Biography

NATIONALITY:	French and Iranian
LANGUAGES:	French, English and Farsi
ADMISSION:	Paris and New York
OFFICE:	Paris

Dr. Hamid Gharavi has acted as arbitrator or counsel in over 250 institutional and/or ad hoc arbitrations, including over 40 investment arbitrations under foreign investment laws and/or bilateral and multilateral investment treaties, arising from a broad spectrum of issues ranging from sanctions to political takings, in as diverse industries as oil and gas, mining, M&A, military ordnance and defense, telecommunications, media, aviation, agency agreements, distribution, sales, construction (including all types of design contracts and engineering projects), duty free, hospitality, real estate, wood and derived products, pharmaceutical, as well as sport related disputes involving commercial aspects, disciplinary sanctions and doping.

He has been appointed on the Panel of ICSID Arbitrators (Kingdom of Cambodia), as member of the Court of the Istanbul Arbitration Centre (ISTAC since 2015), as member of the Court of the LCIA (from 2008-2012), as member of the Commission on Arbitration of the ICC (2005-2010), as the President of the Board of the Tehran Regional Arbitration Centre (TRAC) as well as on several other panels, including DIAC, SIAC, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Dr. Gharavi teaches investment arbitration in the Master program “Droit International Économique” at the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas. He is the author of a book titled “The International Effectiveness of the Annulment of an Arbitral Award,” published by Kluwer Law International, as well as publications in the main arbitration law reviews, and is a regular speaker at conferences.

Dr. Gharavi holds a PhD from the University of Paris II, and post-graduate degrees from the New York University School of Law and University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne.

Both Chambers and Legal 500 rank him in Band 1 of arbitration counsel for France.  Chambers notably stated that “Hamid has a larger-than-life personality and is personable and hard-working,” and described him as “extremely dynamic, fearless in hearings and able to think out of the box.” Chambers also notes that Dr. Gharavi “earns considerable praise as an active and effective arbitrator in important cases. Interviewees note his valuable input during hearings, saying: ‘He always raises good questions that are material to the outcome of the case.’” In Legal 500, he is described as “absolutely brilliant” with “a busy practice as counsel in cases but [who] also has ‘impressive success attracting major appointments as arbitrator’.”

Before founding Derains & Gharavi, Dr. Gharavi was a partner at Salans in Paris after having started his career at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP in New York and as Visiting Professor at the University of Richmond School of Law.

EXPERIENCE AS COUNSEL

State to State Arbitration and Public International Law: 

• Representing a Middle Eastern State against an Arab State for breach of a bilateral investment treaty and resulting damages.
• Representing a Middle Eastern State against an Asian State for breach of a bilateral investment treaty and resulting damages.
• Representing Respondent States in arbitrations involving dismantled States and/or entities thereof with legal questions arising therefrom including on respective legal entitlements and obligations thereof.
• Legal Opinion to States on territorial claims on jurisdiction and substance.

Investment Arbitration: 

