Matthew is a Partner specialising in international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution. He has acted as counsel in numerous commercial and construction arbitrations in the UAE and internationally, both ad hoc and under the rules of the major arbitral institutions, including the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), DIFC-LCIA,  the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), and UNCITRAL.

He has represented clients across a variety of sectors, with particular experience in construction and engineering, real estate, finance, energy and natural resources.

Matthew is a Solicitor-Advocate qualified in England & Wales, a registered Legal Practitioner of the DIFC Courts, and conducts advocacy in international arbitration proceedings. He also sits as an arbitrator.

Matthew has also represented both governments and multinational companies in investment treaty arbitrations and advised on international law issues and protection of foreign investments. Matthew was notably part of the team that successfully represented Eurotunnel against France and Great Britain, the first arbitration brought against two States simultaneously.

He has written extensively on international arbitration including for Global Arbitration Review, ICSID Review, Euromoney Guide to the World’s Leading Experts in Commercial Arbitration, and co-authored a book chapter on arbitration in England and Wales for The International Arbitration Review. He has also spoken at a number of international conferences and seminars.

Prior to joining Hadef & Partners, Matthew worked in London for major international law firms (including Herbert Smith LLP), and obtained an M.A. Hons in History and Law from the University of Cambridge (Downing College).  He speaks English and has knowledge of French and Spanish.