Payvand Vahdat

Partner, Doha

Biography

Overview

Payvand Vahdat is a partner in the Firm's Doha office. Payvand is an infrastructure/procurement specialist and has provided advice throughout the complete development process, advising both employers and contractors. He has experience with both non-contentious and contentious matters in relation to stadiums, rail, infrastructure and buildings. For over 10 years, Payvand has helped regional and international clients effectively navigate the legal and business landscape in Qatar and has developed close relationships with government ministries and entities as well as international businesses operating in Qatar.

Prior to joining White & Case in early 2019, Payvand spent over 7 years as in-house counsel at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the State of Qatar body responsible for the delivery of the infrastructure, host country planning and operations for the 2022 FIFA World CupTM.

As a result of his time at SC, Payvand has significant experience of high-profile major sponsorships, inward investments and acquisitions of various sporting interests and holds a wealth of experience in matters involving the business of sports. Payvand continues to advise Middle Eastern and international clients on major international sporting events and investment opportunities.

Payvand's practice also covers crisis management where he helps clients develop business resilience strategies, prepare for, manage and respond to business interruption, PR issues and disruption events.

Bars and Courts
New South Wales, Australia
High Court of Australia
Education
LLB
University of Technology

Sydney

BSc
University of Wollongong
Languages
English
Farsi

Experience

Representing a property developer in an ICC arbitration against a contractor in connection with the construction of two commercial towers in Qatar.

Representing a property developer in an ICC arbitration against a contractor regarding the construction of residential towers, in respect of the validity of the contract termination.

Representing a property developer in an ICC arbitration against a contractor in relation to incomplete and defective works related to a residential development in Qatar.

Representing a property developer in relation to claims management for infrastructure works in Qatar.

Advising and drafting sponsorship agreements for a number of high profile sponsor arrangements with European top-flight football clubs and football confederations.

Representing a number of Qatari government authorities in the drafting and negotiation of a settlement agreement with an international contractor in relation to significant outstanding claims relating to a high profile construction project. 

Representing a Qatari contractor (a subcontractor) in relation to an arbitration with the main contractor concerning the construction of rail maintenance depots.

Advising a Qatari quasi-government authority in connection with a significant claim followed by arbitration and ultimately settlement related to a rail-related project.

Advising a Qatari government developer in relation to two high profile disputes involving international contractors.

Publications

Co-Author "Iraq ratifies the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards" (with Farah Haidar, Michael Turrini and Payvand Vahdat) June 22, 2021