Dr. Gharavi has secured as counsel landmark victories both for investors and Sovereign States, including a BIT award finding of political expropriation and over EUR 200 million in damages in favor of Iranian State Banks against Bahrain (Bank Melli Iran (Iran) and Bank Saderat Iran (Iran) v. The Kingdom of Bahrain, PCA Case No. 2017-25); the first ever award of moral damages in favor of an investor under a BIT (DLP v. Yemen, ICSID Case No. ARB/05/17); an award in favor of an investor finding public tender results to be in violation of a BIT (Joseph Charles Lemire v. Ukraine, ICSID Case No. ARB/06/18); three ICSID Awards for investors against Kazakhstan including two awards in favor of Turkish entities for deprivation of their shares by the host State’s judiciary for the benefit of a third private party (Rumeli/Telsim v. Kazakhstan, ICSID Case No. ARB/05/16 and Aktau Petrol Ticaret A.Ş. v. Kazakhstan, ICSID Case No. ARB/15/8) and a third for a US investor for political taking by Kazakhstan (Caratube International Oil Company LLP and Mr. Devincci Salah Hourani v. Kazakhstan, ICSID Case No. ARB/13/13); an award in favor of a French investor ordering for the first time specific performance (Mr. Franck Charles Arif v. Republic of Moldova, ICSID Case No. ARB/11/23); a decision on jurisdiction for Sudan finding for the first time ever that a foreign nationality of the investor was secured by fraud and thus ineffective (Michael Dagher v. Sudan, ICSID Case No. ARB/14/2); an award in favor of Iranian investors against the Republic of Korea for USD 68 million, holding that a governmental organ abused its sovereign capacity in intervening in the closing of the acquisition of a state asset, and this moreover on pretextual grounds, whereas the underlying reasons were due to a shift in the Republic of Korea’s policy towards Iran (Mohammad Reza Dayyani, et al. v. The Republic of Korea, PCA Case No. 2015-38); an award on jurisdiction in favor of the Republic of Turkey dismissing the largest ICSID claim ever (USD 19 billion) against a Sovereign State (Saba Fakes v. Republic of Turkey, ICSID Case No. ARB/07/20); three awards for the Republic of Albania, the first dismissing for the first time ever a case based on a fork-in-the-road provision of a BIT (Pantechniki S.A. Contractors & Engineers v. Republic of Albania, ICSID Case No. ARB/07/21), the second dismissing the entire claim for lack of jurisdiction ratione materiae and personae, with full legal and arbitration costs (Burimi S.r.l. & Eagle Games Sh.a. v. Republic of Albania, ICSID Case No. ARB/11/18), and the third dismissing claims on the ground that the State measures were legitimate public measure safeguards compliant procedurally and substantively under international law (Mamidoil Jetoil Greek Petroleum Products Société Anonyme S.A. v. Republic of Albania, ICSID Case No. ARB/11/24).

Counsel for sovereign States

• Representing Romania in an ICSID arbitration initiated by a Cyprus investor in relation to the alleged expropriation of its investment in the renewable energy sector (EP Wind Project (Rom) Six Ltd. v. Romania, ICSID Case No. ARB/20/15).
• Representing the Arab Republic of Egypt in an ICSID arbitration initiated by a Dutch investor in relation to alleged acts and omissions of the Egyptian Ministry of Housing pertaining to the regulation of the Egyptian market for pipes used for sewerage and potable water engineering projects (Future Pipe International B.V. v. The Arab Republic of Egypt, ICSID Case No. ARB/17/31).
• Representing Romania in an ICSID arbitration initiated by a Dutch investor in relation to the alleged expropriation of its investments in the insurance and media sectors (The Nova Group Investments, B.V. v. Romania, ICSID Case No. ARB/16/19).
• Representing the Republic of the Sudan in an ICSID arbitration initiated by an alleged US/Lebanese investor in relation to the purported unfair treatment of its investment in the Sudanese telecom sector (Mr. Michael Dagher v. Republic of Sudan, ICSID Case No. ARB/14/2).
• Representing the Republic of Turkey in a USD 19 billion ICSID arbitration initiated by a Dutch national in relation to the alleged expropriation of an investment in the telecom industry (Saba Fakes v. Republic of Turkey, ICSID Case No. ARB/07/20).
• Representing the Republic of Albania in an ICSID arbitration initiated by a Greek investor in relation to an alleged investment in the oil and gas industry that led to the dismissal of the case on the merits (Mamidoil Jetoil Greek Petroleum Products Société Anonyme S.A. v. Republic of Albania, ICSID Case No. ARB/11/24).
• Representing the Republic of Albania in an ICSID arbitration initiated by an Italian investor in relation to an alleged investment in the gambling industry that led to the dismissal of the case on jurisdiction with full costs (Burimi SRL and Eagle Games SH.A v. Republic of Albania, ICSID Case No. ARB/11/18).
• Representing the Republic of Albania in an ICSID arbitration initiated by a Greek investor in relation to an investment in the construction industry that led to the dismissal of certain claims on jurisdiction under the fork in the road provision of the BIT and others on the merits (Pantechniki S.A. Contractors & Engineers v. Republic of Albania, ICSID Case No. ARB/07/21).
• Representing the Republic of Albania in post-privatization investment disputes initiated by a large Czech electricity producer under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules and the ICC Arbitration Rules, in relation to the regulatory framework applying to Albania’s main electro-energy distribution company (settled).
• Representing the Republic of Togo in the ICSID annulment procedure only (i.e., not in the underlying arbitration that led to the challenged Award) (Togo Electricité and GDF-Suez Energie Services v. Republic of Togo, ICSID Case No. ARB/06/7 (annulment)) that was dismissed.

