Lauded for its ‘dedication, expertise, and professionalism’, regional powerhouse Al Tamimi & Company is a popular choice for banking and financial services clients who rely on the firm’s extensive knowledge of the international legal market and a variety of local markets in the GCC. The firm’s deep bench of advisers are well equipped to tackle an array of shareholder disputes, insurance claims for both claimants and defendants, contentious real estate and construction projects, and criminal proceedings, including substantial international fraud cases. The group is noted for its ‘real strength in depth when it comes to DIFC litigation’ and also has a proven track record in a number of international disputes centres, including the ICC, LICA, Uncitral  and LMAA, with strong technical excellence in arbitration proceedings. Hassan Arab and Rita Jaballah, who are key names for banking and energy disputes, and David Holloway, who also sits as an arbitrator are key names. Senior counsel Jonathan Brooks is integral to the team’s asset recovery work and Khushboo Shahdadpuri ‘displays a deep understanding of the law and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for cases’.

A&O Shearman stands out for its ‘high professional approach and collaboration between offices’ and has a considerable international reach that sees the team advise states, public bodies, and financial and corporate clients on a range of disputes, with a particular specialism in infrastructure and construction disputes, commercial arbitration, and investment treaty arbitration. A highly respected practitioner in his field, team head Yacine Francis has an ‘excellent strategic mind’ that allows him to handle complex, multi-faceted cross-border litigation cases, with an eminent reputation in corporate fraud and regulatory investigations. Kirsten O’Connell is the go-to in the practice for construction and infrastructure disputes, and has often acted for states in ICSID proceedings. Arash Koozehkanani continues to build an impressive portfolio of high-value commercial litigation and international arbitration cases, helped by a strong understanding of both international and local institutional rules. David Odejavi and David Berman are also noted.

Clyde & Co LLP has a strong track record in local, DIFC and ADGM Courts and utilises its exceptional market understanding and sector knowledge to act on disputes across a range of industries, particularly shipping, construction and insurance. The near-unrivalled size of the firm’s disputes team allows the group to handle a significant volume of work that pertains to fraud, project fallouts, contractual disputes and purchase agreements – among others. Practice head Susie Abdel-Nabi has extensive experience litigating before the Dubai Courts and is noted for her stellar counsel in complex and landmark cases. Mark Beswetherick is a key figure for professional liability defence cases, and is also proficient across regulatory investigations and civil litigation cases, often involving directors and senior managers. Keith Hutchison regularly defends clients before the DIFC courts, leveraging experience in the debt recovery team – where he leads the department – to act in complex financial and investment disputes. Alexandra Lester is widely sought by clients – particularly tech and telecoms businesses – for both litigation and arbitration proceedings, and Sherif Maher is predominantly active in domestic cases. Since publication, Nassif BouMalhab left the firm.

Demonstrating an ‘in depth knowledge of both the local region and the international environment’, DLA Piper is trusted by some of the biggest corporates in the Middle East and beyond for onshore and offshore litigation, international arbitration, regulatory and compliance matters. The team notably stands out through its specialist sanctions practice, as well as its ability to competently handle corporate investigations and white-collar criminal law cases. Construction, energy, infrastructure, restructuring and complex post M&A disputes round off a strong and diverse book of work. Practice head Andrew Mackenzie acts on a range of arbitration and litigation cases, from engineering and construction issues to intellectual property and life sciences-centered disagreements. Henry Quinlan has extensive arbitration experience, representing international banking groups, government entities, and leading industry corporates across a range of issues and Wissam Dagher is particular focused on commercial, banking and finance, and shareholders’ disputes. Senior legal consultant Adam Bradshaw’s practice covers acting for both public and private organisations and legal director Andrew Massey regularly represents clients in both the DIFC and ADGM Courts.

Clifford Chance has notable credentials in commercial litigation, arbitration, and regulatory and investigatory work, and represents a stellar list of clients in complex disputes. The group has seen an uptick in professional negligence claims, restructuring work, and fintech and data protection cases and is also recognised as a go-to for construction and energy disputes. The ‘excellent’ Paul Coates has been largely active in large-scale energy and infrastructure project disputes across various Middle Eastern states, as well as handling cases for pharmaceutical companies and governmental bodies. Senior associate Prachi Trivedi has provided additional recent support in disputes concerning the energy, construction and financial sectors. Former team lead James Abbott left the firm to join CMS in January 2024.

Dentons has a diverse practice, with a group of dedicated specialists who handle commercial, banking, construction, regulatory and employment disputes. The team has a strong track record in front of courts in the DIFC, and have been active across a range of domestic and international arbitration centres. Dean Ryburn is a proficient dispute resolution expert, representing a wealth of clients in a range of cases and is regularly sought out by contractors, developers and investors for his construction acumen. Christopher Brennan is singled out for his skill in compliance and regulatory investigations, often handling highly sensitive financial crime, money laundering, fraud and corruption proceedings. Newly promoted partner Suzannah Fairbairn is principally noted for her large-scale arbitration work. Senior associates Faris Shehabi and Zahra Rose Khawaja provide additional support. Andrew Cheung left the firm and Alastair Young retired.

DWF Middle East LLP has significantly bolstered its team with the arrivals of Bill Evans and Victoria Clucas from Kennedys in April 2023, Paul Suckling and Oliver Dupenois from Horizons & Co Law Firm LLC in August 2023, and Adam Pryor from Clyde & Co LLP in the same month. The group acts for blue-chip corporates, multinational financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals, principally excelling in complex financial, banking and insurance cases. James Fox is highly reputed for his experience acting on precedent-setting cases in the DIFC. Legal director Donal Scott and associate Jessika Stadwick provide additional support in commercial litigation and international arbitration. Slava Kiryushin left the firm.

Hadef & Partners LLC has an international reach that sees the team act for leading corporates and governmental bodies across Europe, the US, Africa and Asia. The group has core expertise in employment, engineering, construction, transport, and trade-related disputes, and part of the group's portfolio of work includes substantial fraud, asset recovery and compliance cases. Adrian Chadwick is noted for particular strength in arbitration and ADR proceedings, with astute knowledge of the maritime industry. Walid Azzam stands out for his experience in cross-border litigation and Abdulrahman Juma plays a key role in many of the firm's high-profile disputes. Karim Mahmoud is well regarded for shareholder disagreements, banking, and real estate disputes. Matthew Page, James Harbridge and Alexander Wagg are also noted.

HFW fields an extensive bench of litigators and arbitrators who regularly handle work for premium domestic corporates and financial institutions. Practice head Nick Braganza represents a range of clients in commercial disputes, particularly cases with a fraud and insolvency nexus. Yamal Al Hawamdeh has substantial knowledge of the UAE courts system and has a book of work that includes banking, civil, and commercial cases. Legal director Rami Al Tal is another name to note and is a key figure for criminal proceedings. Robert Lawrence is also noted. Slava Kiryushin was a new arrival from DWF Middle East LLP in April 2023.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s team has ‘the confidence, experience and skills to undertake difficult cases’. It draws on the expertise of its deep bench to handle high-value local and international dispute resolution, operating across banking, real estate, hospitality, construction M&A, and energy and infrastructure – among others. The team also includes a number of certified mediators. Deirdre Walker handles all forms of litigation, mediation and arbitration and also assist with DFSA regulatory and internal investigations and Yaroslav Klimov is routinely sought out by CIS countries for representation in disputes. Shabnam Karim is a key figure for healthcare malpractice, D&O, and cyber liability cases, and newly promoted partner Aarti Thadani is a key name for construction litigation. Nick Sharratt joined the practice from Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP in October 2023 and now leads the practice following Paul Stothard‘s move to the firm’s London office. Orlando Vidal left the firm.

Pinsent Masons LLP has impressed with its ability to handle tax disputes, landmark aviation cases, and its strong credentials in infrastructure, energy and construction disputes. The group frequently works alongside colleagues in the firm’s regional offices to handle multi-faceted cases spanning multiple jurisdictions. Department lead Damian Crosse, who is ‘a highly effective and respected negotiator’ provides ‘thoughtful and practical commercial advice‘; he acts on many of the firm’s most significant disputes. Mark Raymont is an energy expert, particularly oil and gas, and Seema Bono specialises in regulatory work, including investigations and technology disputes. Amelia Cave is noted for her retail and technology work and Sammy Nanneh is praised for her ‘excellent knowledge of the region‘. Andrew Cheung joined the firm in January 2023 and brings capabilities in international disputes, compliance issues, and investigations.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP excels in shareholder, contractual, banking and financing, and technology-related disputes, and the team includes a number of construction specialists who are well positioned to act on complex cases in this area. The 'exceptional' Matthew Showler is a 'first-rate litigator' who heads the practice, often acting on high-profile cases before the DIFC and is a go-to for fraud disputes as well as investigations and crisis situations. Cheryl Cairns handles complex infrastructure, real estate and construction issues and Alex Burton is a proficient mediator who is also a major supporting presence in high-level litigation. Senior associate Daniel Smith has provided support on disputes for multinational corporations and high-net worth individuals that are frequently cross-border in nature.

Addleshaw Goddard‘s team acts for a range of global blue-chip clients including multinational financial services providers. The group stands out for its credentials fraud cases, as well as major insolvency and restructuring proceedings. Team head Shane Jury is highly regarded for complex, cross-border disputes, particularly financial services and fraud claims. Emma Tormey has strong knowledge of the tech sector.

Afridi & Angell has an extensive track record acting in cross-border litigation, DIFC litigation and international arbitration. With established strength across the full range of sectors, the group is particularly noted for its work in banking, bankruptcy, and insolvency-related cases, as well as construction. Department lead Haider K Afridi's expertise ensures he is sought out by clients including government entities and public bodies, and he is a proficient across litigation and institutional and ad hoc arbitration proceedings. Chatura Randeniya is well regarded for her knowledge of shipping and maritime law. Recently promoted partner Mevan Bandara has a considerable cross-border focus and senior associate Sulakshana Senanayake has handled employment cases of a significant calibre. Senior associate Nazim Hashim is also noted.

Akin fields ‘one of the most experienced complex commercial dispute resolution teams in the region’ with the ability to provide ‘innovative litigation strategies’. The team is frequently called upon to represent clients in complex, multifaceted cases in both the AGDM and DIFC, while also demonstrating an active international arbitration practice. Team lead Graham Lovett ‘gets the bigger picture and significant aspects of complex disputes’ and is particularly well-regarded for his work regarding shareholder, banking and finance, and fraud issues. The ‘exceptional’ Ryan Whelan is a ‘go-to person for complex disputes’, often acting on enforcement, sanctions and infrastructure-related cases. Michael Stewart has experience handling multi-jurisdictional arbitrations.

Bird & Bird's wide-ranging practice covers the full gamut of litigation and arbitration work, with specific expertise in the energy, manufacturing and technology sectors, and strong engagement with complex fraud investigations. The group acts for a strong roster of clients including multinationals, government and public bodies - both domestic and foreign. Lucas Pitts is chiefly recognised for handling aviation, finance and fraud matters, and has a wealth of experience acting across the ADGM and DIFC courts as well as the DIAC. Senior associate Yannick Hefti provides support on international litigation, arbitration and investigations.

Construction and real estate disputes form the cornerstone of the practice at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, with the team also handling cases related to the aviation, defence, hospitality and energy sectors. The firm has also established itself as a key contact for a number of major Chinese developers and investors seeking advice on claims pertaining to their UAE construction claims. Team head Richard Davies acts for a mix of leading industry players, government departments, and lenders. Charles Lilley has recently been active in infrastructure project disputes across the Middle East and Africa, and also assists with forensic investigations. Senior associates Richard Dupay and Jack Ticehurst provide additional support.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP bolstered its practice with the 2023 arrival of Thomas Snider, who serves as the firm's global head of arbitration, from Al Tamini & Company. Patrick Gearon handles banking, IP, and insolvency disputes, and Sara Sheffield focuses on fraud, asset tracing and recovery issues. Ghassan El Daye is often called upon to act in a range of cases regarding local civil law, international litigation, enforcement of arbitral awards, and shareholder contentions. Legal directors Peter Smith and Max Davis provide additional support.

Eversheds Sutherland LLP has a ‘growing prominence in the region for complex financial litigation and arbitration work’, with a prestigious list of financial service providers and banks turning to the team for complex cases. The group is also proficient in handling high-value civil and common law disputes, as well as multi-faceted construction disputes, working with government and public bodies, multinational corporates, and a range of developers, contractors and lenders. Rebecca Copley, whose experience extends to global commercial disputes, local civil and criminal court cases, and institutional arbitrations, heads the team. Nasser Ali Khasawneh leverages his considerable TMT knowledge to focus on disputes pertaining to IP and media rights and Shalagh Massingham is noted for the full range of construction and real estate disputes. Legal director Roberta Wertman and senior associate Shibani Kapur are other names to note. Daniel Xu was a new arrival in late 2023 from King & Wood Mallesons.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP advises on high-profile, complex, and precedent-setting disputes with the ‘underlying experience and ability to gain the competitive advantage and win cases’. The group’s construction, engineering and real estate expertise ensures it is sought out by numerous corporates and governmental bodies, but the team is also active in TMT, consumer, leisure and retail, and financial and professional services work. One of the ‘sharpest, smartest, and most innovative litigators around’, Stuart Paterson co-leads the practice alongside construction specialist Nick Oury, with both individuals wielding an impressive international reach. Of counsel Sean Whitham and senior associate Janine Mallis are also key names to note. Benjamin Hopps left the firm in early 2024.

Jones Day‘s team covers a wide spectrum of high-stakes litigation and arbitration proceedings, with strong work in construction, infrastructure, energy, life sciences and the financial services sectors. The group has a strong track record before the DIFC and has also been involved in a number of consequential investigations – an area which is a real strength for team head Sheila Shadmand. Pierre Heitzmann is chiefly recognised for his skill in global arbitration and has been active in a number of large-scale energy and construction cases across the Middle East and of counsel Heather Martin is primarily focused on litigation and regulatory issues. Philip Devenish is a key figure for a number of financial institutions and financial services providers, and ably handles politically sensitive disputes.

KBH Limited hired experienced UK barrister Simon Perhar to act as a senior counsel in the firm’s Dubai office to further bolster the team’s capabilities, with Perhar well-positioned to advise on a full range of issues. DK Singh is primarily focused on banking and financial services litigation and Bushra Ahmed is an esteemed arbitrator. The team represents large-scale corporations and high-net-worth individuals in sensitive and multi-faceted cases that require engagement with dispute centres including the LCIA and ICC, as well as before foreign courts.

Reed Smith's disputes team is 'extremely knowledgeable with wide experience and expertise' and handles a consistent stream of complex disputes. The group is well regarded for its track record in shareholder disputes, post-M&A and real estate disputes, as well as contentious insolvency mandates, with an extensive international reach. Antonia Birt, who has a focus on commercial disputes, and Waseem Khokhar, who has a strong practice handling insolvency and restructuring cases and regulatory investigations, co-head the team. James Willn's 'knowledge of the local market and laws is exceptional'; he combines leading work in arbitration with asset tracing and recovery litigation work and Michelle Nelson is a go-to for energy and infrastructure disputes - an area that Sachin Kerur is also active in alongside fraud, insurance and shareholder disputes.

Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP fields a sizeable team of experienced partners on the ground in Dubai that provide an ‘effective and efficient service’. Clients include international and domestic corporates, state-owned entities, and governmental institutions, and it is particularly strong in financial services, energy and tech disputes. Practice head Rania Tadros is well regarded for complex and high-value cases, especially for maritime and construction clients, and Mark Lakin specialises in sensitive cases with fraud and sanctions elements, with clients praising him for his ‘excellent knowledge of the market and considerable experience of shipping and commodities disputes’. Saif Almobideen lends expertise to a number of cross-border cases, and is another key maritime advisor. Managing associate Magda Kofluk provides additional support. Mohamed El Hawawy, Khurram Ali, Mehtab Kassam and Mahmoud El Sayed joined the firm in March 2024 from Ince & Co. John Lewis was a new arrival in March 2024 from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP; he heads the firm’s Middle East general commercial litigation and international arbitration practice. Nick Sharratt left the firm.

‘An experienced team for dispute resolution in the middle east’, AMERELLER handles a range of disputes, including shareholder and services disputes, ancillary litigation and enforcement of awards, and construction and employment contractual contentions - among others. Alexander Lutgendorf heads the practice and also serves as an arbitrator. Christopher Gunson is routinely called upon by North American and Japanese multinational corporates, and is skilled in handling white-collar criminal law procedures and Jonathan Noble is frequently engaged by hospitality, tech and energy clients. Senior associate Baika Altymukhamedov provides additiona support.

Baker McKenzie LLP hired Luka Kristovic-Blazevic from White & Case LLP in October 2022 as head of the practice; he is a proficient arbitrator with a strong focus on international construction disputes. The group is well regarded for its work in the energy and infrastructure, media and technology, and pharmaceuticals and life sciences sectors. Senior associate Taisiya Vorotilova and associate Marlize Dumas provide a crucial supporting presence to a range of cases. Andrew McKenzie left the firm.

Hogan Lovells (United Arab Emirates) LLP has significantly bolstered its dispute resolution offering through the hire of King & Spalding LLP duo Randall Walker and Patrick McPherson in December 2022 and January 2023 respectively. Together, they sit as joint practice heads and serve a regional and global client roster in both onshore and offshore court cases as well as in a variety of international arbitration centres. Walker is well versed in banking and finance, shareholder, asset recovery and joint venture disputes, and McPherson is well regarded for his construction, infrastructure and energy specialisms.

K&L Gates is able to leverage expertise from the firm's offices across Europe, US and Asia to handle complex and multi-faceted cases. The group receives a considerable number of instructions from clients interested in ADR, including mediation, as well as acting in onshore courts as part of major litigation matters. Jonathan Sutcliffe 'brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to bear' on a range of disputes, specialising in the energy and infrastructure, construction, real estate, and hospitality sectors and Nazanin Aleyaseen is the key figure for arbitration in the group. Jennifer Paterson has been kept busy handling commercial contracts and employment disputes; she has a wealth of experience in both local and international arbitration and litigation proceedings.

Respected for its counsel in both complex court cases and arbitration-related disputes, Kennedys is active in a range of sectors - including construction, energy, finance and insurance - for a wide array of clients. Managing partner of the Dubai office Peter Ellingham is an insurance expert and is routinely sought out to act on cases in this space; he heads the practice with Celine Abi Habib Kanakri, who is singled out for her experience in complex disputes before ICC, DIFC, and the DIAC. Rishi Sengupta and Khalil Mechantaf  have also been highly active and have wide sector expertise. Bill Evans and Victoria Clucas left the firm.

King & Spalding LLP leverages its considerable international network to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes, with a specialism in financial services, energy and construction cases. Professional negligence and fraud issues are other key components of the firm's work, and its strong bench of practitioners have a wealth of experience across domestic and international court systems. Ben Williams handles a range of cases for international energy companies and financial institutions. Associate Kateryna Frolova is also highly active, and has considerable experience acting in disputes involving governments and public bodies. Adam Gray relocated to Dubai from the firm's Austin office.

Mayer Brown is well-positioned to act in high-value, large-scale oil and gas disputes, acting for a premium range of clients that include governments and state entities. Arbitration is another key strength of the practice, with the group able to handle investment treaty arbitration proceedings in the region, with group lead Alain Farhad especially well regarded in this space. Counsel Patricia Ugalde Revilla handles commercial, construction, energy and engineering disputes and senior associate Gerard Moore is predominantly noted for his strong work in construction cases. Raid Abu-Manneh and Dany Khayat support the UAE offering from the firm's London and Paris offices, respectively.

A ‘rising player in the arbitration and international litigation market in the Middle East’, MRP Advisory LLC is regularly instructed on multi-faceted construction, infrastructure and engineering disputes by clients operating across the globe. Rishabh Jogani standouts for his international litigation expertise and is noted for his engagement with shareholder and IP-related claims. Adarsh Ramakrishnan and Kanika Arora, who was a recent arrival from Advani & Co. in July 2o23, act on arbitrations that concern energy and infrastructure projects.

A team that consistently ‘thinks outside the box and is solutions driven’, OGH Legal has ‘established a name for themselves as a go to firm’ in the region and utilises local law and regional knowledge to act for clients in the local UAE courts as well co-counsel in the offshore courts. Mohamed ElGhatit, who is recognised for his strong track record on finance-related disputes, particularly tax and bankruptcy proceedings, and Sherif Hikal, who handles construction and engineering cases, jointly head the practice. Suzanne Abdullah takes the lead on a number of matters and is frequently sought out for her IP expertise.

Squire Patton Boggs‘ work in the disputes area spans litigation, arbitration, mediation, advocacy and risk and crisis management, and the group is particularly active in the construction and real estate space. Construction disputes specialist Thomas Wilson, who acts for contractors, manufacturers, and public and private companies on project and management disputes, heads the practice. Ravinder Bhullar is routinely instructed by energy and infrastructure clients for his arbitration expertise. Senior associate Sam Song has an impressive portfolio of work that includes white-collar criminal law, regulatory enforcement and money laundering issues.

Vinson & Elkins LLP's disputes team handles engineering and construction matters before a range of courts. Global department head James Loftis, who divides his time between Houston and Dubai, handles a range of commercial and investor-state disputes. Nabeel Ikram, who has 'a depth of technical and local knowledge', is an accomplished arbitrator with experience of international and domestic forums, and also has a strong portfolio of court cases. Counsel Robert Reyes Landicho, who also splits his team between Houston and the UAE, is chiefly recognised for his energy and infrastructure disputes work.

Watson Farley & Williams has expertise across a range of cases. Transport and energy disputes form the cornerstone of the practice, while the team has also seen an uptick in tech-related cases that include data and cybercrime issues. Charlotte Bijlani is 'a lawyer who gets work done on time but with high quality' and is particularly renowned for her international arbitration work. Soraya Corm-Bakhos has been kept busy handling energy and transport disputes and Thomas Whitfield has been highly active in aviation cases.

White & Case LLP is frequently sought out by large corporations and government entities active in a variety of sectors to assist with international arbitration and litigation and is particularly strong in the construction disputes space. Practice head Michael Turrini has an extensive cross-border practice that sees him active in disputes across the region, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as further afield in Europe, Asia and China. Aimy Roshan is adept at handling complex commercial and construction contract disputes and Karim Mariey has bolstered the practice since relocating from the firm's London office in March 2023.