Paul Blakeway, FCIArb

Senior Counsel

Paul is a highly skilled Senior Counsel, who specialises in resolving complex cross-border disputes. He has notable experience in the construction and engineering sector, as well as acting on high-profile matters related to insolvency and restructuring, and inbound investments. With over a decade of experience in the UAE, Paul has established himself as a trusted advisor in arbitration, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

Throughout his career, Paul has represented clients in disputes spanning the Middle East, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, offering strategic counsel on dispute avoidance strategies and alternative resolution methods. His expertise extends to advising under various institutional rules, including the DIAC, ICC, LCIA, and SCCA, he is a registered practitioner before the DIFC Courts, and also represents clients before the High Courts of England & Wales.

Paul is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is available to receive appointments as an independent arbitrator. He is also an active member of The Society of Construction Law, and frequently speaks on construction and dispute-related issues within the community.

Paul is qualified in England & Wales. Prior to joining Horizons, Paul practiced for over 14 years in the disputes team of a highly respected international firm, in both their London and Middle Eastern offices. 


Languages
  • English
Education & Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Laws, Lancaster University, UK
  • Legal Practice Course, College of Law, UK
Professional Memberships
  • Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
  • Member of the Society of Construction Law
  • Arbitrator registered with Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
  • Arbitrator registered with the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD)
  • Registered Legal Practitioner with the DIFC Courts
Image of Paul Blakeway, FCIArb

Experience highlights

  • A Yemeni-based contractor on a suite of ICC arbitrations relating to the delayed construction of the Ethiopian section of the Trans African Highway.
  • A Spain-based design consultancy in ICC arbitration proceedings relating to the suspended rehabilitation project for an airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • A specialist façade sub-contractor in defending DIFC Court proceedings relating to the construction of a landmark museum project in the United Arab Emirates.
  • The Defendant in antisuit proceedings in the High Courts of England & Wales. The judgment, which has become a leading precedent, is reported under citation SRS Middle East FZE v Chemie Tech DMCC [2020] EWHC 2904 (Comm).
  • A specialist roofing sub-contractor in respect of ICC proceedings for delay and disruption arising from the construction of a new airport in Oman.
  • A European lending platform on the enforceability of guarantees valued in excess of USD 200 million and the application of the UAE Bankruptcy Law.
  • A DIFC-based investment fund in managing the termination of the lead contractor on a mixed-used residential and commercial property in Dubai.
  • A main contractor in DIAC arbitration proceedings relating to the construction of a specialist cancer facility in Dubai.
  • An international contractor in multiple proceedings relating to the design and construction of gas storage facilities in the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
  • An interior fit-out subcontractor in respect of escalating disputes for delay and disruption in respect of a landmark hotel development on Palm Jumeirah.

Awards & rankings

Chambers ranked in Global 2024 logo
Winner Middle East Awards 2024 logo
Legal500 EMEA 2024 logo
The Law The Law's Finest Awards 2024 - Law Firm of the Year logo
LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2024 honourable mention logo
LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2024 winner logo

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