Counsel for investors

• Representing the Central Bank of Iran in an UNCITRAL arbitration against an Arab State initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to an investment in Middle East banks for breach and over 7 billion USD in damages (please click here).
• Representing the Central Bank of Iran in an UNCITRAL arbitration against an Asian State initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to an investment in East Asian banks and over 2 billion USD in damages (please click here).
• Representing a UAE investor against a North African State in an ad hoc arbitration initiated under the Agreement on Promotion, Protection and Guarantee of Investments Among Member States of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (“OIC Agreement”) in relation to an oil refinery.
• Representing two Turkish investors, Mr. Mustafa Orhan Özer and Mr. Nurettin Mendost Dirlik, against Libya in an investment arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to the expropriation of their construction projects in Libya.
• Representing a US company, Metal Commodities Trade Corp., a UK company Altberg Developments LP and two Albanian companies, Durres Kurum Shipping Sh.A and Durres Container Terminal Sh.A, against the Republic of Albania, in an investment arbitration initiated under two bilateral investment treaties in relation to the expropriation of their investment in a shipping terminal in Durres, Albania.
• Representing two Iranian banks against the Kingdom of Bahrain in an UNCITRAL arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to their investment in a Bahraini bank that led to a EUR 200 million favorable award and finding of political expropriation (PCA Case No. 2017-25) (please click here to read related GAR Article); (please click here to read related Washington Post article); (please click here to read Le Figaro Article 1); (please click here to read Le Figaro Article 1) .
• Representing the Iran Insurance Company against the Kingdom of Bahrain in an UNCITRAL arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to its investment in a local Bahraini branch.
• Representing Muhammet Cap & Sehil Inşaat Endustri ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti. against Turkmenistan in an ICSID arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to 31 disputed construction projects in Turkmenistan (Muhammet Cap & Sehil Inşaat Endustri ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti. v. Turkmenistan, ICSID Case No. ARB/12/6).
• Representing a Tunisian company, KCI, against the Gabonese Republic in an UNCITRAL arbitration initiated under the OIC Agreement in relation to the construction of 5,000 residential units in the suburbs of Libreville which led to a favorable award on December 23, 2016 (PCA Case No. 2015-25).
• Representing Iranian investors against the Republic of Korea in an UNCITRAL arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to the expropriation of an investment in home appliance industrial company that led to a favorable Award for USD 68 million against the Republic of Korea on June 5, 2018 (Mohammad Reza Dayyani, et al. v. The Republic of Korea, PCA Case No. 2015-38).
• Representing two Turkish companies, Aktau Petrol Ticaret and Som Petrol Ticaret, against the Republic of Kazakhstan in an ICSID arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to an unlawful expropriation of an investment in the oil transshipment industry that led to a favorable Award for 30 million USD including interest against Kazakhstan on November 13, 2017 (Aktau Petrol Ticaret A.S. v. Republic of Kazakhstan, ICSID Case No. ARB/15/8).
• Representing US investors, Caratube International Oil Company LLP and Mr. Devincci Salah Hourani, in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Kazakhstan relating to the expropriation of an oil concession that led to a favorable Award for over 50 million USD including interest against Kazakhstan on September 27, 2017 (Caratube International Oil Company LLP and Devincci Salah Hourani v. Republic of Kazakhstan, ICSID Case No. ARB/13/13).
• Representing a French investor, Mr. Frank Charles Arif, against the Republic of Moldova in an ICSID arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to an investment in the duty free industry that led to a favorable award on liability including specific performance (Frank Charles Arif v. Republic of Moldova, ICSID Case No. ARB/11/23).
• Representing a US investor, Mr. Charles Joseph Lemire, against Ukraine in an ICSID arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty for unfair and inequitable treatment and discrimination against an investment in the radio industry that led to a favorable award on liability with partial legal costs. It is the first international award holding a State liable for breach of international law in relation to tenders and a Decision establishing the liability of Ukraine for unfair and inequitable treatment. Also successfully representing Mr. Lemire in the annulment proceedings that were ultimately dismissed by decision dated July 8, 2013 (Joseph C. Lemire v. Ukraine, ICSID Case No. ARB/06/18).
• Representing a Turkish investor, Attila Dogan Construction and Installation Co. Inc., against the Sultanate of Oman in an ICSID arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to the expropriation of an investment comprising an Off Plot Delivery Contract (Attila Doğan Construction & Installation Co. Inc. v. Sultanate of Oman, ICSID Case No. ARB/16/7).
• Representing a British publicly-listed company, Oxus Gold plc, against the Republic of Uzbekistan in an UNCITRAL arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty in relation to an investment in the mining industry that led to a favorable Award on jurisdiction, liability and damages against Uzbekistan on December 17, 2015.
• Representing Turkish companies, Rumeli Telekom and Telsim Mobil, against the Republic of Kazakhstan in an ICSID arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty for expropriation of an investment in the telecommunication industry that led to a favorable Award for 175 million USD including interest against Kazakhstan on July 29, 2008 and successfully representing the same companies in the annulment proceedings that were ultimately dismissed by decision dated March 25, 2010 (Rumeli Telekom A.S. and Telsim Mobil Telekomunikasyon Hizmetleri A.S v. Republic of Kazakhstan, ICSID Case No. ARB/05/16).
• Representing Belmont Resources Inc. against the Slovak Republic in an ICSID arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty, in relation to the expropriation of their mining rights over the Gemerska Poloma deposit, one of the largest talc deposits in the world in relation to which annulment proceedings are pending (EuroGas Inc. & Belmont Resources Inc. v. Slovak Republic, ICSID Case No. ARB/14/14).
• Representing an Omani company, Desert Line Projects LLC, against the Republic of Yemen in an ICSID arbitration initiated under a bilateral investment treaty for governmental interference, expropriation and denial of justice with respect to an investment in the construction industry that led to a favorable Award of 25 million USD inclusive of moral damages (Desert Line Projects LLC v. Republic of Yemen, ICSID Case No. ARB/05/17).
• Representing a Lebanese family against the Democratic Republic of Congo in an ICSID arbitration initiated under the foreign investment law for breach of international law with respect to an investment in the wood and construction industry that led to a favorable Award on liability (Antoine Abou Lahoud and Leila Bounafeh-Abou Lahoud v. Democratic Republic of the Congo, ICSID Case No. ARB/10/4).

