Corporate/Commercial: United Arab Emirates

THE FIRM This four-partner team is widely acknowledged for its comprehensive understanding of the domestic market and local legislation. The team is frequently instructed by international firms seeking local counsel and also represents a number of multinational energy companies, including ExxonMobil and GE. The team advised Pakistan International Airways on a major acquisition of aeroplanes from Boeing, worth USD1.5 billion.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Charles Laubach "brings a wealth of experience" when representing clients. He is active in a broad range of corporate restructurings and acquisitions.

One client stated that Amjad Ali Khan "really cares about the implications and takes a long-term view – we don't hesitate to contact him." Another described him as "simply outstanding."

THE FIRM This firm enjoyed an impressive year, including high-profile corporate and commercial work in the oil and gas and infrastructure sectors. It advises on acquisitions, general commercial contracts and joint venture projects, and clients are particularly pleased by the lawyers' responsiveness and speed. The firm represents a number of major Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) companies and high-profile Abu Dhabi entities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Contacts include Abu Dhabi office head Natasha Kohne, and corporate partner Chadi Salloum.

THE FIRM This highly regarded corporate practice has established a reputation as one of the strongest in the local Emirati market. The firm is particularly renowned for its excellent knowledge of local customs and regulatory compliance issues. As a result of this domestic expertise, the team is frequently domestic counsel of choice for international firms, and notably advised Coca-Cola on the USD980 million acquisition of a stake in the Aujan beverages company. In addition to M&A transactions, the firm is active in the private equity space, advising Mawarid Finance on a USD20 million investment in Levant Capital.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Husam Hourani is frequently singled out for praise by clients and peers.

James Maccallum enters the rankings after excellent feedback from clients and the wider market, and having been involved in a number of impressive M&A deals.

THE FIRM The team at Allen & Overy continues to demonstrate exceptional capabilities in handling market-leading and multi-jurisdictional transactions. Recent highlights include representing Aldar Properties in multiple transactions, including the AED16.8 billion sale of a central market development souk in Abu Dhabi to the Abu Dhabi government. The team demonstrated its cross-border expertise in advising Levant Capital on a joint venture to acquire a controlling stake in Saudi supermarket chain Al Raya. The team is also very active on transactions concerning Qatar and Oman, earning recognition in these important jurisdictions.

Sources say: “We've done fantastic work with them. They are a key ally of ours and they have been fantastic.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dubai-based Khalid Garousha is recognised for his corporate and equity capital markets expertise, and has a “well-deserved reputation for pragmatism.” Peers praise his diligence and awareness of the local market.

Ibrahim Mubaydeen is lauded by clients and peers alike for his unsurpassed grasp of the Abu Dhabi market, where he heads the office. “He is the number-one lawyer in Abu Dhabi,” enthused one client.

Duncan Macnab is a prominent member of the Dubai team and is highly regarded for his expertise in a broad range of practice areas, including projects, M&A and general commercial law.

“A great guy and a great lawyer,” Simon Roderick is regarded as something of an institution at the practice for his years of experience in the country. He is praised for his combination of transactional and contentious experience.

Andrew Schoorlemmer is the Dubai-based head of the Middle East corporate team, and frequently represents high-profile clients such as News Corporation and Nomura International.

Abu Dhabi-based rising star Nicholas Stuart is popular with clients for his responsiveness and pragmatic approach to negotiations.

THE FIRM Ashurst gains recognition after an impressive year for the corporate team, which saw it act on major deals in a number of sectors, including energy and transport. Notable acquisitions include advising Lamprell on a cross-border acquisition. The team also advised Damas on the USD445 million recommended cash bid made for it by Mannai.

Sources say: “They provide excellent specialist advice in difficult timeframes.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alastair Holland leads on a number of the team's most significant corporate instructions, including the Damas and Lamprell deals.

Joss Dare is the firm's Kuwait expert and serves clients on a broad range of matters there and in the UAE. He heads the regional group and manages the Dubai office, and is highly regarded for his work in projects and infrastructure.  

