Practical Law

In Kazakh mythology, the great phoenix Samruk laid a golden egg between the branches of a poplar tree and became a symbol of prosperity and happiness for the people of these lands. High above Astana’s beautifully symmetric cityscape, this symbol has been immortalised atop the capital’s viewing platform, the Baiterek Tower. Having identified some of … Continue reading A birds-eye view of AIFC court practice and procedure →

There is a rising chorus of excitement among international practitioners in London. It centres upon the creation of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and its court (AIFC court) in the Kazakh capital, which became fully operational in January 2018. In this post, I consider some of the key features of the new AIFC court … Continue reading Ambitions for Astana →

In June 2017, in an unprecedented move by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, the UAE and Libya, the State of Qatar was subject to an economic blockade. Overnight, 50% of the GCC had closed land, sea and air connections to the peninsular. A list of 13 demands have been issued to the Emiri Diwan in Qatar. … Continue reading Building Qatar: diplomacy and the contractual bargain →