• Representing a leading UAE energy company in an ICC arbitration against a North African state company in relation to an agreement for the supply of crude oil.
• Representing a leading UAE energy company in an ICC arbitration against a North African state company in relation to a shareholders’ agreement.
• Representing a French Telecom Supplier in an ICC arbitration initiated by a UAE Company in relation to a dispute in the telecommunication sector.
• Representing Lebanese high net worth individuals in ICC arbitrations in Paris against another high net worth Lebanese individual, arising out of an agreement for the restructuring of family assets.
• Representing a government body of the Republic of Sudan in an ICC arbitration in Paris against a Croatian company, arising out of the performance of a contract regarding development of water and irrigation projects in Sudan.
• Representing two Italian companies in SCAI arbitrations in Zürich against a German company and the Luxembourg and US subsidiaries of one of the largest wood-based panel manufacturer arising out of the performance of contracts for the construction of two plants in Luxembourg and the USA.
• Representing the State of Qatar in an ICC arbitration in Paris against an Asian company arising out of the design and construction of a solid waste management facility.
• Representing a Qatari company in an ICC arbitration in Paris against one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world regarding the termination of several distribution agreements.
• Representing a leading international organization in an UNCITRAL arbitration against a Turkish contractor arising out of an airport construction project in Africa.
• Representing a French construction company in an ICC arbitration in Paris against a State entity of an Eastern European State for breach of a construction contract.
• Representing a Middle Eastern company in an ICC arbitration in Paris against an Italian company for breach of a contract for the design and supply of an MDF plant.
• Representing a Greek construction company in an arbitration arising out of a subway construction project in an Arab country.
• Representing a leading French water management company in expertise and arbitration proceedings against a Middle Eastern entity for breach of a construction and commissioning contract of a water treatment facility.
• Representing an Omani company in an ICC arbitration in Paris against Oman in a dispute arising out of a road construction contract.
• Representing an Omani company in an ICC arbitration in Paris against Oman in a dispute arising out of the construction works on a section of a large airport expansion contract.
• Representing a French telecommunication company in an ICC arbitration in Geneva against a Middle Eastern company for breach of a contract for the construction of a cellular network in that Middle Eastern State.
• Representing a French telecommunication company and its African subsidiary in an ICC arbitration in Paris against an African company and a Middle Eastern company for breach of a contract for the supply and construction of a GSM network in an African country.
• Representing a Canadian construction company in an ICC arbitration in Geneva against a public entity arising out of the construction of a plant in the Middle East.
• Representing a leading international organization in an UNCITRAL arbitration against an African provider of logistics and transportation services.
• Representing a high net worth individual against a Western company for deceit and non-payment of a commission in relation to an agency agreement for the construction of a nuclear plant in the Middle East.
• Representing a high net worth Saudi national, one of the top five largest fortunes in the Middle East, as well as several other English and Saudi companies, in an ICC arbitration in Paris arising out of a consultancy agreement with another Saudi individual.
• Advising a Kuwaiti high net worth individual in relation to his rights and obligations with respect to a partial ICC award.
• Representing a Luxembourg national in a SCAI arbitration in Geneva against a multinational group of companies active in the energy sector, arising out of a commercial agency contract.
• Representing two French companies in an ICC arbitration in Paris against a French multinational corporation arising out of an agency and lobbying services contract.
• Representing a French sports federation in an ICC arbitration in Paris against a foreign company for breach of broadcasting rights of a major sport event.
• Representing a French telecommunication company and its Asian subsidiary in an ICC arbitration in Paris against a Middle-Eastern company in relation to supply of IT and telecommunication equipment.
• Representing an Asian energy company in an ICC arbitration in Paris against a Mauritanian company for breach of an energy related contract.
• Representing the owner of a 4-star hotel in France in an ICC arbitration in Paris against a hotel management company for breach of a contract for the management of the hotel in France.
• Representing the owner of a 4-star hotel in Lebanon in an ICC arbitration in London against a hotel management company for breach of a contract for the management of the hotel in Lebanon.

EXPERIENCE AS ARBITRATOR

Investment arbitration

• Chairman of the Tribunal in an UNCITRAL arbitration, under the auspices of the PCA, between an Australian company and a Middle Eastern State, initiated pursuant to a bilateral investment treaty and in relation to Claimant’s investments in the State in question (PCA Case No. 2016-22).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimant in an ICSID arbitration between AGEM Ltd and the Republic of Mali concerning taxation of shares in a company exploiting a gold mine (ICSID Case No. ARB/21/62).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimant in an UNCITRAL arbitration between a French national, Mr. Yves Martine Garnier and the Dominican Republic concerning an alleged expropriation of Claimant’s investment in the waste management industry (PCA Case No. 2022-01).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimants in an ad hoc arbitration under Article 17 of the OIC Agreement between Jordanian and Emirati entities and the Republic of Iraq in a telecom dispute.
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimant in an ad hoc arbitration between an Iranian national and a Central Asian State, concerning alleged expropriation of Claimant’s investments in the food processing industry.
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimant in an ICSID arbitration between African Petroleum Senegal Limited, a Cayman Islands incorporated company, and the Republic of Senegal, related to a dispute concerning performance of two oil research and production sharing agreements concluded between the investor and the State (ICSID Case No. ARB/18/24).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimant in an ICSID arbitration between Mr. Mazen Al Ramahi, a Jordanian citizen, and Hungary, related to a dispute concerning a series of measures adopted by the Hungarian Government in connection with a company operating a chain of hotels in Hungary (ICSID Case No. ARB/17/45).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimants in an ICSID arbitration between Menzies Middle East and Africa S.A. and Aviation Handling Services International Ltd on the one hand and the Republic of Senegal on the other hand, regarding services rendered in the Dakar Airport (ICSID Case No. ARB/15/21).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimants in an ICSID arbitration between Tariq Bashir and SA Interpétrol Burundi on the one hand and the Republic of Burundi on the other hand, related to a dispute concerning the provision of oil products (ICSID Case No. ARB/14/31).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimant in an ICSID arbitration between Erbil Serter, a Tukish citizen, and the French Republic related to a dispute concerning a ship hull design (ICSID Case No. ARB/13/22).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Claimants in an ICSID Arbitration between Mr. Hassan Awdi, Enterprise Business Consultants, Inc. and Alfa El Corporation and Romania for alleged expropriation of a concession contract related to the press industry (ICSID Case No. ARB/10/13).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by Respondent in an ICSID Arbitration between H&H Enterprise Investments and the Arab Republic of Egypt for the alleged expropriation of a hospitality complex (ICSID Case No. ARB/09/15).
• Co-Arbitrator appointed by ICSID on behalf of Respondent in an ICSID Arbitration between Shell and the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the alleged expropriation of oil fields (ICSID Case No. ARB/07/18).

