The seminar explored the legal and commercial implications of disruptive circumstances that can affect contractual performance, while highlighting practical approaches businesses can adopt to navigate periods of uncertainty and operational disruption.

Moderated by Mr. Umar Azmeh, the session featured contributions from Ms. Lemoushmi Devi, Associate Director at Deloitte, Mr. Rupert Bastick, Founding and Managing Director of MENA Consultants, and Mr. Charbel Maakaron, Managing Partner at Crowell & Moring Doha.

During the discussion, speakers examined force majeure clauses, risk allocation mechanisms, crisis preparedness strategies, and the evolving considerations businesses and legal practitioners must account for when drafting and managing commercial agreements.

Mr. Umar Azmeh said: “Today’s business environment requires organisations to think proactively about contractual resilience and how agreements can respond to unexpected circumstances and sudden challenges. The seminar provided valuable practical insights for legal and commercial professionals, offering an opportunity to present their perspectives and discuss options and solutions that can contribute to a constructive response to such circumstances. The speakers also concluded that the strength of Qatar’s economy is one of the key factors supporting the stability of commercial transactions, even in times of disruption.”

Ms. Lemoushmi Devi added: “Businesses are increasingly operating in environments shaped by uncertainty and rapid change. Understanding how contractual frameworks can support continuity and manage risk has become more important than ever.”

The seminar forms part of QICDRC’s ongoing efforts to promote legal dialogue, professional knowledge-sharing, and awareness of emerging issues affecting the legal and business sectors in Qatar and beyond.