THE FIRM This Abu Dhabi-based practice is kept busy with a steady flow of M&A transactions and corporate restructurings, and frequently works alongside the firm's London office. The firm attracts a healthy share of the region's mid-market work, with recent highlights including advising Publicis Groupe on its acquisition of digital media agency Flip Media, and advising global industrial gas company Praxair on the acquisition of a Bahraini medical gases company. The team is also very active on Qatar-related transactions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Borys Dackiw heads the department, while Tom Thraya is another key contact partner for M&A work.

THE FIRM The strengths of the corporate practice at this firm lie in the oil and gas sector and emerging markets. It handles a number of regional mandates from its offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including deals in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Tunisia. The practice has a broad focus, and work highlights include advising Mitsubishi on structuring and other aspects of a midstream gas joint venture project in Basra, in Iraq. The firm also handled all aspects of National Bank of Abu Dhabi's establishment of a AED1 billion real estate fund.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sean Korney is particularly active in the energy and natural resources sectors, both in the UAE and across the region. He led the team advising Mitsubishi on the Basra gas project.

Dubai-based Stephen Matthews' practice makes use of his Saudi expertise and wealth of transactional experience. He is a popular choice for clients and is frequently instructed by major defence contractors.

THE FIRM The team at Bennett Jones offers clients extensive experience of the domestic Emirati market. It advises clients on both the buyer and seller sides of M&A transactions, and also frequently advises on joint venture agreements and restructuring in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The firm advised Start Consult on the acquisition of an interest in Dofreeze, a UAE-based pastries company, and acted for Galadari Brothers on the sale of its 15% interest in dairy company Gulf & Safa Group.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Osama Hassan "can foresee issues and hurdles, and address them very early on to avoid problems later on down the line."

Qatar and UAE-based David Silver is well known and respected throughout the market for his extensive on-the-ground experience across the Middle East.

Wael Wahbeh is highly regarded by his peers and frequently advises clients with Saudi interests from his base in Abu Dhabi.

Since publication, David Silver has joined Hassan Al-Khater Law Offices

THE FIRM This US firm enters the rankings for this first time this year in recognition of its strong commercial practice and notable activity in the oil and gas sector. The firm serves a steady stable of local and regional businesses across a broad range of areas, including joint ventures and corporate transactions. Clients value the team's high-level client service and understanding of the local market.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Williams is the key contact for commercial and M&A work.

THE FIRM Clients frequently select this firm to handle the most complex and high-profile work, particularly in the M&A and private equity sectors, and it remains at the top end of the market. Highlights include representing Mannai and EFG-Hermes in the USD445 million acquisition of Damas International. The firm also advised Saudi beverage giant Aujan on the sale of approximately 50% of its equity to Coca-Cola in a transaction valued at USD980 million. The Dubai team led the deal, supported by the firm's associated office in Riyadh. The team is also very active on Qatari deals, working alongside the new Doha office. 

Sources say: “They know their stuff, are efficient and offer a good service.” “A market-leading firm.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dubai-based Mike Taylor has expertise in Saudi law in addition to his highly regarded UAE practice. He advises clients on M&A and equity capital markets deals.

Guy Norman heads the regional corporate team and receives praise for his laudable strengths in public M&A transactions. One source remarked: “He is a very talented individual – good to work with.”

Nigel Wellings enters the rankings on the back of client and peer praise for his “high level of technical expertise” and some impressive work for private equity companies.

Singapore-based Simon Clinton has a long-standing reputation in the UAE for his work on M&A transactions, and continues to be active in the region.  

John Graham works out of the firm's New York office and has extensive experience in the UAE after a number of years working in the Middle East. He is highly regarded for his work in telecoms.

THE FIRM This well-established firm offers clients the combined resources of an international network and a strong local bench. The team continues to be active in joint venture and M&A work, and advised Atos Origin on the Middle Eastern aspects of its acquisition of Siemens IT Solutions & Services, a transaction valued at EUR850 million. The team's work is impressive beyond the UAE too, with one example involving the corporate and real estate groups assisting Dutch Docklands with a proposed 'floating city' real estate project in Maldives. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Silver is universally respected among his peers for his expertise and impressive track record. Work highlights include the restructuring and capitalisation of Gulf Healthcare International.

