corporate and commercial practice, particularly in the drafting and reviewing of commercial contracts and corporate documentation. She ensures that contractual terms align with clients’ business objectives while meeting the regulatory requirements of Qatari law, especially in international and cross-border engagements.
Ms. Aneesa also serves as a key liaison between the legal team and ESLF’s international clientele, bridging legal understanding across South Asian and Middle Eastern jurisdictions. Her ability to navigate legal, linguistic, and cultural nuances makes her an asset to clients seeking clarity and precision in multi-jurisdictional matters.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to legal excellence, Ms. Aneesa continues to develop her professional capabilities in the areas of dispute resolution, legal advisory, and international commercial transactions, offering diligent support to ESLF’s international practice and arbitration portfolio.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Construction & Engineering
♦ Property & Real Estate
♦ Labour & Employment
♦ Technology & Telecommunicatio
Ms. Hunaina Nasir is a legal professional with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Professional Legal Practice, specializing in Law and Business, from The University of Law in the United Kingdom. She graduated with commendation in both the LLM and the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Sheffield, a prestigious Russell Group institution, preceded by a Foundation Degree in Law, Politics, and International Relations from the International College of Portsmouth, where she earned a high distinction. She is a proud member of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, one of London’s esteemed four Inns of Court.
Further showcasing her international legal capability, Ms. Hunaina successfully passed the New York Bar Examination in February 2025, as well as the New York Law Exam (NYLE) and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), highlighting her strong grasp of U.S. law and her commitment to legal excellence across jurisdictions.
In addition to her formal legal training, she holds distinguished certifications in Criminology and Profiling, and in Construction Management, where she earned a distinction, reflecting her diverse legal interests and multidisciplinary approach.
With a robust foundation in English common law and an expanding focus on international matters, Ms. Hunaina plays an integral role within the firm’s International Department. She supports high-value cross-border corporate and commercial transactions by drafting and reviewing contracts, providing in-depth legal analysis and opinions, and advising clients through international arbitration processes. Her work includes involvement with the Qatar International Court (QICDRC), where she assists international clients in filing claims and ensuring compliance with Qatari legal frameworks. She also plays a key role in helping clients recover disputed payments and enforce contractual obligations.
During her postgraduate studies, her concentration on Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Law, Dispute Resolution, and Intellectual Property enhanced her practical knowledge and deepened her contributions to the firm’s corporate and commercial services. Ms. Hunaina applies her legal acumen and international perspective to effectively support the firm’s global legal initiatives.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
♦ Corporate & Commercial
♦ Arbitration
♦ Mergers & Acquisitions
♦ Intellectual Property
Mr. Sherif AbdelGalil is a Paralegal at Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm, with extensive experience in the Qatari legal field. He benefits from his extensive, diverse and comprehensive experience and qualifications in the field of law in assisting all colleagues in the Legal Department, in all matters that require support, whether in Arabic or English, for example, not limited to: registering all lawsuits of different courts and stages through the E-portal, as well as following up hearings sessions and updating them continuously, also following up and updating the schedule of all cases in the firm, as well as electronically submitting related and unrelated requests, in addition working on contracts, article of associations ...etc.
In addition to Mr. Sherif extensive experience in the field of administration and legal assistance in various civil and commercial matters, and labor law, he also provides legal assistance in the field of establishing companies and obtaining commercial registrations, in accordance to the applicable Qatari legal procedures in this regard.
Thanks to the many years that Mr. Sherif spent providing advanced levels of administration and legal assistance, he gained great experience and knowledge in the legal field and the companies in Qatar, which gave him the opportunity and the chance to provide any comments, directions, or assistance by working side by side with the legal team in order to ensure that our clients get the utmost level of professionalism while providing services to them.
Ms. Rowan Abdulmonem Ahmed is a Paralegal professional with over six years of experience across Qatar, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates. Her background spans litigation, corporate advisory, and administrative legal support, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of civil litigation, corporate compliance, contract law, and international family disputes.
She has worked as a legal associate and paralegal at reputable law firms in the region, where she played a key role in managing complex case files, conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and coordinating court submissions. Her experience also includes corporate structuring, document validation, and internal compliance procedures, with a strong grasp of both local and regional legal frameworks.
Ms. Rowan is adept at handling confidential legal documentation and supporting legal transactions, with solid proficiency in platforms such as NetSuite and Microsoft Office Suite. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from The National Ribat University and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Peace, Conflict, and Policy Security Studies.
Fluent in Arabic and English, Rowan brings professionalism, accuracy, and a collaborative approach to her legal work. She also holds certifications in corporate law, arbitration, and privacy law, supporting her ability to contribute to cross-border and multidisciplinary matters.