Overview

Michael acts for clients in the construction, oil and gas, energy and power sectors in large scale disputes in various forums (including DIFC Courts, DIFC-LCIA, DIAC, ADCCAC and ICC). Consequently, Michael has significant experience in power and water plants (including coal fired, IWPP and desalination plants) and offshore projects (including shipbuilding, oil and gas platforms, underwater pipelines and dredging disputes). This is in addition to Michael’s experience in the more classic onshore infrastructure disputes (such as hotels, skyscrapers, mixed use developments, highways and district cooling plants).

Michael is based in Mantle Law’s UAE office.

“Michael Hartley has a keen eye for detail and is a hardworking and committed individual…it is always good to work with a professional lawyer such as Michael as you know you’re in good hands.” Legal 500 // 2021

Michael was recognised in the Asian Legal Business MENA Super 50 Lawyers for 2023 for outstanding client service.

+971 2 694 8612 Michael.Hartley@mantlelaw.com LinkedIn Profile Download VCard
View Michael's Recent Projects
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Our extremely specialised, agile and responsive team means that there are no inefficiencies when instructing the firm. Mantle effectively embodies the qualities that younger lawyers seek in a contemporary professional setting.

Michael Hartley

Recent Projects

A Saudi Arabian contractor on claims for delay and increased costs (as Main Contractor and Claimant) in dispute with a Saudi Arabian government entity (as Employer) under a Utilities & Concession Agreement concerning a giga-project in Saudi Arabia (being one of the world’s largest construction projects in 2023). Claims were valued at US$ 400 million.

A Saudi Arabian company on claims for increased costs (as Project Company and Claimant) in dispute with a Saudi Arabian government utilities provider (as Offtaker and Respondent) under a Power and Water Purchase Agreement concerning one of the world’s largest oil-fired, combined cycle gas turbine power and desalination fossil fuel power plants with a project value of US$ 2.5 billion.

An American gas power EPC Contractor (as Subcontractor and Claimant) in dispute with a JV Developer (as Main Contractor and Respondent) under an EPC Contract concerning Independent Combined Cycle Power Plant. The project was one of the first Public Private Partnerships in that particular Emirate in the UAE. Claims were valued at US$ 50 million.

A UAE quasi-government offshore oil and gas producer (as employer and Respondent) in ad-hoc expert determination proceedings against a contractor under an EPC contract related to an offshore project with claims totalling US$ 500 million.

A UAE Port Authority/quasi-government entity (as Employer and Respondent) in ICC proceedings with a UAE based dredging company under a bespoke dredging contract. Claims totalled US$ 5 million.

A Korean Shipbuilder (as Claimant) in a dispute with a Middle East government entity (as Respondent) under an engineering, procurement, construction installation, commissioning & start-up (EPCIC) contract. The governing law was the law of the State of Libya, the seat was Paris, France subject to ICC Arbitration Rules. The dispute was valued at circa US$ 130 million. Following a 10 day hearing in the first set of proceedings an award was issued in the Claimant’s favour. These proceedings lasted four years and Michael managed the matter from issuance of the Request for Arbitration until payment of the sums awarded.

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