Niall O'Toole is praised for his hands on approach and long-standing experience in the UAE. He is a popular choice with clients, who appreciate his responsiveness.

Phil O'Riordan handles some of the firm's most high-profile M&A deals and is well respected among his peers. He is based in the Dubai office.

Abu Dhabi-based Adrian Creed is a key component of the firm's Libya strategy and specialises in projects alongside his corporate practice.  

THE FIRM The corporate practice at this firm has kept busy advising clients on a range of transactional issues. The firm continues to serve an impressive roster of clients despite several changes and relocations. It represented RAK Petroleum in its acquisition of a number of upstream interests in the Emirate of Ras al-Khaimah as part of a wider agreement with the Ras al-Khaimah government concerning oil and gas resources. The firm has also been instructed by global energy giant BP.

Sources say: “They've given us a consistently high level of service.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joint head of department Andrew Ward is described as “outstanding and very highly thought of” by clients, who appreciate his effective management and strong work ethic. He handles a number of M&A and joint venture instructions for clients across the UAE.

Ibrahim Elsadig co-leads the department in Dubai alongside Andrew Ward, and has a well-established reputation for cross-border work which extends across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Associate Catherine Beckett is an “excellent lawyer – she approaches things in a practical and commercial fashion and understands where we are coming from,” according to clients.

Paul Bugingo is well respected for his work in energy and infrastructure projects across Africa. He is based in the Dubai office.

Clients regard London-based Neil Nicholson as a "superb corporate lawyer" and a "particularly able individual" for his M&A work concerning the UAE.

THE FIRM This firm continues to look at opportunities for expansion in the regional M&A and corporate markets, and counts a number of major regional and international corporations among its clients. Work highlights include advising OrbiMed's Mumbai office on the GCC portion of a number of investments into the KIMS healthcare group. The matter was handled by the firm's Dubai offices and involved five separate jurisdictions. Other notable cross-border expertise includes several matters involving the burgeoning Iraqi market.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of corporate Murad Abida has extensive experience in a number of practice areas and receives praise for his comprehensive understanding of the local law.

THE FIRM This corporate team profits from a close relationship with the firm's Doha offices and from Eversheds' merger with KSLG, which has helped in developing a regional profile. The firm is frequently instructed to advise on joint venture agreements, corporate structuring and franchising. One notable financial sector M&A deal was advising Barwa Bank on the acquisition of the Islamic Business division of the International Bank of Qatar.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tim Armsby had several years of experience practising in Cairo before relocating to the UAE, and can offer expertise in both markets on infrastructure and energy, as well as corporate transactions.

THE FIRM Freshfields has had a very positive year, and earned impressive feedback from the market. The 2011 arrival of Pervez Akhtar has served the firm well in attracting impressive instructions in the private equity sector, such as advising Abraaj Capital on the multibillion-dollar sale of its interest in Turkish healthcare provider Abicadem. Other cross-border M&A experience includes advising Nippon Steel on the acquisition of UAE company Al Ghurair Iron & Steel. Specific expertise on Qatar and Libya also gives the firm an edge.

Sources say: “The quality of the work stands out, and the lawyers were always available, day and night.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Pervez Akhtar is widely renowned for his strengths in private equity and his expertise on Turkish and Libyan law. Peers regard him as a “prominent player” who has given the firm a “real boost," while clients appreciate his dedicated and responsive approach. 

THE FIRM This full-service UAE firm is active in the country, across the Middle East and further afield. The team is well supported by the firm's banking and finance division, and also works on corporate matters ancillary to real estate projects, including major developments at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai World Central & Logistics City. The team has significant experience in dealing with the Far East, the Indian subcontinent and Africa, working with clients involved in some of the most exciting emerging markets.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bode Wilfred is popular among clients, who praise him as an "excellent lawyer – he's confident, knows his stuff and always finds an answer."

THE FIRM This firm is acknowledged for its strength in investment funds and general M&A. The firm's Dubai offices are frequently instructed in high-profile cross-border transactions across the Middle East, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as well as the UAE. The firm advised Gulf Capital on a number of acquisitions, including the acquisition of contract staffing company Reach Group and a significant stake in Sakr Energy Solutions. The firm is also advising on the ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring of Bahraini bank Arcapita.

