Al Tamimi & Company‘s shipping team is sought out by clients for its strong regional presence and vast experience of handling cross-border mandates. The firm regularly advises major international corporations, banks and financial institutions, government organisations, and local, regional and international companies on contentious and non-contentious matters including financing deals, corporate transactions, claims and arrests. Practice head Omar Omar has vast experience across many subsets of the industry. Yasser Madkour is a disputes specialist with experience arbitrating in both English and Arabic, while Wesley Wood is described as a ‘standout individual and brilliant shipping lawyer.’

HFW is one of the leading firms in the Middle East shipping sector, advising clients across a broad range of maritime matters. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, underwriters, governments, and maritime operators. Yaman Al Hawamdeh leads the firm’s Arabic shipping litigation team, handling complex shipping disputes across the region. Richard Strub also focuses his practice on contentious matters. Tien Tai leads on major transactional matters in the region, while Rob Lawrence focuses on offshore shipping, marine insurance, and complex maritime casualties. Ian Chung advises on mergers, acquisitions, and financing in the maritime and private equity sectors.

Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP works widely across maritime disputes, corporate advisory, and maritime asset finance, with particular expertise handling complex, high-value cases in the Middle East and internationally. The firm has a speciality in contentious matters including conventional litigation and international arbitration concerning both dry and wet shipping issues. Rania Tadros leads the global maritime and offshore practice, while Mohamed El Hawawy heads the shipping and insurance practice for the Middle East, bringing extensive litigation experience in marine insurance and transportation disputes. Other key figures include Khurram Ali, noted for his experience in the KSA, and Mark Lakin, who is described as ‘knowledgeable and approachable’. Saif Almobideen continues to act on some the most high-profile civil law litigation, crisis management and marine insurance matters to occur in the region and Menelaus Kouzoupis also acts on many leading super-yachts and sanctions related matters. Chinar Zaidi and Paul Katsouris also come recommended.

Fichte & Co. is renowned for its expertise in both maritime litigation and transactional matters, offering legal services across ship finance, construction, sale and purchase, and port operations. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including ship owners, insurers, public bodies, port authorities, and international traders, providing strategic advice in contentious and non-contentious shipping and maritime matters. Jasmin Fichte focuses her practice on maritime infrastructure development, working closely with state bodies. Ravi Jawani and Alessandro Tricoli are further key names to note.

Watson Farley & Williams‘ team excels in handling complex, cross-border shipping disputes, including vessel construction, charter party, and international trade matters, with a strong focus on litigation and arbitration. The firm represents a broad scope of clients, including P&I clubs, shipowners, charterers, insurers, and offshore operators across the UAE and beyond. Charlotte Bijlani, head of the Dubai Maritime Dispute Resolution team, is recognised for her expertise in shipping litigation and international arbitration, with a particular focus on high-value disputes. New additions Natalie Jensen and Khalid Hamed bring significant experience in arbitration, adding further depth to the firm’s capabilities in resolving maritime issues.

Dentons‘ maritime team specialises in ship finance - with a focus on both conventional and Islamic financing - handling complex, high-value transactions. The firm represents leading shipping banks, regional owners, and international clients, offering deep industry expertise in structuring ship financings. Paul Jarvis leads the team alongside Nathaniel Armstrong.

A prominent firm for maritime work in the UAE, Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants  is noted for its particular strength in dispute resolution, arbitration, and debt recovery, working with a range of leading global shipping companies, P&I Clubs, insurers, and logistics providers across a wide range of maritime and international trade matters. Ahmed Galadari leads the team alongside Shani Salim.