Offering a ‘unique combination of global scale, local insight, and a progressive approach to legal service delivery‘, Baker McKenzie LLP advises on the full spectrum of corporate and M&A activity in the UAE, covering public and private transactions, private equity, venture capital and joint ventures. The practice draws on strong regional regulatory knowledge and cross-border capability, with notable activity across the technology, consumer and infrastructure sectors. Osama Audi leads the team, advising Gulf and international funds on a broad range of inbound and outbound transactions. Abeer Jarrar and Adnan Doha are highly active on complex cross-border transactions across the technology, digital infrastructure, healthcare, retail and financial services. Patrick McGregor is noted for his contributions.

 

Clifford Chance advises on corporate transactions for an extensive roster of premium clients, regularly acting on public and private M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. The group brings depth on foreign investment rules and regulatory approvals, and regularly coordinates with international offices on matters spanning multiple markets. Mohammed Al-Shukairy heads the practice, bringing extensive regional experience on acquisitions, investments, and combinations for sovereign-backed clients and multinational corporates. Jason Mendens is a trusted adviser to sovereign wealth funds and private equity sponsors, while Daud Khan is particularly active across healthcare, aviation, and energy matters. Recent mandates for Deniz Tas include prominent joint ventures and investments in the logistics and infrastructure sectors. Lynn Ammar notably co-led The Walt Disney Company’s strategic partnership with Miral for the development of Disneyland Abu Dhabi.

Linklaters ‘stands out for its exceptional technical expertise and global reach’. The firm advises on public and private M&A, joint ventures, private equity, equity capital markets, disposals, and restructurings, and is trusted by sovereign wealth funds, corporates, and financial institutions. Team head Scott Campbell leads a broad practice spanning multiple sectors and Gulf markets, advising on complex M&A and equity transactions. Co-head Nick Edwards, praised for his ‘exceptional technical expertise’, acts for high-profile clients including DP World, e&, and ADNOC, while co-head Patrick Sutton-Mattocks was promoted to partner in May 2025. Other notable figures include Claire Neil, who focuses on cross-border public and private M&A, and Faysal Lassas, who brings essential UAE law expertise to numerous mandates.

White & Case LLP ‘combines deep technical expertise with strong commercial acumen’ and is active across a wide array of corporate and M&A instructions, advising sovereign wealth funds, multinationals and private equity investors on complex, multi-jurisdictional mandates from the region. Cross-border specialist Abdulwahid Alulama co-heads the team with the highly proficient Sami Al-Louzi, noted for his activity in the financial services, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors. Co-head Jan Jensen is a go-to for private equity sponsors, while co-head Steven Worthington remains a trusted adviser to key Abu Dhabi Inc clients. Co-head Marcus Booth leads on major relationships, including Goldman Sachs, PIF, and DP World, and co-head Sonia Abdul-Rahman has a growing portfolio of mandates in the energy sector. Phillip Sacks drives the firm’s investment funds offering.

Akin is recognised for advising sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and multinational corporates on high-value, complex cross-border transactions. The team excels in public and private M&A, joint ventures, and strategic investments across the UAE, with a particular focus on energy and infrastructure, healthcare, defence and media and leisure sectors. Team head Wael Jabsheh and Simon Rootsey act as trusted advisors to Abu Dhabi Inc entities, handling an array of complex, landmark transactions both within the Gulf and overseas. Mazen Baddar continues to be the key supporting figure on the across the firm’s portfolio of work. Syed Muhammad Rizvi and Baz Banai also come recommended.

Praised for its ‘deep knowledge and strong, business-oriented advice’,  Al Tamimi & Company advises on complex, high-value domestic and cross-border transactions across public and private M&A, joint ventures, private capital and family office deals. Supported by dedicated sector and regulatory specialists, the team delivers a comprehensive service, with particular strength in infrastructure, energy and tech. Husam Hourani, Samer Qudah and Andrew Tarbuck helm the practice, with the trio noted for their transactional strength that covers M&A, private equity, capital markets and banking and finance transactions. Richard Catling is a key advisor to family offices in the region, and Suhail Mirza has a focus on infrastructure, retail and tech-related deals.

Ashurst LLP ‘offers highly reliable and commercially pragmatic support on both domestic and cross-border matters in the UAE.’ The firm acts on public and private M&A, PE, joint ventures, and equity capital market transactions across sectors including energy, TMT, healthcare, and technology, with a client list that includes multinationals, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices. Team head Simon Rahimzada brings over 17 years of Gulf market experience, advising on cross-border M&A, private equity, and equity capital markets transactions. Stuart James focuses primarily on energy and infrastructure deals, while Vasi Papadopoulos is frequently instructed by private equity sponsors, family offices, and financial institutions on corporate mandates.

Strengthened by the arrival of ex-Clifford Chance market veteran Mike Taylor in January 2025,  Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is renowned for advising sovereign wealth funds and global corporate and financial investors across the UAE and wider MENA region. The team handles complex, high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions, including joint ventures, buy-outs, and restructurings, leveraging deep local knowledge and global M&A expertise to support strategic investments in sectors such as tech, logistics, and digital infrastructure. Group lead Chris Macbeth is a seasoned emerging markets specialist, advising institutional investors and funds on complex transactions. Co-head Gamal Abouali represents sovereign wealth funds and multinational clients on cross-border deals, while co-head Michael Preston focuses on mandates for leading global private equity houses. Co-head Mohamed Taha was promoted to partner in January 2025.

Gibson Dunn is a go-to adviser for UAE government entities and major international investors on big-ticket, cross-border M&A across energy, tech, digital infrastructure and healthcare. The team is particularly active on sovereign-backed outbound investments into the US and Europe, alongside strategic inbound mandates into the UAE’s rapidly developing sectors. It is led by Marwan Elaraby and Renad Younes, with the duo noted for their skill handling M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions for marquee regional clients such as ADNOC and MGX. Hanna Chalhoub leverages previous in-house experience in the private equity department of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to competently advise on complex cross border acquisitions and investments. Jade Chu acts as a key advisor to many key UAE government clients investing in sectors such as energy, agribusiness, real estate and fintech. Skilled M&A practitioner Andrew Steele has a growing body of AI-related work.

Clyde & Co advises multinationals, regional conglomerates and government entities on complex M&A, joint ventures and FDI across the UAE and wider Middle East. The team combines deep local expertise, Arabic capability and strong sector focus – particularly healthcare, technology, education, consumer and real estate – on high-value, strategic mandates. Naji Hawayek leads the team and is the key advisor across the firm’s most consequential M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. Roshanak Bassiri-Gharb comes recommended for her M&A, corporate governance and compliance expertise.

CMS advises on high-value M&A transactions across the Middle East and globally, often handling multi-jurisdictional deals. The firm has an extensive sector reach that covers tech, media, real estate, energy and consumer industries.  Team head Graham Conlon ‘is the star of their team’ and is active across M&A, private equity and joint ventures. John O’Connor is trusted by a strong roster of clients in the TMT space, whereas Patrik Daintry is a frequent advisor to sovereign wealth entities.

DLA Piper handles the full lifecycle of transactional activity, spanning M&A private equity, joint ventures and capital markets work for major international and regional players. The firm is also able to leverage its extension global network to advise on large-scale investments and complex restructurings. Will Seivewright leads the team is highlighted for the scope of his sector activity which includes life sciences, tech, energy and financial services. Thérèse Abou-Zeid has a strong focus on reorganisations and Richard Hughes is routinely active on cross-border M&A.

Eversheds Sutherland LLP advises regional and international clients on complex, cross-border transactions, including inbound and outbound M&A. The practice acts as a trusted advisor to private equity, financial investors, regional conglomerates and multinational corporates, with sector expertise spanning consumer, healthcare and infrastructure. Team head Zeid Hanania  ‘consistently delivers exceptional legal services, bringing together cross jurisdictional resources to support international and multi jurisdictional transactions’. Steve Jennings has a far-reaching practice that covers transactions across the MENA region and Sub-Saharan Africa.

King & Spalding LLP advises on high-profile, cross-border M&A and joint venture transactions, regularly leading deals across the energy, technology, and healthcare sectors. The team is noted for is strong client roster of sovereign-backed entities and leverage their strong global platform to act on prominent outbound investment deals. Simon Fraser and Nabil Issa spearhead the practice, with the former noted for his skill in energy transactions, particularly oil and gas, and the latter for his funds, private equity and venture capital expertise. Matt Hartsuyker acts for a variety of state-owned industry players such as Emirates Global Aluminum and Enersol.

Latham & Watkins LLP maintains a strong position in UAE M&A, advising on heavyweight inbound and outbound transactions. The team combines deep local insight with global execution capability, frequently acting for sovereign wealth funds, government-related entities, and private equity houses on complex deals across energy, technology, and private capital. Team head Eyad Latif has a broad practice that is particularly noted for its focus on venture capital and start-up focus. Omar Maayeh, another venture capital specialist, combines finance and M&A expertise to comprehensively advise his strong client base.

Advising corporates, sovereign wealth funds, and family conglomerates, Norton Rose Fulbright acts on major cross-border M&A, restructurings, and joint ventures across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The practice is particularly active across the energy, infrastructure, financial services, and technology sectors, regularly handling complex, high-value strategic investments. Team head Zubair Mir is praised as ‘a true mastermind when it comes to M&A strategy’, often working with sovereign wealth-backed entities on transactions in the Gulf, Asia, Europe and Africa. Jonathan Burton counts multi-nationals, government agencies and high-net-worth individuals as part of a varied client roster, and Shazi Askarpour and Kenza Bensaid also come recommended.

A team that stands out for its ‘its exceptional client service, deep market insight, and strategic execution’, Pinsent Masons has established a strong reputation for complex M&A, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings across the MENA region. Team head Mohammad Tbaishat‘s ‘expertise in corporate M&A is truly exceptional’ and acts for a variety of funds, PE houses and financial institutions. Christopher Neal advises on M&A, PE and joint venture transactions, and Alexandra Aikman is noted for her focus on healthcare, life sciences and energy-related deals. Nathalia Elhage is routinely instructed on complex cross-border M&A.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP made a notable impact on the UAE M&A market in 2025 with the arrival of Michael Hilton from Freshfields, a seasoned partner with extensive regional experience and a broad corporate practice. Joining alongside Cheree King, Hilton leads a team that also includes Andrea Spadacini, who relocated from the firm’s London office. The group advises multinationals, financial institutions, and sovereign-backed entities on complex inbound and outbound transactions.

Squire Patton Boggs advises on the full spectrum of M&A and corporate transactions, including FDI, joint ventures, privatisations, restructurings, and governance matters. The practice is active across technology, energy, education, infrastructure, and retail, and is noted for its cross-border capabilities and expertise in complex UAE corporate structuring mandates. The practice is jointly led by Matthew Powell and Omar Momany, with the former widely recognised for his M&A expertise and the latter noted for his work with prominent regional players in sectors including education, technology, and real estate. Leila Drissi provides broad support across the full spectrum of the team’s mandates.

The corporate team at Addleshaw Goddard ‘are fantastic to work with, responsive, pragmatic, commercial and completely immersed in the detail’. The team advises on the full range of cross-border M&A, private equity, joint ventures and restructurings, with notable expertise across the education, TMT, consumer, and transport sectors. Team head Lowri Llwyd ‘leads from the front’ and acts for a diverse roster for private equity clients, financial institutions and multinationals. Owen Richards is active on transactions across the Gulf, Asia and Europe. Rachael Norris and James Whittam widely support.

Afridi & Angell corporate and M&A offering is recognised for its depth of expertise across regional and cross-border transactions, advising clients on private equity investments, joint ventures, restructurings, and corporate governance mandates. Charles Laubach co-leads the team with Bashir Ahmed, who has recently advised on fund formation and management, major mergers, complex restructurings, and competition and antitrust matters. Danielle Lobo focuses on M&A and private equity transactions, while Abdus Samad frequently acts on cross-border deals. Stincy Joseph provides broad support across the practice.

Baker Botts L.L.P.‘s corporate and M&A team is recognised for advising on complex cross-border transactions across the energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors, acting for leading regional and international corporates. Team head Haitham Hawashin is the chief lead on the firm’s complex, heavyweight M&A deals, active on both inbound and outbound transactions. Co-head Mark Bisch combines corporate and commercial skill to comprehensively advise on joint ventures, restructurings and regulatory matters. Alexander Hendry has a strong focus on tech-related transactions and Shadi Haroon on market entry work.

Bird & Bird corporate practice advises on the full range of cross-border M&A, corporate restructuring, and joint venture mandates, with growing activity in technology-driven and education sector transactions. The team is frequently engaged by multinational clients expanding across the Middle East and India, leveraging the firm’s strong sector focus and international network. Team head Anders Nilsson is proficient across public and private M&A, market entry and business structuring mandates, and joint ventures. Surabhi Singhi has a broad corporate practice and is active on deals across the Gulf, Asia, Europe and the US. Johannes Eisser combines transactional skill with corporate advisory expertise.

Dentons’ UAE corporate practice advises local, regional, and global clients on cross-border M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and restructurings. The team handles mandates across key sectors including energy, defence, healthcare, real estate, and technology, leveraging specialists from its extensive Middle East-wide platform. Nick Simpson spearheads the practice, often working alongside Iain Black and Ross Barfoot on complex M&A, PE and joint venture deals. Stephen McKenna brings further corporate structuring and local regulatory knowledge to the fore on a number of matters. Catherine Beckett and Anna Terrizzi also come recommended.

Praised for its M&A capabilities and local law expertise, Hadef & Partners advises on domestic and cross-border transactions across a wide range of industries, providing clients with end-to-end support on joint ventures, restructurings, and inward investments. Yasser Omar leads the team and is recognised for his expertise in public M&A and capital markets matters. Patrick Tweedale and Paul Wynne frequently handle M&A, private equity, and joint venture mandates for a broad client base spanning multinationals, domestic companies, and public entities. Nazim Alom and Christopher Fenn are also recommended.

‘Highly regarded for its expertise in advising on a broad spectrum of complex, high-value corporate transactions within the Middle East and internationally’, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP combines UAE, Saudi, and English law capabilities to advise leading corporates, sovereign wealth funds, and financial institutions on strategic regional and international transactions. Team head Chris Walters is praised for his ‘strategic vision and leadership’ and has a strong track record on significant digital infrastructure transactions. Anna Szyndler handles a wealth of M&A and PE deals in the infrastructure, energy and tech spaces. Andrew El-Khoury widely supports.

Ibrahim N Partners‘practice is recognised for handling market-leading, high-value transactions across key sectors including fintech, logistics, energy, and transport. The team is regularly instructed on complex, first-of-their-kind deals, including landmark public M&A mandates and cross-border acquisitions, advising corporates, listed entities, and regional investors on strategic growth and restructuring initiatives. Team head Malack El Masry is active on both public and private M&A for a range of clients across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Ahmed Ibrahim takes the lead on capital markets-related deals. Maryam Quadri andAnirudh Sundarrajan cover M&A, corporate structurings and commercial transactions.

Mayer Brown possesses a team of ‘high quality and dedicated to the region’, advising on complex cross-border M&A and corporate transactions spanning energy, infrastructure, financial services, and technology. The practice continues to expand its regional reach, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and has strengthened its data privacy and regulatory capabilities to provide comprehensive client service. Team head Tom Thraya is praised as a ‘world class lawyer‘ and is active on corporate transactions across the Gulf, while co-head Jad Taha is regularly instructed on M&A, PE and joint venture transactions with a strong focus on Saudi Arabia. Anne-Marie Wicks‘ practice largely concentrates on the energy sector, whereas Farid Haroun is noted for his activity in the real estate and hospitality spaces.

Reed Smith continues to act on high-value, multi-jurisdictional transactions, including major acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity investments, fund formations, and restructurings. The practice has built a strong market reputation across sectors such as financial services, sports, entertainment, technology, construction, and energy. Adela Mues helms the group and is active on inbound and outbound investments by multinationals and domestic industry players. Kate Iliff is a key supporting presence across M&A, PE, joint ventures and restructurings.

Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP advises leading regional businesses, multinationals, and government entities on multi-jurisdictional transactions spanning the financial services, energy, infrastructure, technology, and healthcare sectors. The practice is jointly led by three partners: Diwakar Agarwal who advises on M&A, venture capital, and capital markets transactions and maintains strong ties with the Indian market; cross-border M&A specialist Melissa Forbes-Miranda; and Toufic Safie, who is particularly active across the technology, financial services, healthcare, and energy sectors. Suditi Surana is also recommended.

Tribonian Law Advisors in Association with Rindala Beydoun Legal Consultancy ‘combines deep local knowledge with international transactional experience’ to advise on ‘complex, high-value cross-border transactions involving the UAE and wider MENA region’. Team head Rindala Beydoun has recently been active on acquisitions and disposals in the financial services and education sectors, and co-head Carlo Pianese is noted for his strength on private equity deals. Co-head Emile Boulos is sought out by clients for assistance with M&A, PE, corporate finance and restructuring matters. Celine Bsaibes and Dhruv Agarwal widely support.

AMERELLER advises multinational clients on cross-border M&A, leveraged and management buyouts, and joint ventures across the UAE and wider Middle East. Leveraging Arabic-speaking expertise for local regulatory engagement, the team also handles complex restructurings, PPPs, and fund-led PE and venture capital transactions. Jochen Murach, Christopher Gunson, Babak Namazi, and Jonathan Noble lead the practice, all advising on inbound and outbound M&A and investment transactions across sectors including automotive, logistics, energy, and oil and gas. Janis Reinholtz provides broad support across the team.