Sources say: “They have great quality, a good work ethic and good lawyers.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Harter enters the rankings having earned outstanding feedback from clients and peers, who regard him as “a very commercial and practical guy” and “highly technically proficient” in private equity M&A.

Hardeep Plahe has experience in a number of large M&A deals. He is well respected by peers, who say: “It's always nice to see him on the other side of deals.”

Dubai-based partner Chezard Ameer is a popular choice for clients, with one remarking: “He knows his stuff – there is no question about him.”

Mitri Najjar serves UAE clients from the firm's London office and is praised by clients for his "good judgement" and negotiation skills.

THE FIRM This local firm serves clients on a broad range of matters, including M&A transactions, joint ventures, private equity and corporate structuring. A comprehensive understanding of domestic laws and regulatory compliance issues means this team is a popular choice as domestic counsel for international firms. Highlights have seen the firm particularly active in an advisory capacity, assisting both Gulf Marketing Group and Al Rostamani Group on shareholder and corporate restructurings respectively.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of corporate in Abu Dhabi, Carine Souaiby garners praise from clients and peers for her experience and technical skills. "She is a very wise and strong lawyer and I rely a lot on her," remarked one client.

THE FIRM This well-established local firm represents a large stable of domestic as well as international clients, across a range of transactional and advisory instructions. Recent work highlights include advising Tyco International on the acquisition of 75% of shares in KEF Holdings, where the firm acted as sole local counsel on the buyer side of the transaction. The firm has also acted on the seller side, advising CAPM Investment on its sale to Finance House.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sadiq Jafar is managing partner of the Dubai office and continues to garner respect for his management skills and extensive local experience.

Sameer Huda is head of the firm's corporate department in Dubai and is popular with clients. One interviewee noted: "He is a self-starter – he'll set to the task as soon as you hand it to him."

THE FIRM This expanding global firm is highly regarded in the UAE for its strength in investment funds and M&A transactions. It is active in deals across the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond. Recent work highlights include advising ArcelorMittal on a joint venture investment into the development of a steel tubing plant in Saudi Arabia. Other clients include Abu Dhabi Capital Management, Investcorp and EFG-Hermes.

Sources say: “Very commercial in outlook and very thoughtful." "You don't just get a paragraph of legalese – they think through your commercial needs.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Middle East managing partner Zubair Mir has a well-deserved reputation for his strength in funds and is praised by clients as “a very commercially savvy lawyer who understands our business."

Paul Scarr leads the firm in a number of its big-ticket M&A deals. Clients appreciate his experience and pragmatism: “Because he is experienced, he knows where to cut and where to simplify, and ensures we are protected.”

Judith Watson specialises in investment funds, both conventional and Shari'a-compliant, and frequently works alongside Zubair Mir.

Impressive senior associate Marie Petit garners significant praise from clients. “She has a lot of potential – she could be a superstar,” remarked one interviewee.

THE FIRM Hogan Lovells' Dubai office represent clients in deals across the UAE and the wider Middle East region, working on sectors as diverse as media, fashion and heavy industries. The team recently advised a Bahraini-incorporated company on the acquisition of the substantial assets of United Gulf Steel Mill, which operates in Saudi Arabia. The client was a joint venture between Japanese and Kuwaiti investors. The firm also advised Gucci on a joint venture agreement with Al Tayer Group regarding its UAE and regional franchise business. Growing activity in Qatar has also kept the UAE team busy.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Imtiaz Shah is the principal Dubai contact for corporate matters and is well respected across the market.

Dubai-based of counsel Warren Thomson is popular with clients, who appreciate his broad range of skills and experience.

Senior associate Tarek Eltumi offers clients expertise in Libyan law, particularly with regards to M&A transactions. He worked for many years in Libya, and was active on crucial legal issues during the 2011 revolution.

