A&O Shearman continues to be leading name in the UAE market, acting for a host of marquee lenders and borrowers on acqusition finance, project finance, and restructurings, often with an Islamic element. Samer Eido leads the practice and is routinely sought out by banks, financial institutions, corporates, and sovereign-backed entities for domestic and cross border counsel. Anthony Traboulsi is praised for his ‘strategic approach combined with in-depth financial knowledge with a nuanced understanding of global markets’, while Adam Banks is noted for his skill in restructurings and insolvencies. Sajjad Juma far-reaching practice covers conventional and Islamic finance transactions, and Afsha Karim is active in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. Haris Meyer Hanif joined from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in January 2024.

Clifford Chance‘s diverse practice spans the full spectrum of banking and finance products, demonstrating a strong track record in acquisition finance, project finance, and ECA-backed transactions. The firm also maintains a dedicated Islamic finance offering and is highly active in financing matters across the region. Team lead Qudeer Latif is highly regarded for his Islamic finance capabilities and has recently been active in the real estate, infrastructure and aviation industries. Mohamed Hamra-Krouha focuses primarily on project financings throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and North Africa. Graham Brewer is a trusted adviser to regional and international banks, development institutions, and export credit agencies, while Nicola Reader is noted for her strength in restructuring and bankruptcy matters. Jeremy Barker is another key figure for energy-related financings. The team was further strengthened by the arrival of Chirag Sanghrajka from Latham & Watkins LLP in October 2023, enhancing its project finance capabilities. Bola Coker also comes recommended.

The ‘highly experienced‘ team at Linklaters is lauded for its ‘strong capabilities across both conventional and Islamic finance,’ representing prominent industry players as well as a range of regional and global financial institutions. Team head Kieron Zaman, who expertly handles both conventional and Islamic finance matters, leads on a variety of acquisition finance and refinancing mandates. Co-head Reem Al Sayegh spearheads the firm’s Islamic finance practice and Middle East financial regulatory group, with a particular focus on the real estate sector. Dinush Wickremanayake provides key support on leveraged and acquisition finance transactions, while Valery Nformba is recognised for her adept cross-border practice. Yuri Nekrasov regularly advises both international and Middle Eastern banks.

Leveraging its deep team of highly experienced advisors, White & Case LLP provides comprehensive counsel to financial institutions, corporates, and sovereign-backed entities on a wide range of cross-border transactions, spanning both the Gulf and the African continent. The firm is particularly well-regarded for its project finance expertise,  regularly acting for sponsors and lenders in the oil and gas, power, utilities, and infrastructure sectors. Claire Matheson Kirton heads the practice and has a strong track record in Sharia-compliant transactions. Co-head William Watson is noted for his private credit and direct lending capabilities, while co-head Debashis Dey brings expertise across finance and capital markets. Co-heads Adam Pierson and Antoine Cousin are highly active on projects in Saudi Arabia, while Yasser K. Riad focuses on project financings in the UAE. Sam Manful and Mikaela Nikolausson Toumia are key supporting presences across a number of practice mandates.

Noted for its ‘strong understanding of the local legal landscape’, Al Tamimi & Company provides a full-service offering to lenders and borrowers across the Middle East, handling transactional, regulatory, capital markets, restructuring, insolvency, and dispute matters. Managing partner and practice head Jody Waugh maintains strong ties with regional banks and has a broad cross-border practice. Co-head Husam Hourani is highly regarded for his expertise in Islamic finance and capital markets. Mamoon Khan is a trusted adviser to clients in the infrastructure and aviation sectors, while Mark Brown’s recent work includes large-scale acquisition and project financings. Sakshi Puri is a key contact for Islamic finance advice.

Highly regarded for its expertise in the energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors, Dentons is a go-to firm for a diverse range of clients, including major industry players, regional and international banks, multilateral agencies, and governments. The firm is increasingly active in ‘green’ initiatives, advising on green facilities, updating sustainability-linked provision frameworks, and assisting with green funds work. Group lead Stephen Knight is praised for his ‘in-depth knowledge of project financing‘ and oversees transactions across the Middle East. Co-lead Alex Roussos‘ expertise is centred on capital markets work. Qasim Aslam helms the Islamic finance practice and is a trusted advisor to regional banks, while Nathaniel Armstrong, who is also proficient in Islamic finance, is noted for his work in the shipping, aviation and real estate sectors. Umera Ali is dually focused on the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a strong track record in multi-billion-dollar cross-border transactions, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and is a leading choice for lenders and borrowers across the Middle East. The firm is highly regarded for its expertise in Islamic finance, having recently advised on cutting-edge Sukuk issuances, Murabaha facilities, and Shariah-compliant trade finance platforms. Practice head Mohammed Paracha is the main driver behind the firm’s Islamic finance offering and is notably active in the real estate sector. Nicholas Robinson is a trusted adviser to numerous regional and multinational banks, while Hamed Afzal is recommended for his work in Islamic finance and debt capital markets. Seya Rahnema and Shyam Kotadia provide key support across various mandates.