• Chairman of the Tribunal in an ad hoc arbitration under Swiss law and Equity between Swiss individuals in relation to the alleged breach of a partnership agreement.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in a LCIA arbitration between two companies of German and Nigerian nationality and a Nigerian company for failures to meet payments under two contracts for the hire and operation of land drilling equipment and the supply of qualified personnel.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in a DIAC arbitration between two Emirati companies in relation to a major construction project in Dubailand.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in a SIAC arbitration between multiple Indian claimants and a Japanese company in relation to the interpretation and execution of a shareholders’ agreement.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in an ICC arbitration under Omani law between an Omani state-owned refinery and a Norwegian contractor in relation to alleged damages caused during the installation of a wet gas scrubber in the refinery.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in an ICC arbitration under Emirati law between a UAE based supplier of electronic goods and a UAE based distributor in West Africa for the alleged breach of a distributor agreement.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in an ICC arbitration between a Congolese company on the one hand and another Congolese company, a Chinese company and a British Virgin Islands company on the other hand for alleged breaches of an agreement for the creation of a company in charge of mining exploration and operation.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in an ICC arbitration between a German company and a Malaysian Company related to the performance of a contract for the supply, manufacture and construction of a cart transport system for an airport located in Qatar.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in an ICC arbitration between a European construction company and a Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications of an Eastern European State for alleged breaches of contract.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in a GCCIS (Swiss Rules) arbitration between a German company and an Indian company for alleged breaches of a distribution agreement.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in a DIAC arbitration between a Singaporean company and an Emirati company for alleged breaches of a consultancy contract.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in an LCIA arbitration under English law between two Mauritius and Cayman claimant companies, and six respondents of Indian and other nationalities, in relation to the breach of a shareholder and subscription agreement in a major Indian group.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in an LCIA arbitration in London between Nigerian and English companies for the alleged breach of a Concession Agreement relating to a State Contract in the steel industry.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in an LCIA arbitration in London between English and Indian companies for the alleged breach of a contract for sale of steel.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in a TRAC arbitration between an Iranian company and a Turkish company arising out of the agreements for the sale and purchase of petrochemical products.
• Chairman of the Tribunal in a TRAC arbitration between an Iranian company and a Turkish company arising out of a consultancy agreement in relation to a construction project in Central Asia.
• Sole Arbitrator in a LCIA arbitration between a Swiss national and two Seychelles companies in relation to the interpretation and execution of an agreement for the supply of services to a luxury holiday villa in the Seychelles.
• Sole Arbitrator in a LCIA arbitration between two Spanish companies on one hand, and a Saudi Arabia company on the other hand, regarding the alleged breach of an integrated joint venture agreement and a lease agreement. Sole Arbitrator in an LCIA arbitration under Qatari law between two Qatari companies for alleged breaches of a supply agreement.
• Sole Arbitrator in an LCIA arbitration in London under New York Law between a North American company and a European bank for the alleged breach of a financial agreement.
• Sole Arbitrator in a SIAC arbitration under English law between an English company and an Emirati company for alleged breaches of a license and distribution agreement.
• Sole Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration in Paris between a Saudi Arabian company and an Emirati company for alleged breaches of a share purchase agreement.
• Sole Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration involving an Emirati company, an Azeri company and an Austrian company for alleged breaches of a contract for the construction of a hotel.
• Sole Arbitrator in a DIAC arbitration between two Emirati companies for the breach of construction contract.
• Sole Arbitrator in another DIAC arbitration between two Emirati companies for the breach of construction contract.
• Sole Arbitrator in a DIAC arbitration between two Emirati companies for breach of a services contract.
• Sole Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration in Paris between a Swiss company and an African State for the alleged breach of a contract for the reform and management of the African State’s import and customs authority.
• Sole Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration in Milan between a European company and a North American company for the alleged breach of a procurement contract for conveyor dryers in relation to the construction of a project in Asia.
• Sole Arbitrator in an UNCITRAL arbitration between a European company and a Middle Eastern public entity regarding the construction of a baggage handling system in the international airport of the country’s capital.
• Co-Arbitrator in a DIFC-LCIA arbitration under English law between Saudi companies and a company incorporated in the Republic of Korea for the alleged breach of an Operating Consortium Agreement in connection with the construction of a power plant.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ADCCAC arbitration between an Emirati company and a Kuwaiti company for the alleged breach of two sale and purchase agreements related to the acquisition of land plots in development of a commercial real estate project.
• Co-Arbitrator in a DIAC arbitration between an Emirati national and an Emirati company for the alleged breach of a Project Development Agreement in connection with the construction of a tourism and entertainment complex.
• Co-Arbitrator in a DIAC arbitration between two Emirati companies for the breach of contractual terms in relation to a contract for the procurement of security services.
• Co-Arbitrator in a DIAC arbitration between two Emirati companies regarding the alleged breach of sub-development agreements in the real estate sector.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a French claimant and two Respondents of French and German nationality in relation to the development of a digital platform.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a company registered in Jersey and an African State in relation to tax regulations.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Caymanian company, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and an Egyptian national in relation to the sale of shares of an Egyptian joint stock company founded to construct an undersea pipeline.
• Co-arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a French Claimant and two French Respondents in relation to a post-acquisition dispute in the maritime sector.
• Co-arbitrator in four parallel arbitrations under the ICC and Swiss Rules between two UAE companies and an African State and its state-owned companies in relation to a chain of contracts aimed at development of the exclusive economic zone of the State.
• Co-arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Turkish company and a consortium comprising a French and a Belgian company regarding the alleged breach of a contract for the construction of a glass line.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Mauritius incorporated company and a Congolese company concerning a joint venture contract for the exploitation of mineral deposits in Congo.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Lebanese company on the one hand and a French and Lebanese companies on the other hand, concerning a consultancy agreement in the telecommunications industry.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Togolese company on the one hand and a French and Mauritian company on the other hand regarding the acquisition of a large telecom company in Senegal.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between an Ivorian company and a Nigerian company over the operation of a joint venture active in the oil industry in various African countries.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a French company and a German company concerning the operation of a crude oil pipeline.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Turkish company on the one hand and European, US, Turkish companies on the other hand for alleged violation of the sale and purchase agreement regarding the acquisition of a company-operator of several fast-food restaurant chains.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a French petroleum company and a North-African petroleum company regarding the price revision of gas.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a French gas equipment company and an Iranian gas company in relation to the development of an underground gas storage facility.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a French individual on the one hand and a French individual and an Emirati company on the other hand for an alleged violation of a share-purchase and cooperation agreement concerning a satellite insurance underwriting company.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between an Italian company and an Algerian company on the one hand and another Algerian company and a US company on the other hand for a project for the construction of an oil and gas production unit.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between an Italian company and a Chinese company on the one hand and a Kuwaiti company on the other hand regarding alleged breaches of the Sales Agency Agreement entered into between the parties.
• Co-arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between Iranian individuals and Japanese, Emirati companies related to a Joint Venture Agreement regarding the sale and purchase of electronics.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Lebanese company and an American company for the alleged wrongful termination of contracts in the hospitality sector.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between two Emirati companies regarding non-payment of the outstanding fees for providing design consultancy services performed under the contract in relation to the design and construction of a facility in the UAE.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC Arbitration in the Latin American region regarding an alleged breach of a share purchase agreement in the oil & gas industry.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC Arbitration between a French company and a Colombian company in the oil sector in relation to breach of contractual obligations.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration in Madrid between a Turkish company and a Brazilian company and its Spanish subsidiary regarding an alleged wrongful termination of distribution contracts.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a British company and an African State regarding an alleged wrongful termination of a contract in connection with energy development of the State.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between an Equatorial Guinea company and a Lebanon company regarding the performance of a purchase and service agreement to supply and install Hardware in the territory of Equatorial Guinea.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between two Egyptian companies regarding breaches of a management agreement related to a hotel under construction.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a Dutch company and an African State regarding the performance of a project in the field of gas exploitation and power generation.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a French State Defense Group against an Asian government for alleged breach of a contract for the sale of military equipment.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between two Middle Eastern oil companies for alleged breach of a contract for the lease and operation of oil rigs.
• Co-Arbitrator in several ICC arbitrations between a Middle Eastern company and a Eastern European State for the alleged breach of construction contracts.
• Co-Arbitrator in an ICC arbitration between a European food manufacturer and its Middle Eastern distributor for alleged breach of a distribution contract.
• Co-Arbitrator in an UNCITRAL arbitration between an English company and a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands in relation to the ownership of shares of a petrochemical plant in the Philippines.
• Co-Arbitrator in an UNCITRAL arbitration between a Luxembourg company and a Turkish national regarding an alleged breach of a non-compete contract.
• Co-Arbitrator in an UNCITRAL arbitration between major US and Arab companies for alleged breach of a joint venture for the exploration of oil.
• Co-Arbitrator in an UNCITRAL arbitration in Geneva between French and Turkish companies for alleged breach of a contract for the procurement of a computer software.
• Co-Arbitrator in an UNCITRAL arbitration between two Algerian public entities in the oil and gas sector and a North American petroleum company in relation to an alleged breach of an exploration contract.
• Co-Arbitrator in an arbitration under the auspices of the Cairo Regional Arbitration Centre dispute relating to the management of a 5-star hotel between the European Owner of the Hotel and a Public entity of a Middle Eastern State.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Since 2009	Founding Partner, Derains & Gharavi
2000 – 2008	Partner (2005-2008), Salans – Paris
1999	Visiting Professor at Richmond University School of Law (international comparative law and arbitration) – Virginia
1996 – 1998	Associate, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP – New York