THE FIRM This solid commercial practice offers clients a broad range of services, including advising on joint ventures, corporate structuring, private equity investments and M&A transactions. The Dubai-based team is widely recognised for its cross-border work, which has included instructions from European, US and Far Eastern companies with interests in the UAE and GCC region.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department DK Singh and partner Kaashif Basit are the key contacts for the corporate division.

THE FIRM King & Spalding's UAE corporate practice benefits greatly from its strong relationship with the firm's Saudi offices. Successes include representing NBK Capital in its exit from Jeddah-based fleet leasing company Hanco. In other matters, the firm is also active advising on investment funds. Major clients include Mubadala, Northrop Grumman and Abraaj Capital.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Nabil Issa divides his time between the firm's Dubai and affiliated Riyadh offices, and is a popular choice for clients.

Benjamin Newland is active in advising high-profile clients on large-scale projects and corporate transactions across the Middle East.

THE FIRM After an impressive rise in stature in the UAE over the past couple of years, this firm is now looking to consolidate its standing as a significant player in the market. It continues to be especially active advising clients on inbound investments and M&A transactions. The firm has recently attracted corporate work via the real estate and education sectors, including representing Dubai International Capital in major transactions.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Middle East corporate department head Charles Fuller was described by one client as “assured, balanced and pragmatic.” He leads the firm in a number of its most high-profile mandates.

Villiers Terblanche leads the Abu Dhabi office and has cultivated a broad practice that covers corporate, banking and finance and projects. He is frequently instructed by some of the region's top clients.

Up-and-coming Dubai-based partner Kai Schneider continues to impress with his strengths in funds work. He is “a very good guy, who knows his stuff very well,” noted one interviewee.

THE FIRM This powerhouse maintains its position at the forefront of the market, handling some of the most complex high-end deals done in the UAE and the region. The team has been particularly active in the M&A and private equity spaces. Work highlights include representing Lloyds TSB in the sale of its retail, commercial and corporate banking business in the UAE to HSBC. In private equity, the team advised Standard Chartered on a USD75 million investment in a subsidiary of Saudi Binladin Group. The firm also excels in top transactions involving Qatari entities.

Sources say: “You will see them appearing on the biggest high-profile transactions in the region.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Scott Campbell fully warrants his standing as one of the country's leading M&A lawyers, according to clients and peers. He is “very experienced, very smart and very practical,” enthused one client, while peers note his ability to “always keep things going – he is excellent.”

Nick Garland is highly regarded for his work in M&A transactions. He recently returned to the firm's London office after a four-year stint in Dubai.  

THE FIRM This firm has a long history of serving clients in the Middle East and has well-established offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The team is active on a broad range of matters across the region, including M&A transactions and infrastructure and projects matters. One highlight involved advising a consortium of investors on the planned development of a new airport in Madinah in Saudi Arabia. The merger of Norton Rose and Fulbright & Jaworski in 2013 created a team with an even greater spread of resources, with regional strengths in the Iraqi market too.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jane Clayton has more than a decade's experience in the Middle East and is renowned for her skills as a funds lawyer.

Alan Bainbridge is popular with clients, who say: “He has the skill of making the client feel confident and comfortable that they are being well looked after.”

Clients praise Mark Bisch's comprehensive knowledge of domestic markets, developed over a number of years on the ground in the Middle East.

THE FIRM This compact corporate department handles a notable share of the region's mid-market deals and is frequently retained as general commercial counsel. Work highlights include acting for Ochre House on its acquisition of two recruitment agencies in the UAE, which saw the firm collaborate with members of its London office, and advising China Surveillance & Security Technology on UAE regulatory compliance issues pertaining to its USD580 take-private transaction. Clients appreciate the firm's partner involvement and local expertise.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Wood is the driving force behind the department and is well liked by clients for his dedication and ability to solve problems quickly.

THE FIRM Shearman & Sterling can draw on resources from both its Abu Dhabi office and its wider global network in serving clients, particularly in the M&A and projects spaces. The firm's relationship with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has continued to be fruitful, with the team recently advising the client on a joint venture in the Shah Sour Gas Field and on negotiations with the Korean National Oil Corporation. Elsewhere, the firm has been instructed by Aabar Investments and International Petroleum Investments Company, while work concerning Oman and Qatar also demonstrates the team's regional abilities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Office managing partner Philip Dundas is held is very high regard in Abu Dhabi, particularly for his work with oil and gas companies throughout the Middle East. 

