Mr. Damirji's knowledge of business law is truly global, having served as counsel to law firms in Iraq, Jordan, the UK, Turkey and the United States. Most recently, he was founder and managing partner of a prominent Iraqi law firm following the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. He has extensive business experience in advising business clients on significant legal issues which relate to banking and securities law, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, insurance law, litigation, oil and gas law and other types of matters.
Based in Washington, D.C., Patton Boggs is an international leader in business law, U.S. and International litigation and dispute resolution, and U.S. public Policy. The firm has been active in Qatar since 1993. In 2003, Patton Boggs became the first American law firm licensed to operate in Qatar when His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, invited the firm to open an office in Doha. Patton Boggs is the only U.S. law firm with lawyers admitted to the Qatar bar. The Doha office has continued to grow and provides a full range of corporate and transactional services to both Qatari companies and foreign clients throughout the Middle East region.
This is the second article in our series on law firm practice in the Arabian Gulf. Last month, the Editor interviewed Philip R. Weems, head of King & Spalding's offices in Dubai and Riyadh.
Editor: What was Patton Boggs' rationale for establishing an office in Qatar?
Damirji: Patton Boggs has been active in Qatar and the Middle East for many decades. In 2003, Patton Boggs was honored to become the first American law firm fully licensed to operate in Qatar, when His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, invited the firm to open our offices in Doha.
Editor: What is the size of the office in terms of attorneys? How many practice groups are represented?
Damirji: There are 11 lawyers with more joining us in Doha soon. We have a wide-ranging and diverse practice. To name a few of our practice areas, our lawyers advise on business, corporate finance, government contracts, international trade and transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, oil and gas, media, project finance, real estate, tax and telecommunications law.
Editor: Emir Hamad has brought a great deal of social and political liberalization to Qatar. What are some of the notable reforms he has effected? Damirji: His Highness the Emir has instituted reforms in all aspects of Qataris' lives, from the liberalization of the media, a determined focus on education, and spectacular growth in the economy to growth in sporting activities. In a few short years, Qatar has become a center for Middle Eastern media with companies such as Al Jazeera establishing their presence in Doha. Al Jazeera, a leading English and Arabic news source, was started through a gracious grant of US$150 million from His Highness the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa. Al Jazeera operates a website and satellite news channel.
We bore witness recently to the fruits of the wonderful projects commenced under the auspices of His Highness the Emir and under the guidance of the Qatar Foundation led by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah: the first graduating class of students from Education City in Qatar. It was truly impressive to attend a graduation ceremony for students from all over the world who were fortunate to graduate from world-renowned universities such as Cornell and Texas A&M. The fact that world class institutions are in Qatar and that a new generation of Qataris has graduated from these universities is a major achievement. As His Highness the Emir stated, these graduates are the future of Qatar.
In the field of sports, His Highness the Emir's interest in promoting and developing athletics in Qatar has led to the country's involvement and participation in a number of international competitions. Under His Highness the Emir's auspices, Qatar has built a number of impressive stadiums and world-class sports facilities. Qatar was honored to host the 15th Asian Games and is bidding to host the 2016 Olympic Games.
Editor: It is my understanding that not only per capita income but also the quality of life in Qatar have dramatically improved in the last several years. Is this correct?
Damirji: Qataris' wealth and standard of living compare most favorably with Western European states and the U.S. Qatar has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, standing in 2007 at US$67,000. With the substantial increase in per capita wealth, Qataris have witnessed a vast improvement in their quality of life. Qataris receive many social allowances such as free health care, education, a monthly housing and social allowance, a finance allowance for marriage and easy access to interest-free mortgages and loans for furniture. With no income tax, Qatar is considered one of the least taxed sovereign nations. It's rather like Sweden in the Middle East without the taxes.
Editor: Hydrocarbons are the principal source of wealth. How is Qatar diversifying into other industries, particularly high tech and science?
Damirji: Qatar's national income primarily derives from oil and natural gas exports. However the economic vision of Qatar's leadership has ensured that the country is diversifying its interests through substantial investments in education, the promotion of tourism, and world trade. The government seeks to stimulate the private sector, and in 2004 it established the Qatar Science & Technology Park to attract and serve technology-based companies and entrepreneurs from overseas as well as within Qatar.
Editor: Many international colleges have been establishing campuses in the Arabian Gulf area. How much will these education centers contribute to enhancements of cultural life?
Damirji: Education centers will contribute a great deal to Qatar's development both in the short-term and the future. Education centers are transforming Qatar into a knowledge-based society. The Qatar Foundation is an excellent example. It was founded in 1995 by decree of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.
With a mission to prepare Qataris and residents of the region in meeting the increasing challenges of life, The Qatar Foundation aims to make Qatar a leader in education. To achieve its mission, The Qatar Foundation sustains a network of partnerships with elite organizations, committed to building this vision.
Editor: Will the education centers become a model for higher education in the region?
Damirji: The one-campus concept of universities bringing their exceptional educational programs to Qatar as full-fledged partners with The Qatar Foundation is unique in the history of education. Having achieved enormous success, we believe that it will become a model for higher education in the region.
Editor: What is the state of Qatar as a financial center?
Damiriji: The Qatar Financial Center provides financial institutions with a state of the art financial platform. Its purpose is to support development within Qatar and the entire Middle East, develop local and regional markets and strengthen the ties between the energy-based economies and global financial markets.
Editor: What can you tell our readers about the judicial system in Qatar?
Damirji: The Judicial Authority Law Number 10 issued in 2003 establishes the Supreme Judiciary Council. The head of the Supreme Judicial Council is the head of the Supreme Court. The Law allocates a number of responsibilities to the Council including maintaining judicial independence and managing the affairs, including the appointment, promotion and complaints pertaining to the judiciary.
Qatar is a signatory under the United Nations to the international enforcement of arbitration awards. The Qatar Chamber of Commerce has set up an international arbitration body and the Qatar Financial Center was established to provide streamlined neutral dispute resolution in the financial sector. These successes are evident in the growth in arbitration in Qatar.
Editor: Do you see inflation overheating Qatar's economy? What are the risks?
Damirji: Inflation is a global challenge but it is a particular challenge in the region. However, the Government of Qatar has taken and is taking steps to minimize the challenges of inflation, for example, through rent control legislation.
Editor: What types of projects will Patton Boggs' office in Qatar be participating in during the next couple of years?
Damirji: We have projects in all aspects of our major practice areas of business, corporate finance, government contracts, international trade and transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, oil and gas, media, project finance, real estate, tax and telecommunications law. We are also very active in assisting and advising our clients on investment projects throughout Europe and the United States.
Published June 1, 2008.