Anjarwalla Collins & Haidermota (AC&H) handles cross-border M&A, private equity, and restructuring mandates spanning Africa, the GCC, and Asia. The firm frequently leads multi-jurisdictional transactions, acting alongside local counsel and advising on governance, due diligence and strategic investments for multinational corporations and African growth funds. Team head Adil Shafi is a highly experienced M&A specialist with a strong track record in fintech transactions, drawing on his expertise in blockchain, digital assets, and financial regulation. Edward Macharia advises on M&A, private equity, and venture capital matters, while Mehak Kampani adds further strength across the fintech, technology, and real estate sectors.

Acting as BonelliErede‘s regional anchor, the Dubai office handles a broad range of mandates spanning M&A, PE, joint ventures and restructurings. The firm is particularly active in the energy, infrastructure, consumer and technology sectors. Team head Marco De Leo frequently collaborates with the firm’s European offices to advise on complex cross-border transactions and counts several leading luxury fashion and retail groups among his clients. Riccardo Denaro is noted for his broad multi-sector expertise and strong focus on the technology and fintech industries.

Handling domestic and international corporate mandates, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP advises on M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, and governance matters across the Middle East. Alex Reid is routinely sought out by multinationals active in the energy, transport, financial services and tech sectors, handling transactions and corporate governance matters. Mo Nawash is active on M&A, PE and venture capital investments. Former team head William Reichert left the firm in 2025.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is recognised for M&A work, particularly transactions involving distressed assets, shareholder disputes, and complex negotiations. The practice advises clients across sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, fintech, and logistics. Jeremy Miocevic leads the group and is regularly instructed on M&A, PE and venture capital transactions across the Gulf. Philippe Habib adds further skill in capital markets and covers deals in the healthcare, manufacturing and oil and gas sectors. Ashley Connick and Krystle Koh support.

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants ‘is distinguished by its strong regional expertise and practical approach to complex transactions’, advising on cross-border acquisitions, start-up investments, and energy and technology mandates. Charbel Fadel leads the team and has a client roster that includes financial institutions, government agencies and family businesses. Bassem Daher is particularly active in the real estate space.

Gateley advises founders, family offices, and investors on M&A, corporate restructurings, and joint ventures, with a focus on mid-market deals across tech, retail, logistics, and professional services. Team head Darren Harris is praised as ‘a great leader and top notch lawyer’, leveraging over thirteen years of experience in the region to expertly counsel PE houses, founders and corporates. Amun Bashir and Gemma Kotak provide further domestic and cross-border expertise.

GLA & Company is noted for advising sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, and listed companies on complex cross-border transactions. With strong ties to regional regulators and expertise across energy, fintech, and digital infrastructure, the team is frequently engaged on strategic acquisitions and joint venture mandates across the GCC, Europe, and Asia. Team head Alex Saleh is a proficient cross-border advisor who works with a variety of multinationals and financial sponsors investing in the UAE. Co-head Suzanne Hashem is active across sectors such as education, real estate, retail and healthcare.

Gowling WLG advises on complex M&A, joint ventures, and corporate structuring across the energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors. With offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the team combines international expertise with regional insight, supporting public and private entities on strategic investments and cross-border transactions throughout the Middle East. Team head Tim Casben is active on M&A across the Gulf and Africa and is regularly supported by Simon Elliott, Beth Bloor and Joy Kadi.

HFW advises on a broad range of transactional and regulatory matters, with notable strength in international trade, transport, commodities, and energy. The team frequently assists with restructurings, joint ventures, and business establishments across the UAE. Department lead Rula Dajani Abuljebain has a broad practice and covers acquisitions, investments and market entry instructions. Vince Gordon is praised for his ‘exceptional legal acumen and extraordinary problem-solving skills’, while Ian Chung focuses on shipping and infrastructure matters.

Hourani & Partners ‘stands out for its deep regional expertise combined with an international outlook’, advising on complex, high-value transactions across the UAE and wider MENA region. Group lead Chadi Hourani is a frequent port-of-call for private equity firms, family offices and investment banks, while co-head Hayel Hourani is active across M&A, funds and capital markets transactions. Salim Sader is noted for his ability to ‘combine technical legal knowledge with strategic business insight’ and Rudolf Goldschmidt for his skill in M&A, joint ventures and corporate governance. Ali Sikander  widely supports.

