Profile

Daniel Xu is a Construction Disputes Partner at Hourani, based in Dubai. A Singapore-qualified lawyer and Part II registered advocate with the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts, he focuses on international arbitration and cross-border dispute resolution, with a particular emphasis on construction, engineering and infrastructure-related disputes. Daniel regularly advises international contractors and developers on project risk management and dispute avoidance strategies throughout the full lifecycle of major projects.

Daniel is listed as an accredited arbitrator on the panels of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), Thailand Arbitration Centre (THAC), Saudi Centre for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA), Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) and the British Virgin Islands International Arbitration Centre (BVI IAC). He has significant experience representing governments, state-owned entities, Fortune 500 companies and major corporates across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious construction and commercial matters.

Legal directories and industry publications consistently recognise Daniel as a leading practitioner in his field. He is ranked as a “Next Generation Partner” by The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa for United Arab Emirates Construction and as “Up and Coming” by Chambers Global for United Arab Emirates Construction: Dispute Resolution. Thomson Reuters’ Asian Legal Business has identified him as one of the 50 Middle East and North Africa Super Lawyers. Client commentary in The Legal 500 has highlighted his Mandarin language capabilities, his deep expertise in international arbitration and cross-border construction disputes, and his commitment, innovation and efficiency in managing complex matters.

Having lived and practiced in the Middle East since 2010, Daniel is well attuned to the legal, commercial and cultural dynamics of the region, and is frequently invited to contribute insights on trends in construction disputes and international arbitration across the Middle East and Asia. Prior to joining Hourani & Partners, Daniel was a partner with Eversheds Sutherland in its Dubai office.

Expertise
  • International Arbitration
  • Construction and Engineering Disputes
  • Infrastructure and Project Disputes
  • Cross-Border Commercial Disputes
  • Project Risk Management and Dispute Avoidance
Experience

Daniel’s experience includes advising:

  • A listed crypto exchange in a Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) arbitration in relation to an investment and shareholding dispute
  • A major state-owned contractor in a Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) against a government entity in the Middle East in a 9-figure dispute arising out a master planned development
  • A major state-owned contractor in a Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) arbitration concerning an 8-figure dispute arising out of a government-sponsored infrastructure project in the Gulf region
  • A major state-owned contractor in proceedings before the DIFC Courts and parallel arbitration proceedings in relation to disputes arising out of a large residential development project in the United Arab Emirates
  • A state-owned bank in DIFC Court proceedings in respect of a dispute arising out of a reverse factoring agreement
Qualifications

Education

  • LL.B. (Hons), National University of Singapore (2006)

Admissions

  • Advocate and Solicitor, Singapore
  • Part II registered advocate, DIFC Courts, United Arab Emirates
Languages
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • English