The Qatar International Court hosted a legal seminar on "Coronavirus and its impact on contractual obligations under Qatari law" as part of its programme to raise awareness on topical legal matters.
The seminar featured Counsellor Abdelraouf Elbekei, partner of Sharq Law Firm, who explained how the spread of the virus can impact contractual obligations of the parties in contracts conducted in the State of Qatar in accordance with Qatari laws. He explained that the impact of the Coronavirus may lead to the debtor being overburdened to fulfil his/her commitment under “exceptional circumstances” also known as “hardship” or it may lead to the impossibility of carrying out the obligation under “force majeure”.
The virtual seminar also included Counsellor William Cattan, partner Sultan Al-Abdullah law firm, who highlighted examples of epidemics and pandemics across countries and their impact on contracts. He explained how some contracts may directly be affected by the outbreak of Coronavirus, such as those covering supply chain contract, construction work and employment, in which implementation is burdened due to the nature of the contracts.