Paul Hastings LLP significantly expanded its UAE presence in 2025 with the arrivals of George Kazakov and Stefan Mrozinski from White & Case LLP. Kazakov, who relocated from London, is particularly active across the energy and infrastructure sectors, while Mrozinski, based in the UAE for over a decade, is recognised for his expertise in technology and fintech-related transactions alongside his broader corporate capabilities. The team focuses on inbound and outbound investments, take-privates, and joint ventures.

Sidley Austin LLP The team advises sovereign wealth funds, government-related entities, private equity sponsors, and family offices on complex cross-border transactions, leveraging the firm’s global platform and deep sector expertise across private equity, energy, financial services, healthcare, and infrastructure. Helming the group is Ali Shaikley whose practice largely concentrates on M&A, PE and venture capital transactions for multinationals and global financial sponsors. Hussein Baxter is widely praised for his ‘sharp analytical skills and deal-making rigor’.

Taylor Wessing (Middle East) LLP advises on mid-market and cross-border transactions across the Middle East, acting for private equity firms, venture-backed businesses, and corporates. Abdullah Mutawi and Ronald Graham co-lead the practice, with the former noted for his skill in multi-jurisdictional M&A and venture capital deals and the latter for his private wealth expertise and work with family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Mohammed Tartir combines transactional, employment and regulatory expertise to comprehensively advise clients.

ADG Legal corporate practice blends deep local insight with international expertise, advising on M&A, joint ventures, corporate structuring, and governance across sectors including technology, energy, infrastructure, and consumer goods. The team is jointly led by John Podgore and Francesco Bulleri, with the former highlighted for his strong track record advising energy players on decarbonisation and energy transition-related deals, and the latter for his ability to handle high-stakes, cross-border transactions. Mohammed Al Dahbashi is particularly active in the oil and gas sector.

AX Law ‘stands out for its combination of deep legal expertise, commercial awareness, and practical problem-solving’, advising regional and multinational clients on a wide spectrum of corporate matters and M&A. Karim Fawaz and Ashleigh Bruce lead the team and are particularly active in the TMT and fintech spaces. Manav Joshi is a key supporting presence.

BLK Partners combines deep regional expertise with an expanding focus on emerging sectors such as fintech, blockchain, and e-commerce, advising clients on M&A, restructurings and joint ventures. Patrick Khoury and Ziad El-Khoury co-lead the practice, with the former particularly well-noted for his M&A and corporate finance expertise. Abhishek Banerji and Brian Onaissy widely support.

Bracewell LLP advises clients across the GCC on joint ventures, corporate structuring and employment matters, offering sector-focused expertise in defence, energy, automotive, manufacturing and recruitment. The practice is led by Christopher R. Williams whose broad portfolio of work includes corporate, commercial and contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Amelia Bowring is a crucial supporting presence.

BSA LAW advises on cross-border and domestic mergers, restructurings, and joint ventures across key GCC sectors, with expertise spanning hospitality, technology, and consumer-related mandates. Team head Jimmy Haoula handles a broad array of corporate and capital market transactions and has a strong track record in the real estate sector. Co-head Rima Mrad acts for a strong roster of public and private entities, while Michael Kortbawi has recently been active on complex restructurings and insolvencies.

Greenberg Traurig Limited advises on corporate, M&A, and commercial matters across the Middle East, with particularly expertise in PE, fintech and venture capital deals. Chadi Salloum spearheads the firm’s corporate platform and acts for a variety of multinationals on inbound investments and regional industry players on M&A and joint ventures.

Praised for its ability to its ability to ‘combine deep local knowledge with its global reach’, K&L Gates advises on domestic and cross-border transactions across the UAE and MENA, handling M&A, joint ventures, and regulatory compliance. Farah Al-Nabulsi leads the team and has a broad corporate and commercial practice, acting for a variety of multinational and regional clients. Zaid Abu-Shattal also comes recommended.

Matouk Bassiouny UAE‘s Dubai and Abu Dhabi team advises on corporate, commercial and regulatory matters across the Gulf, including M&A, joint ventures, market entry and complex compliance issues. Team head Omar Bassiouny splits his time between the UAE and Egypt and is noted for his strength in public and private M&A. Co-head Mohamed Essam leverages expertise in M&A, tech and fintech to advise on venture capital deals.

Ruthberg LLC advises founders, investors, family offices, and growth-stage companies on corporate and commercial matters, including M&A, joint ventures, restructuring, and governance. Team head Tom Keya ‘stands out as an exceptional leader and trusted advisor’ with the ‘ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on involvement’. Ahmed Odeh provides further market entry and investment expertise, and Saam Afshar and Anita Niaraki support across the full range of matters.