LCIA sponsored association YIAG names regional representatives

The Young International Arbitration Group (‘YIAG’), an association supported by the London Court of International Arbitration (‘LCIA’) and dedicated to practitioners, students, and young members of the arbitration community, has recently announced the appointment of its new regional representatives. 

The appointed Regional Representatives play a vital role in supporting the YIAG Co-Chairs and actively promoting the initiatives and activities of YIAG within their respective geographical regions or designated communication channels. 

Meet the Regional Representatives from the Middle East: 

Shehab Farouk – Oman 

Shehab Farouk (pictured right) is a highly accomplished legal consultant in Oman and a lawyer practicing before the Egyptian Courts of Appeal. With over 15 years of experience in international commercial arbitration throughout the Middle East, he currently holds a prominent position as a partner at Hamad Al Sharji, Peter Mansour & Co., a respected law firm in Oman. His areas of specialization include civil, commercial, corporate, arbitration, and construction law. 

Farouk has represented major construction corporations in Oman and has played key roles as both counsel and arbitrator in various ad hoc and institutional arbitrations, such as LCIA, ICC, UNCITRAL, DIAC, OAC, and CRCICA. He also possesses certification as a tutor for The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and imparts his expertise on International Commercial Arbitration and Law of Obligations through teaching engagements in Saudi Arabia and Oman. 

Contributing to the development of arbitration and mediation in Oman, Farouk has actively participated in drafting arbitration and mediation rules for the Oman Commercial Arbitration Centre (‘OAC’) and has designed training programs for the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (‘SCCA’). Notably, in 2023, he has been appointed as the exclusive representative from Oman at the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA). 

Michael Farchakh – UAE 

Michael Farchakh (pictured left) currently serves as an Associate in the Dispute Resolution and Construction Departments at Hadef & Partners in Dubai. With a background in various International Law Firms in Paris, Beirut, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, he brings extensive experience to his current role. 

Farchakh has successfully represented clients in commercial and investment arbitration cases, covering a wide range of seats, governing laws, and applicable rules, including those of the LCIA and DIFC-LCIA. Additionally, he provides valuable insights on litigation proceedings in the United Arab Emirates and offers expertise in matters of Public International Law. 

Admitted to both the Beirut and New York Bars, Farchakh is also a Registered Practitioner with the Dubai International Financial Centre (‘DIFC”) Courts, further enhancing his legal qualifications.