EDUCATION

2000	Ph.D (University of Paris II)
1996	Master of Comparative Jurisprudence (New York University School of Law)
1995	D.E.A. Droit Nord Américain et Anglais des Affaires (University of Paris I)
1994	DESS Juriste d’Affaires Internationales (University of Paris V)
1993	Maîtrise (University of Paris II)

MEMBERSHIP

• Appointed as the President of the Board of the Tehran Regional Arbitration Centre (as of 11 July 2018 – to present)
• Appointed Court Member of the International Arbitration Court of the Istanbul Arbitration Centre (as of 2015 – to present)
• Appointed Court Member of the London Court of International Arbitration (2008- 2012)
• Appointed by the Kingdom of Cambodia to the ICSID panel of arbitrators and mediators
• Appointed to the List of Arbitrators of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre
• Appointed to the Panel of Arbitrators of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre
• Appointed to  the Panel of Arbitrators of the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration
• Appointed to the Panel of Arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration for Sport
• Appointed to the Panel of Arbitrators of the Court of Arbitration for Art (CAfA)
• Appointed to the Panel of Arbitrators of the Pacific International Arbitration Centre
• Member of the French Commission on Arbitration of the ICC
• Member of the Swiss Arbitration Association
• Member of the International Arbitration Institute (IAI)

 

Publications

"Declassified Archives Show Multi-Level Collusion over Bahrain’s Sovereignty" in CIFILE Journal of International Law, vol. 3, no. 6, Fall 2022, pp. 58-79, 2015 n°1.

“Conspiracy of Separating Bahrain from Iran – an analysis based on secret documents of the British Foreign Office”, Sanglaj Publications, 2022 – written en Farsi

“There must be another way”, in “Arbitration and beyond… Une forme de vie” – Liber Amicorum pour Yves Derains, Éditions A. Pedone, 2021, p.67

Paris Court of Appeal annuls OIC award for irregular tribunal constitution via MFN procedure - DS Construction FZCO v State of Libya OIC - LexisNexis UK - 14/04/2021, Hamid Gharavi and Nada Sader

“Cocorico! – French approach to the OIC Treaty gives cause to crow”, Global Arbitration Review (GAR), 21/02/2020.

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