Addleshaw Goddard is highly regarded for its broad banking and finance offering across the Middle East, regularly advising prominent regional and international banks on finance and debt restructuring transactions across a range of sectors. The firm’s expanding funds finance practice encompasses both conventional and Sharia-compliant subscription line facilities, with the team also active in venture debt. Robin Hickman, who leads the group, is recognised for his expertise in handling complex debt restructurings. Co-head Sandeep Puri, who joined from Baker McKenzie LLP in September 2023, brings over two decades of market experience to advise on a full spectrum of finance products. Philip Chalmers remains a key figure in cross-border financings and debt restructurings. Victoria Mesquita departed the firm in May 2024 to join Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP.

Afridi & Angell handles a wide array of banking and finance mandates, including loan facilities, refinancings and restructurings, and amendments to existing facilities and major transactional documentation. As part of an active cross-border practice, the firm has strong connections with Russian banks, advising on the restructuring of existing and new facilities to borrowers domiciled in the UAE free zones. Rahat Dar co-leads the practice alongside Bashir Ahmed, and combines extensive transactional and regulatory know-how to cover the full breadth of conventional and Islamic financing structures. Co-head Masood Afridi is recognised for his project finance capabilities.

Ashurst LLP’s UAE practice is primarily centred on project finance, acting for a stellar list of lenders and sponsors in energy, utility, and infrastructure projects throughout the Gulf. Team head David Charlier is a leading projects practitioner in the region, offering trusted advice to international and Islamic banks, export credit agencies, multilateral institutions, prominent industry players, and government bodies. Natasha Kavanagh, who maintains a robust conventional and Islamic finance practice, plays a key role in supporting major UAE and Saudi projects from the firm’s Abu Dhabi office.

Baker McKenzie LLP strengthened it’s banking and finance offering through the hire of Adil Hussain and Chaya Gupta from Clyde & Co LLP in September 2023. The duo brings extensive expertise in complex, cross-border conventional and Shari’ah-compliant transactions. Hussain now serves as Regional Head of Banking and Finance and Global Head of Islamic Finance, leveraging his strong connections with regional and international financial institutions and his experience with innovative financial structures. Gupta plays a pivotal role in managing transactions across multiple jurisdictions. Mazen Boustany is actively engaged in financial services regulatory matters, fintech, and start-up spaces. Samir-Safar Aly left the firm in 2025.

DLA Piper provides comprehensive support to clients across a diverse array of banking and finance mandates, enhancing its transactional expertise with significant regulatory knowledge. The team has recently experienced notable growth in its restructuring practice, representing administrators, liquidators, and trustees involved in high-profile bankruptcies and insolvencies. Team head Paul McViety is frequently sought after by financial institutions, sponsors, funds, and governmental bodies for both domestic and cross-border conventional and Islamic financing advice. Co-head James Iremonger is particularly renowned for his work in distressed finance, actively engaging with multiple sectors. Richard Dassin adds further depth with his expertise in derivatives and structured Islamic finance products. Jonathan Downey has a broad financing remit.

Latham & Watkins LLP offers a comprehensive range of banking and finance services, including acquisition finance, project finance, restructurings, and refinancings. It also boasts a strong Islamic finance practice and is notably active in the growth-stage start-up sector, handling innovative debt financings. Practice head Christian Adams is recognised for his wide-reaching international expertise, leveraging his knowledge of the Middle East regulatory environment to advise on complex cross-border transactions across various sectors. Villiers Terblanche plays a key role in civil aviation, transportation, and power deals, while Mustafa Darwich provides support across the full spectrum of mandates. Chirag Sanghrajka departed to Clifford Chance in September 2023.

Pinsent Masons LLP possesses a well-regarded banking and finance practice that is heavily active in the real estate and energy sectors. The firm advises on a wide range of transactions, including bilateral and syndicated lending, ESG and sustainability-linked loans, and Shari’ah-compliant facilities, serving a strong client base of corporates and financial institutions. Team head Matthew Escritt is noted for his ‘outstanding knowledge of the Middle East banking market’ and ‘excellent connections with major institutions.‘ Aidan Fittis specialises in corporate and leveraged finance, while Kenza Krim frequently advises on debt restructurings. Avni Priyadarshi is active in project and real estate finance.

Akin is highly active in bespoke fresh funding transactions, including corporate, acquisition, and real estate finance, offering both conventional and Islamic structures. The firm also boasts a strong restructuring and refinancing practice, adept at handling complex, multi-jurisdictional matters, alongside an expansive fund financing offering. Team lead Rizwan Kanji brings extensive expertise across Islamic finance, general finance, and capital markets, with a proven track record in highly structured transactions. Andrew Heller advises on a broad range of financial products across the credit spectrum on UAE and Saudi Arabia mandates, while Nicola Minervini is well-regarded for his debt capital markets knowledge. Sahar Abas handles both conventional and Islamic finance transactions.

