A&O Shearman delivers a comprehensive service to marquee clients in the UAE, expertly managing regional, inbound and outbound transactions. The firm’s deep bench of multi-sector specialists handles the full range of corporate and commercial mandates, showcasing extensive experience across multiple markets in the region. Ben Ward leads the practice and is routinely sought out by a host of government-backed entities, multinational corporates, and financial institutions for his expertise in domestic and cross-border M&A, PE and joint venture deals. David Foster has recently been active in major transactions in the healthcare, education and transport sectors, while Tom Butcher is noted for his far-reaching commercial practice that is particularly focused on the TMT sector. Khalid Garousha and Zeid Qursha continue to act for a broad range of regional clients on complex corporate transactions. Grace Hunt comes recommended for her venture capital and tech-related work. Benjamin Crawford relocated from the firm’s Beijing office in August 2024.

Clifford Chance continues to be a leading name for multinationals, financial institutions, financial sponsors and state-backed entities seeking high-end transactional counsel on domestic and cross-border deals in the Middle East. The firm excels across multiple sectors, and has overseen marquee acquisitions in the healthcare sector, major mergers in the financial services space, and large-scale asset disposals in the aviation industry. Team head and regional managing partner Mohammed Al-Shukairy is the key relationship lead to some of the firm’s most consequential government and state-backed clients, operating on transactions across the Gulf. Jason Mendens is active on public and private M&A and has a strong track record on deals across the Middle East and Africa. Daud Khan was the lead advisor for M42 on its acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Diaverum, while Deniz Tas, who is praised as a ‘fantastic leader’, advises on prominent deals in the energy, infrastructure and real estate spaces. Lynn Ammar joined from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in May 2024. Mike Taylor retired in December 2023.

 

White & Case LLP’s broad, multi-specialist practice advises an impressive roster of market-leading clients, including state-owned entities, domestic industry leaders, and multinational corporates. Renowned for its ‘excellence in industry knowledge, client focus, and innovation’, the team is particularly well-positioned to handle cross-border M&A and private equity transactions across the Gulf, underpinned by its deep transactional expertise. Regional head of the Middle East practice Abdulwahid Alulama co-leads the team and is highly regarded for his proficiency in M&A, corporate governance, and commercial matters. Co-head Steven Worthington is active for sovereign wealth funds and private equity houses on M&A, joint ventures, and leveraged buyouts. Co-head Marcus Booth is another key name for private equity transactions, while co-head Sami Al-Louzi handles M&A, PE and capital markets deals across the Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Co-head Sonia Abdul-Rahman has recently been active on complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions in the energy, maritime, infrastructure and pharma sectors. Stefan Mrozinski offers a strong combination of transactional and regulatory expertise.

Chiefly recognised for its work for some of the Gulf’s foremost asset managements and sovereign wealth funds, Akin has a formidable M&A and private equity offering and demonstrates proficiency across multiple sectors – particularly tech. Spearheading the practice is Wael Jabsheh, who draws on a broad skill set to advise domestic and international financial sponsors and Abu Dhabi-backed entities on inbound and outbound transactions. Simon Rootsey is another key name for sovereign wealth funds, investment arms, and major government-related clients. Mazen Baddar‘s far-reaching practice includes private equity, M&A, capital markets, financial services. Syed Muhammad Rizvi provides further public M&A and venture capital capabilities.

 

Baker McKenzie LLP leverages a deep bench of experienced advisers to deliver high-quality corporate and M&A counsel, praised for their understanding of ‘the complexities of doing business in the UAE.’ The firm acts for a diverse client base, including corporates, investors, start-ups, and family offices, across a wide array of sectors and jurisdictions. Osama Audi fronts the practice and handles an array of M&A, PE and venture capital transactions. James Burdett relocated from London in April 2024 and leads the firm’s Middle East and Africa funds group. Adnan Doha is a key figure behind the team’s strong work in the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, while Abeer Jarrar, who is widely praised for her ‘quality, professionalism and  expertise in M&A transactions’, has recently led on marquee deals in the healthcare space. Hani Naja is active across M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. Grace Ong continues to be a key supporting presence.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s team ‘possesses deep knowledge and extensive experience in M&A and JV transactions as well as UAE market dynamics and business‘, providing astute transactional advice to a prolific roster of sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and financial sponsors. The highly experienced Gamal Abouali isa well-regarded cross-border advisor who handles a wealth of complex M&A and private equity transactions. Chris Macbeth ‘stands out with his client-centric approach‘ and retains close connections to a number of Abu Dhabi-based investors, overseeing cross border M&A, private equity and venture capital deals. Timofey Neklyudov also comes recommended. Lynn Ammar left the firm in September 2024. Mike Taylor joined from Clifford Chance in January 2025.

