Raid Abu-Manneh

Raid has extensive experience both domestically and internationally in advising various clients including banks, contractors, utilities and other clients in various industries including energy, rail and other infrastructure sectors.

In respect to infrastructure projects, a significant part of Raid's work involves advice on risk management during the course of the design and construction of a project with the objective of either avoiding a dispute or ensuring that the client is best placed in the event that a dispute does arise. This experience has encompassed various types of projects including PFI and projects involving international finance.

In the Middle East, Raid has advised on a substantial number of disputes particularly in infrastructure power and energy projects in such countries as Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. He has also advised on disputes in Egypt, Kuwait, Yemen and Libya. Raid studied comparative Arab commercial law and is a fluent Arabic speaker.

Raid speaks regularly in international conferences and seminars on International Arbitration including the resolution of project disputes. He joined Mayer Brown in 2008 and also speaks conversational German.

• Canadian and US investors in two UNCITRAL investment arbitrations against Romania in a dispute arising out of our clients' investment in the media industry.
• Kuwaiti investors in an ICSID Arbitration against the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in a dispute related to the tax treatment of their investment (ICSID Case No. ARB/13/38).
• The Islamic Republic of Pakistan before the D.C. District Court in resisting the enforcement of the US$ 6 billion ICSID award renders in Tethyan Cooper Company Pty Limited v. Islamic Republic of Pakistan (ICSID Case No. ARB/12/1).

Recent experience in commercial/construction arbitrations

• A Consortium of international contractors in two wins obtained in two ICC arbitrations against the owners concerning the construction, commission and performance of two thermal-solar (CSP) power plants in Africa.
• A state-owned entity in the power sector in a commercial arbitration under the LCIA Arbitration Rules (London seat) with respect to a dispute arising out of a power purchase agreement.
• Acting for a contractor on high value arbitration proceedings in relation to a major infrastructure project in UAE.
• Acting for a hotel owner in a LCIA Arbitration concerning the development of a luxury hotel in the Middle East.
• Advising on a number of ICC arbitrations in connection with the design and construction of a major maritime project in Central America.
• Acting on UNCITRAL arbitration in connection with the termination of a distribution agreement in the Middle East.
• Acting on an ICC arbitration in connection with a major infrastructure project in Qatar.
• Acting on an ICC arbitration in connection with the supply of equipment to an Indian corporation.
• Advising and acting on a major UNCITRAL arbitration relating to an LNG project in Qatar.
• Acted for a Contractor in an ICC Arbitration in Geneva in connection with the design and construction of a cargo centre in Heathrow.
• Advised a Middle Eastern government on substantial claims and arbitration on a large mixed used development.
• Advised the EPC contractor on various issues arising out of the design and construction of a large LNG project in the Middle East (subject to UNCITRAL arbitration in London), including advising on multimillion dollar contractual claims and entitlements for relief under local law and restructuring and settlement contracts.
• Acted for an employer in defending an UNCITRAL arbitration in Dubai commenced by the consultant in connection with large development in Iran.
• Acted for an English company in arbitration proceedings in Egypt under the rules of the Cairo Regional Arbitration Centre.
• Acted for contractor in an LCIA Arbitration in relation to a dispute with the employer in respect of a claim for delay and disruption involving a power station in Singapore.
• Acting on a number of arbitration in connection with a major infrastructure project in Bahrain.
• Acted for an EPC contractor in an arbitration in connection with the construction of a large power station in the UK.
• Acting on a number of enforcement proceedings of International Arbitration awards.

Court Proceedings

• Acted for an engineering company in multimillion proceedings arising from a major incident onboard an oil exploration rig off the coast of West Africa. The case settled after a 13 week trial in the High Court.
• Acting on court proceedings in the High Court in connection with the construction of a major power station.
• Acting on a major dispute arising on a letter of credit in the High Court.
• Acted for Pilkington in High Court proceedings relation to the supply of alleged defective glass.
• Acted for ALSTOM in High Court proceedings commenced by Virgin Trains in relation to alleged delays in the delivery of 53 tilting trains for the West Coast Main line.
• Acting on a dispute in connection with a major development in Oman.

Advisory and DAB proceedings

• Acting on a number of DAB proceedings in connection with the design and Construction of a major maritime project in Central America.
• Acting on various DAB proceedings in connection with power station projects in Nigeria.
• Advised a large engineering company on various issues and claims amounting to over $150 million in connection with the design and construction of an IPWP project in the UAE.
• Acted for the employer on various claims arising from the construction of a large process plant in Egypt.
• In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, advised an EPC contractor on pursuing substantial claims under both the contract and under Shari'a law arising from the design and construction of a $500 million process plant.
• Acted for an employer in a statutory Adjudication with a Contractor in connection with alleged delays caused by the approval by London Underground of tunnel monitoring equipment.
• Advised a Turkish utility on resolving a dispute with a major equipment manufacturer.
• Advised an EPC contractor in relation to various issues arising from the construction of an oil refinery in India.

• Listed as a key lawyer for Construction and Emerging Markets and a leading individual for International Arbitration, head of International Arbitration Raid Abu-Manneh has substantial expertise in disputes arising from infrastructure power and energy projects in such countries as Jordan, Qatar, Libya, Kuwait and Egypt. "Raid Abu-Manneh’s depth of experience is belied by his personable manner and ability to communicate complex issues in a way that is digestible to non-experts." "demonstrated ease at getting to grips with complex issues as they evolved." "Raid Abu-Manneh deserves special mention for his exceptional ability" Legal 500.
• Raid Abu-Manneh is co-chair of the firm’s global arbitration practice and routinely represents clients in ICC arbitrations. He offers clients a wealth of experience handling complex cross-border disputes arising from significant energy and social infrastructure projects, including those involving emerging markets. "He runs a very substantial practice and knows the Middle East extremely well." He is fluent in Arabic, and is praised by a source as "one of the most determined solicitors." "He is very good on negotiations, extremely commercial and very good at providing clients with practical and strategic advice." "Raid is a specialist in construction arbitration and has provided useful insight into our potential construction disputes."  "He's a star in the area of international arbitration." Chambers UK.
• The "charming" Raid Abu-Manneh "has good client skills, and sees the issues the client is interested in and focuses on them". He is "a brilliant attorney - his skills in analysing technically complex matters are superb", he is "experienced, creative and liked by clients". He "succeeds for his clients" and  "gets results". Legal 500: International Arbitration
• A "terrific lawyer" Chambers UK.