Eversheds Sutherland LLP serves a range of premium regional lenders across various sectors, with a particular focus on energy and real estate. The team is routinely sought out for its skill in trade finance and also routinely engages with derivative and repo contracts for financial institutions. Clint Dempsey leads the practice and brings extensive transactional and regulatory capabilities to the fore on a host of cross-border conventional and Islamic financings. Ashley Halewood heads the projects team, advising lenders, sponsors, and public bodies. Amardeep Shoker has recently focused on real estate and acquisition financing, while Pronnoy Sengupta also comes highly recommended. Mohsin Abbasi joined from Clifford Chance in May 2024.

Hadef & Partners LLC acts as both international and local counsel on a wide range of mandates, including transactions, Islamic finance, and regulatory matters, drawing on strong relationships with financial authorities. The firm is also well-positioned to advise on project finance in the power and water sectors, representing both sponsors and lenders. Catriona McDevitt leads the team with a strong track record in complex multi-jurisdictional matters and frequently spearheads regulatory work. Alan Rodgers is noted for his expertise in project finance, while Ajai Ramakrishnan is recommended for his broad practice. Aziz Yasin adds valuable regulatory and licensing expertise.

HFW demonstrates strong expertise in the aviation sector, specialising in the financing and refinancing of aircraft fleets for banks and airlines through both conventional and Islamic finance structures. The firm also regularly advises on project finance, real estate finance, trade finance, and restructurings. Department head Shyamal Jeewoolall, who leads the aviation offering, is praised for his ‘highly specialised, commercially focused advice‘ and skill in ‘formulating negotiation strategies.’ Tien Tai drives the firm’s ship and project finance work, while Vince Gordon brings deep knowledge of the ADGM and its regulatory framework.

King & Spalding LLP’s banking and finance team primarily focuses on Saudi Arabia, advising corporates, financial institutions, and sovereign entities. The firm is highly active in financing, fund, and restructuring transactions, often incorporating Shari’ah-compliant elements, with significant work in the energy, infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Team head Michael Rainey maintains a broad practice, advising both borrowers and lenders on conventional and Islamic finance matters. Zaid Al-Farisi, based in the Riyadh office, draws on nearly three decades of experience in the Kingdom to provide expert counsel, while Asal Saghari also comes highly recommended.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP advises multinational corporations, government entities, investment firms, and financial institutions on a wide range of financings, restructurings, and fund-related matters. The firm is noted for its cross-border capabilities, leveraging its extensive international network to provide comprehensive advice on multi-jurisdictional transactions, and also frequently acts on complex Islamic financings. The practice is led by Ayman A Khaleq who is well-placed to advise on private placement transactions. Tomisin Mosuro supports a multitude of matters and brings further Islamic capabilities. Amanjit K Fagura  left the practice in 2025.

Reed Smith has an extensive lenders and borrowers practice, showcasing expertise in general lending, refinancings, and restructurings and insolvencies. The firm also maintains an active funds practice, advising financiers on high-value fund financings, and has a strong presence in the real estate sector. Team head Amir Ahmad advises widely on cross-border deals and is highly-regarded for his restructurings expertise. Oliver Spence has recently been active on complex liquidation matters, financial disputes, and distressed acquisitions and disposals. Umbreen Meenai‘s practice covers both conventional and Islamic structures. Adela Mues also comes recommended.

Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP maintains a broad banking and finance practice, with a notable rise in project and real estate financing mandates, representing both sponsors and lenders across the Middle East. The firm is also active in multi-jurisdictional general lending, acquisition finance, and refinancing and restructuring deals, offering both conventional and Islamic finance capabilities. Department head Rustum Shah advises a diverse client base on a wide range of domestic and cross-border transactions, with a focus on Islamic finance. Murtaza Hussain is recognised as an ‘exceptional young talent,‘ particularly for his expertise in debt and securitisation structures. Chinar Zaidi also comes recommended for her broad practice which includes project finance, asset finance and structured finance. Nijoe Joseph departed the firm in October 2023.

Bird & Bird‘s banking and finance practice encompasses general lending, debt capital markets, and regulatory work, with demonstrated activity on transactions both within and outside of the Middle East. Gregory Man leads the team and has a strong track record in Islamic finance, advising widely on loans, restructruings, and issuances for public and private sector bodies. Jessica White provides further financial services regulatory expertise.

DWF Middle East LLP bolstered its banking and finance capabilities through the hire of Matthew Dyson from Pinsent Masons LLP in January 2024, an experienced practitioner with a broad remit that includes general lending, Islamic finance, restructurings and insolvency matters. The team is regularly engaged by multinational banks, government-backed entities, and corporates, advising on transactions across various jurisdictions, including the UAE freezones.  Co-head Bhavesh Dattani focuses on financial services regulatory.

A go-to in the region for key client ADNOC, Gibson Dunn excels at greenfield and brownfield transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors, with a large volume of work focused on Saudi Arabia. Laleh Shahabi leads the team from Abu Dhabi and handles a variety of mandates, including project finance, leveraged and acqusition finance, and trade credit facilities. Galadia Constantinou brings further capabilities in Islamic finance and restructurings. Mahmoud Abdel-Baky joined from White & Case in November 2023 to strength the firm’s Riyadh offering.