Clyde & Co LLP has a full service corporate and commercial practice that is active in multiple sectors, working with domestic and regional clients on M&A and PE transactions, joint ventures, restructurings and commercial contracts. The firm continues grow the strength of its offering, hiring Rachel Fox from William Fry LLP in September 2023 to kickstart its Middle East tax platform and provide further support to key clients. Naji Hawayek leads the group and helms high-end M&A, joint ventures, and disposals for a mix of industry players across the Middle East and North Africa. Benjamin Smith is particularly well-noted for his foreign direct investment and reorganisation work, while Roshanak Bassiri-Gharb is active in the insurance sector. Stephen McKenna, Ross Barfoot and Chadi Salloum left the firm.

Latham & Watkins LLP offers a comprehensive corporate practice, handling buy-side and sell-side M&A, cross-border acquisitions and investments, joint ventures, and venture capital and capital raising transactions. Team head Chris Lester has strong ties to prominent sovereign wealth funds and investment firms, including Mubadala and Chimera Capital, providing advice on both domestic and outbound acquisitions. Eyad Latif is the main driver behind the firm’s extensive work in the start-up and venture capital market and is highly active in the tech space. Omar Maayeh has a far-reaching practice that covers M&A, venture capital and funds work and was promoted to partner in 2025.

Linklaters supports clients across the a wide array of complex, multi-jurisdictional M&A and PE deals, complementing its transactional prowess with expert knowledge across a multitude of sectors – particularly education, healthcare, energy and infrastructure, and real estate. Co-leading the practice is Scott Campbell and Nicholas Edwards, with the former acting as the key relationship partner to the firm’s most consequential asset manager clients, and the latter noted for his connections with state-owned and state-backed entities in Abu Dhabi. Patrick Sutton-Mattocks has a broad practice that includes cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and equity raises. Claire Neil and Faysal Lassas were promoted to counsel in May 2024.

 

Norton Rose Fulbright is a ‘dominant firm in the UAE market,’ with a team recognised for its ‘highly technical expertise and impressive depth of market knowledge‘. The practice advises on the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, encompassing M&A, private equity investments, joint ventures, market entry, business restructurings, and fund establishment and operations. The firm’s client roster includes state-backed entities, leading financial institutions, and multinational corporates. Team lead Adjou Ait Ben Idir  is widely praised for her transactional expertise, cultural awareness and understanding of Middle Eastern markets, and practical and business minded approach to instructions. Zubair Mir is ‘a leading name in the M&A field‘ and a key name for financial sponsors, investment banks, and sovereign wealth funds for domestic and cross-border transactions. Promoted to partner in January 2024, Jonathan Burton has recently taken the lead on complex deals in the education, tech and retail sectors. The ‘technically brilliant‘ Shazi Askarpour comes highly recommended for her skill in M&A.

Baker Botts L.L.P. is noted for its ‘great in-depth understanding of local and regional law,’ providing comprehensive support on M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, corporate governance, and commercial agreements. The firm advises a diverse client base and demonstrates significant expertise across multiple Gulf states, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Team lead Mark Bisch is praised for his ‘encyclopedic knowledge of UAE commercial law’ and is active in a multitude of sectors including energy, infrastructure and life sciences. Co-head Haitham Hawashin is a highly skilled transactional lawyer, specialising in cross-border deals, public and private M&A, as well as private equity investments. Hassan Elsayed provides further capabilities in regulatory and compliance matters.

Bird & Bird continues to expand its UAE corporate and commercial practice, bolstered by the relocation of seasoned practitioner Simon Shooter from its London office in 2024 and the addition of Raya AlKhatib from an in-house role at American Express in 2023. Alongside a steady flow of complex M&A mandates, the firm is recognised for its comprehensive commercial expertise, advising marquee public and private sector clients across the Gulf on a wide range of commercial contracts. Leading the practice alongside Shooter is Anders Nilsson, who focuses on domestic and cross-border M&A, and Melissa Murray, whose far-reaching commercial practice is particularly specialised in franchising, distribution and supply agreements. Surabhi Singhi provides additional support on Gulf-wide M&A and joint venture transactions.

Dentons remains active in multiple sectors and is frequently instructed by local, regional and local clients on complex, multijurisdictional M&A, joint ventures, and commercial instructions. The practice has recently been strengthened through the arrival of Ross Barfoot and Stephen McKenna from Clyde & Co in February 2024, who both have a deep background in M&A and PE transactions, and the relocation of Nick Simpson from the firm’s Riyadh office in May 2024, who now leads the practice and brings strong capabilities in the real estate sector. Iain Black comes recommended for his corporate expertise.

Praised for its ‘profound understanding of local law and the unique challenges facing global organisations‘, DLA Piper has a wide commercial and corporate practice that is particularly well-geared to act on transactions in the life sciences and healthcare sector. Team head Will Seivewright oversees public and private M&A, PE and venture capital deals, whilst also being noted for his ‘strong understanding of complex business set-ups’. Thérèse Abou-Zeid  has recently led on multi-jurisdictional corporate restructurings, and Richard Hughes on transactions in the energy, healthcare and industrial sectors. Nassar Nassar provides further expertise in venture capital mandates.

Eversheds Sutherland LLP provides ‘outstanding and exceptional corporate and commercial advice’ to an ever-growing list of clients across the Middle East, active on M&A, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings. Zeid Hanania is well-placed to advise on inbound and outbound M&A and PE transactions for a wealth of regional players. He co-heads the team with Geraldine Ahern, who is the first port-of-call for commercial instructions, handling an array of contractual arrangements, tech, data, and AI issues, as well as regulatory issues. Nasser Ali Khasawneh acts as global head of the firm’s AI and TMT offering and engages with mandates both onshore and in the freezones. The ‘excellent’ Steve Jennings is active on M&A and joint ventures. Noor Al Heialy and Andrew Garbett also come recommended.

Gibson Dunn continues to be a leading advisor to ADNOC on its regional and global transactions, overseeing substantial acquisitions and investments, cross-border mergers, and joint venture agreements. Other clients include sovereign wealth funds, developers and investment companies, and private equity firms. Team co-head Marwan Elaraby is noted for his skill in cross-border M&A, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Fellow co-head Renad Younes combines transactional expertise with project development capabilities to comprehensively advice clients across conventional, renewables, and infrastructure spaces. Jade Chu provides astute regulatory knowledge to inbound and outbound M&A and PE deals. Hanna Chalhoub leverages previous in-house experience at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to assist sovereign wealth funds, government-backed entities, and financial sponsors with acquisitions and investments. Andrew Steele was promoted to partner in January 2024. Omar Morsy also comes recommended.

Hadef & Partners attracts instructions from a variety of regional and global players, combining astute corporate and commercial expertise with multilingual capabilities and an in-depth understanding of the UAE market and its regulatory landscape. Yasser Omar is well-regarded for his strength acting on M&A and capital markets transactions. Victoria Woods takes the lead on commercial matters and is a go-to for advice for a number of leading global tech companies. Ahmad Sergieh’s practice chiefly focuses on corporate structuring and reorganisations, while Paul Wynne regularly handles domestic and cross-border M&A. Sadiq Jafa also shares leadership of the practice. Christopher Fenn, Diana Froyland, and Julie Beeton also come recommended.

Noted for its ‘dedication, client engagement and sector knowledge‘, King & Spalding LLP works with a broad client base that includes sovereign wealth funds, state-backed entities, family offices and multinational corporates on M&A, private equity, venture capital and joint venture transactions. Team co-lead Nabil Issa has a wide remit across the Gulf and works closely with the firm’s roster of government-related clients. Co-head Simon Fraser, who joined from Ashurst LLP in December 2023, is particularly active on M&A in the oil and gas sector, often working closely with Matt Hartsuyker who made the move with him. James Stull is chiefly recognised for his investment funds practice, while Macky O’Sullivan has a prolific track record on venture capital deals.

Pinsent Masons LLP is highly active in the healthcare, tech, and financial services sectors, advising on M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings. The firm also showcases notable expertise in advising commercial agreements and navigating the local regulatory landscape. Mohammad Tbaishat, who leads the UAE practice, was elected as the firm's head of corporate M&A for the MENA region in May 2024 and works with financial sponsors and industry players on transactions across the Gulf. Christopher Neal is highly valued by clients active in the manufacturing, technology and energy sectors. Alexandra Aikman is noted for her well-balanced corporate and commercial practice that is particularly focused on joint ventures, restructurings and distribution and franchise agreements. Nathalia Elhage supports on domestic and cross-border M&A.

 

Addleshaw Goddard advises an ever-growing list of funds, corporates and early-stage growth companies on the full suite of corporate and commercial instructions. Team head Lowri Llwyd is a key name for clients in the retail, TMT and education sectors. Owen Richards oversees M&A and private equity transactions across the Middle East, while Owen Richards is noted for his funds practice. Kellie Blyth supports a broad range of clients with commercial advice and is highly valued for her AI credentials. Luke Aylett is another name of note for cross-border M&A, while James Whittam adds further capabilities in joint ventures and restructurings.

Afridi & Angell fields a team of ‘experienced legal experts across all fields‘, advising on a diverse range of transactions – particularly in the manufacturing, logistics, and energy sectors. The firms broader offering encompasses data protection, digital assets, licensing and regulatory advice, as well as funds-related work. Leading the team alongside Charles Laubach is Bashir Ahmed who is well-placed to advise on corporate, commercial and regulatory instructions. Danielle Lobo is notably active on M&A and private equity transactions. Abdus Samad provides robust capabilities in tech, digital assets and venture capital transactions. Saurbh Kotahri and Stincy Joseph also come recommended.

Ashurst LLP has a concentrated focus on the oil and gas sector, working with a variety of Middle East petrochemical companies on substantial, cross-border M&A, PE and joint venture transactions. Outside of this space, the firm has also overseen notable deals in the healthcare sector, as well as a strong track record in public M&A. Simon Rahimzada helms the practice and is highly reputed for his proficiency in M&A and PE transactions. Stuart James acts as the key client relationship manager to ADNOC, advising the group across a broad range of mandates. Vasi Papadopoulos joined from White & Case LLP in March 2024 and provides further cross-border M&A capabilities. Zaid Al-Rizzo also comes recommended.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP showcases strong expertise across corporate and commercial instructions, recently advising on substantial M&A in the banking and finance industry, complex PE transactions in the real estate sector, and negotiating commercial agreements in the media, entertainment, and retail spaces. Prominent work is also evident in the aviation and transport industries, with the firm working with a number of state-backed and owned companies. Team head William Reichert covers the full suite of corporate work including M&A, internal restructurings, and joint ventures. Co-head Mark Hill is chiefly recognised for his skill in the TMT and IP spaces and often works alongside fellow TMT specialist Lara Haider, while Alex Reid has been highly active in the real estate and retail sectors. Sarah Kadhum and Mo Nawash also come recommended.

Real estate, energy and infrastructure-related transactions form the cornerstone of the practice at CMS, with the firm working for prominent clients such as Aldar Properties, E& and TAQA on M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. Team head John O'Connor is the key relationship partner to many of these clients and often acts on multi-jurisdictional deals. Graham Conlon has recently acted for sovereign wealth funds, investment firms, and international financial institutions on domestic and outbound transactions. Patrik Daintry has a broad understanding of GCC markets, particularly UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Hanna Uhlin and Josh Cosoff also come recommended.

 

Highly active in the energy and infrastructure sectors, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP's team are active on transactions covering oil and gas, renewables, utilities, and the energy transition. Whilst handling a steady stream of domestic mandates, the team also regularly works as part of the firm's global platform to advise multinational clients on inbound and outbound deals. Team head Patricia Tiller oversees deals across the full energy value chain and works for a variety of industry players, funds, and financial institutions. James Comyn advises public and private entities on cross-border M&A and joint ventures, while Martin A. Skehill provides key regulatory acumen to deals.

Ibrahim & Partners has a strong corporate and commercial offering, demonstrating a strong track record in highly regulated sectors, public M&A, and cross-border acquisitions. Malack El Masry leads the group and is praised for the ‘exceptional counsel’ she provides to clients, advising on both onshore and offshore mandates. Ahmed Ibrahim is noted for his equity capital markets and public M&A work. Mohamed Madi acts as head of restructuring, while Maryam Quadri is a key supporting presence across the full spectrum of practice mandates.

 

Handling a variety of substantial acquisitions, investments and mergers in the tech space, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has a robust corporate offering that is active in multiple markets across the Gulf. Mark Gilligan leads the practice and boasts close connections to sovereign wealth funds and state-backed entities. Richard Knott supports businesses and investors with financing and private equity transactions. Anastasia Dergacheva  is noted for her work in the TMT sector. Ksenia Andreeva  provides further IP, data protection, and cybersecurity acumen. Joanna Maria El Khoury also comes recommended.

Reed Smith has a proficient commercial and corporate offering, regularly sought out by multinational and regional funds, industry players, and family offices on complex, multijurisdictional transactions. The team also provides comprehensive support on restructurings, fundraising, corporate governance, and regulatory matters. Team head Adela Mues is active across multiple sectors and is noted for her work with funds, corporates, and early stage investors in both domestic and overseas acquisitions and investment.

Squire Patton Boggs, lauded for its ‘global presence paired with strong local knowledge in key markets’, has significantly strengthened its corporate and commercial practice with the addition of Omar Momany  from Baker McKenzie LLP in September 2023. Bringing over two decades of experience, Momany provides comprehensive advice to corporates and funds and now co-leads the team alongside Matthew Powell, who is highly active in cross-border M&A and joint ventures, and Elias Hayek, recognised for his expertise in the hospitality and real estate sectors. Leila Drissi also comes recommended for her broad practice and ‘business-oriented approach’.

Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP remains a key adviser to a diverse client base, including industry players, multinationals, and government-backed entities, while increasingly acting for family offices and US corporates and funds on a growing range of mandates. Diwakar Agarwal is praised for his ‘deep understanding of the legal and regulatory framework in the region’ and is particularly active in the tech, education, healthcare, and e-commerce industries. Melissa Forbes-Miranda is recognised for her expertise in cross-border transactions and distressed deals, while also advising on business-critical commercial agreements for regional corporates. Sandeep Dhama is sought after for market entry guidance and a variety of M&A and private equity transactions. Toufic Safie remains a crucial supporting presence.

An ‘outstanding advisor when handling complex matters’, ADG Legal advises domestic and regional clients across a multitude of sectors. Team head John Podgore is active on various transactions and has longstanding experience in the oil and gas sector. Co-head Francesco Bulleri is noted for his commercial and regulatory expertise, while Paul Bugingo is chiefly recognised for his energy and infrastructure work and strong knowledge of MENA markets. Mohammed Al Dahbashi handles a range of corporate and commercial instructions, including large-scale restructurings.

Handling a significant mix of corporate and commercial instructions, AMERELLER is active on a high volume of commercial agreements, restructurings and joint ventures. Jochen Murach regularly handles transactions spanning the Gulf and is reputed for his M&A expertise. Co-head Christopher Gunson is lauded as 'a skilled negotiator on a wide variety of commercial, project finance, corporate and energy matters', while co-head Babak Namazi provides advice relating to commercial agreements. Co-head Jonathan Noble provides further M&A, joint venture, and restructuring capabilities.

Anjarwalla Collins & Haidermota (AC&H) provides ‘top notch’ advice to a multitude of corporates, investment firms, and industry players across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, with a broad corporate and commercial offering that is especially strong in M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. Team head Adil Shafi has an extensive international practice that features a growing body of fintech work. Edward Macharia has recently been active on M&A, private equity, venture capital and reorganisation mandates. Mehak Kampani advises clients in a variety of sectors including financial services, manufacturing and energy.

An ‘exceptional, commercial focused yet legally knowledgeable team‘, BonelliErede manages and negotiates a range of transactions including M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings. Marco De Leo leads the practice and is the key driver behind the firm’s growing volume of cross-border mandates, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Riccardo Denaro is experienced across multiple sectors, including real estate, hospitality and retail, and provides further M&A and PE expertise, as well as skill in tech and fintech matters.

Bracewell LLP has a broad corporate and commercial practice that acts for a diverse roster of clients, with particular specialism in the defence, recruitment, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Christopher R. Williams acts as both team lead and Dubai managing partner and possesses a far-reaching practice that encompasses corporate and commercial, employment and litigation. Amelia Bowring is noted for her cross-border expertise. Kasia Lebiecki left the practice in February 2024.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is notably active on real estate-related matters, including overseeing occupational leases, site surveys, commercial agreements, and reviewing and advising on regulations. The firm also helps clients with market entry issues in the UAE. Team head Oliver Hallsworth is praised for his ‘ability to grasp complex issues quickly and offer pragmatic, insightful solutions’. David Nunn assists clients with transactions, real estate developments, and commercial agreements. Chris Beaumont-McQuillan is also active in the hospitality space. Flora Haidar advises multinationals, government entities, and family offices on corporate and commercial mandates.

BSA Law is experienced in handling a variety of transactions for clients active across the Gulf, including commercial instructions for both established corporates and new market entrants, M&A, joint ventures, and regulatory advice. Jimmy Haoula and Rima Mrad co-lead the practice, with the former sitting as UAE managing partner and recognised for his skill in banking and real estate transactions, and the latter noted for her work with multinationals, public bodies, and financial institutions on corporate and commercial matters. Lara Barbary has recently been active on energy and infrastructure-related deals, while Nadim Bardawil brings proficiency in TMT and fintech mandates.

Covington & Burling LLP attracts instructions from a host of GCC and international clients, with a strong portfolio of work in the tech, life sciences, energy and logistics sectors where the firm handles market entry and regulatory work, commercial agreements, and reorganisations. Group lead Rupert Harper works with a variety of sovereign entities, family offices, and multinational corporates and financial institutions on transactions across the Gulf. Co-head Bruce Wilson is another key name for M&A, while Haykel Hajjaji provides further skill in PE and venture capital deals. Ramy Ramadan also comes recommended.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP has a strong focus on corporate work, including M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings. The firm also hired ex-DLA Piper partner Julien Hansen in September 2023, who brings skill in energy and natural resources-related transactions. Team head Jeremy Miocevic acts for a variety of multinationals, UAE-based conglomerates, and family offices on deals across multiple sectors. Philippe Habib has a solid track record on cross-border M&A and debt and equity capital markets mandates. Ashley Connick provides further support.

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants continues to expand its commercial and corporate offering, bolstering its bench through the hire of Charbel Fadel and George Abou Jreich from Ince & Co and IFFCO Group in 2024. The duo join a team well-placed to handle cross-border M&A, multijurisdictional restructurings, and governance, compliance and regulatory advice to clients active in various industries. Helming the practice alongside Fadel, Abdulla Ziad Galadari and Bassem Daher are noted for their work with high-net worth individuals, corporates, and investment firms on transactions, operations expansion, and market entry issues. Manish Narayan takes the lead on regulatory and compliance matters. Gerry Rogers left the firm.

Gowling WLG’s ‘experienced, cooperative, and result-oriented team’ has a concentrated focus on M&A and commercial mandates for energy and infrastructure investors and developers. The team is also active in early-stage and venture capital transactions. Tim Casben has recently been active on brownfield projects transactions, strategic investments, cross-border M&A, and joint ventures. Alexandre Brazeau is a trusted advisor to a host of tech clients, assisting them on market entry issues, digital transformation projects, and fintech-mandates. Jon Parker is recognised for his skill in IP mandates. Simon Elliott and Beth Bloor are a key supporting presence. Rachel Armstrong left the firm in late 2024.

HFW is regularly instructed on commercial agreements, capital raises, projects, and transactions, leveraging its deep sector specialisms in maritime, transport, commodities, and energy to provide tailored advice across these industries. Rula Dajani Abuljebain helms the practice and has a broad knowledge of Gulf markets, notably Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Vince Gordon utilises his banking and finance expertise to comprehensively advise on M&A, corporate finance, and funds work. Ian Chung is renowned for his background in the shipping industry.

A firm praised for its 'relationship-centric and solution-oriented approach', Hogan Lovells (United Arab Emirates) LLP is sought out by both regional and multinational corporates for corporate and commercial instructions, underpinning advice with key regulatory understanding. Imtiaz Shah spearheads the team and is noted for his skill in domestic and cross-border M&A. Isabelle Forrest and Janelle Moussa support across the full spectrum of practice matters.

Hourani & Partners is well-placed to advise on a range of regional transactions, including M&A and PE deals, restructurings, and commercial agreements. Chadi Hourani acts for a mix of industry players, regional and multinational financial intuitions, investment firms, and family offices. Rudolf Goldschmidt couples his corporate and commercial acumen with a broad appreciation of Gulf markets. Salim Sader skillfully advises M&A, PE and venture capital deals. Reef Hourani also comes recommended.

K&L Gates advises on market entry, business operations, and expansion strategies, handling mandates spanning M&A, commercial contracts, regulatory matters, licensing, and compliance. Team head Farah Al-Nabulsi is highly active in a multitude of sectors, including hospitality, tech, manufacturing and logistics. Zaid Abu-Shattal has a broad practice that includes M&A, PE joint ventures and restructurings.

Mayer Brown‘s UAE practice serves as the Middle Eastern hub of the firm’s global network, providing comprehensive counsel to a diverse client base on complex inbound and outbound transactions. Tom Thraya and Jad Taha co-lead the practice, with the duo both noted for the scope of their M&A expertise. Paulo Rage relocated from the firm’s Brazil office on May 2024 and has extensive experience in the energy and natural resources sector. Farid Haroun supports on both M&A and commercial contracts, while Nanda Al Qazaz is key to the firm’s data privacy offering.

Known for its expertise in market entry, fintech, and emerging sectors, Ruthberg LLC advises an extensive roster of multinationals, alternative investors, and ultra high-net worth individuals on corporate and commercial matters. Tom Keya leads the practice.

SCHLÜTER GRAF Legal Consultants is routinely instructed by a strong roster of domestic and multinational clients, including leading names in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, sports and manufacturing sectors. Andrés Ring and Christoph Keimer co-lead the team, with Ring recognised for his expertise in corporate matters and Keimer offering additional strength in employment and commercial work. Usama Munir's practice spans corporate and commercial matters, employment issues, and litigation.

Active on complex M&A and PE transactions across a variety of sectors, Tribonian Law Advisors is a go-to for clients based across the Gulf. Team co-head Rindala Beydoun has recently been active on multi-jurisdictional disposals. Fellow co-heads Carlo Pianese and Emile Boulos handle venture capital and PE transactions. Celine Bsaibes supports on both buy-side and sell-side M&A.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP 'stands out for its deep industry knowledge and ability to provide tailored solutions across complex transactions' and is highly active for a number of funds operational in the UAE, overseeing fund establishment, management and transactions. Team head Bill Jefferies handles buy-side and sell side M&A, PE and venture capital deals. Nick Green is a go-to for funds work and regulatory. Stephen Sullivan is praised for his 'strong local market knowledge'. Ethan Chye also comes recommended.