Oliver Dupenois
Oliver Dupenois
Oliver Dupenois
Biography
Oliver is a disputes lawyer with over 13 years of experience advising clients across the UAE and the wider region, with a particular focus on complex construction and infrastructure matters. He specialises in resolving disputes arising under FIDIC-based construction contracts, which are widely used throughout the Middle East, and is highly experienced in arbitration as well as alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation and adjudication.
He has acted for clients in proceedings administered by leading arbitral institutions, including the ICC, DIAC, LCIA and ADCCAC (now ArbitrateAD). In addition, Oliver regularly advises on litigation before the local courts across the UAE, offering clients clear, strategic guidance tailored to the jurisdiction in which they operate.
Alongside his disputes practice, Oliver provides comprehensive support on non-contentious construction and commercial matters. His experience includes advising on EPC contracts, short-form FIDIC agreements, joint venture arrangements, and bespoke contractual frameworks. He has also led the development and drafting of tailored contract suites for major regional developers, ensuring that clients are equipped with robust, commercially effective documentation from the outset of their projects.
Oliver’s practice is distinguished by a practical, solutions-focused approach. He works closely with clients to understand their commercial objectives, manage risk, and deliver efficient, effective outcomes, whether through negotiated settlement or formal proceedings. Reflecting his standing in the market, Oliver has also been appointed as a sole arbitrator in a Dubai International Arbitration Centre arbitration, further demonstrating the trust placed in his expertise and judgment.
He is consistently ranked in Chambers Global and Legal 500 as a leading individual for construction disputes in the Middle East.
Admissions
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England and Wales
Related Capabilities
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Construction Disputes
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Infrastructure
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Commercial Construction
Experience
Amongst other matters, Oliver has recently advised on:
- Advising a Tier-1 Chinese contractor in a DIAC dispute against an MEP fit-out subcontractor in relation to termination, non-payment of certified sums, delays, variations and delay and disruption claims.
- Acting for a roads and railway infrastructure contractor in relation to a DIAC dispute concerning a suspension and termination and non-payment of certified sums and compensation in relation to a landmark rail project in the UAE.
- Acting for a large UAE based contractor in three ADCCAC arbitrations both upstream and downstream concerning extensions of time and associated prolongation costs claims and associated claims for unpaid sums from the Employer on a large-scale residential development Project suspended in Al Ain with claim values exceeding AED 300m.
- Acting for a large UAE based infrastructure contractor in two ad-hoc arbitrations against a quasi-governmental developer, seated in Abu Dhabi, with regards to circa AED 580m and AED 250m contracts for the execution of pumping stations, sewerage and irrigation lines for a water treatment plant in the UAE.