According to market sources, partner James Comyn “embodies high standards” in his work, which typically consists of high-end M&A transactions.

THE FIRM The corporate practice at this firm builds on a healthy platform of work, especially in the energy and telecoms sectors. The firm is active advising several UAE and GCC-based TMT companies on the establishment and management of a number of joint venture agreements across the region. Work highlights include advising Deutsche Bank on its involvement in Mannai's public takeover of Damas International.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Abu Dhabi-based partner Nicholas Watson specialises in M&A and general corporate matters, and has experience in equity capital markets.

THE FIRM Taylor Wessing has a well-established presence in the UAE and acts for regional clients in a broad scope of advisory and transactional work. The team advised major banking conglomerate Emirates NBD on multiple M&A and PPP transactions, and acted for Al Mulla Group on its acquisition of the Holiday Inn Express chain of hotels in Dubai. The firm also handles a number of joint ventures and corporate restructurings, and the team is frequently praised by clients for its comprehensive knowledge of local developments and nuances.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Dixon is the managing partner of the Dubai office.

THE FIRM Trowers & Hamlins enjoys a fine reputation for its broad UAE practice and expertise in local Emirati law. The team has been active across a number of disciplines, including M&A, restructuring, private equity and general advisory work for its varied clientele. The firm provides commercial and regulatory advice to a number of domestic and international companies active in the UAE, including The Media Zone Authority Abu Dhabi, Publicis Groupe and its subsidiaries, and Southern Sun Hotels.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jennifer Bibbings is a popular choice for clients, and handles a broad range of corporate and commercial matters.

Abdullah Mutawi relocated from the firm's Bahrain practice to the UAE in mid-2011, and has a wealth of experience in his former jurisdiction across the corporate, TMT and energy sectors. 

Nick White is resident managing partner of the firm's new Malaysian office and has spent a number of years in the Gulf, most recently at the Dubai office.

THE FIRM This US firm is recognised for its impressive regional experience, and for its notable strengths in the private equity, telecoms and oil and gas sectors. In fact, much of its work concerns the wider region, one example being its advice to Iraq's Ministry of Oil regarding a proposed USD17 billion joint venture gas project in southern Iraq. The team has also received mandates from Saudi Telecom and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Saudi expert Sami Al-Louzi advises on a broad range of matters, including M&A transactions and private equity deals. He receives client praise from across the region.

Head of department Jim Knight leads the firm in advising clients with private equity concerns, and has extensive experience in the M&A market.

Dominic Harvey offers clients expertise in Bahraini law, having spent a number of years there in very successful practice before relocating to Abu Dhabi.

Christopher Strong has extensive experience in advising clients in the UAE and Iraq. He is based in the Abu Dhabi and London offices.

THE FIRM White & Case offers clients comprehensive expertise in private equity, M&A and joint ventures, and is notably strong in Qatar. The practice enjoys a close bond with the firm's well-established Riyadh office, and frequently represents sovereign investment funds and major regional companies. Recent work highlights include advising UAE entity the National Transport Authority on a number of regulatory issues, including engineering standards and price control.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Since joining the firm in 2011 from Norton Rose, Campbell Steedman's extensive experience in M&A and joint ventures has made him a cornerstone of the team. He is well respected by clients and peers alike.

Zee Ahmedani has an impressive track record in investment funds and private equity work, and has considerable experience across the GCC, particularly in Qatar.

THE FIRM This Singaporean firm earns recognition for capturing a share of the mid-value commercial market, and for its unique position with regards to inbound investments from the Far East. Highlights include advising Abraaj Capital on the divestment of its 50% share in Turkish healthcare provider Abicadem. The firm also advises on investments into a number of areas, including infrastructure, real estate and energy.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joint head of the firm's Middle East practice Paul Sandosham is the primary contact for the firm. In addition to his work in corporate matters, he is an experienced disputes practitioner.