Al Tamimi & Company's team has 'diverse expertise and innovative problem-solving capabilities'. The group is frequently sought out by both international and domestic companies for high-profile and complex litigation and has experience of commercial, banking, criminal, engineering and construction, and intellectual property disputes, among others. The team has a strong book of work in the Dubai Courts, ADGM Courts and DIFC Courts. Hassan Arab, who is singled out for his wealth of expertise in all forms of civil and commercial litigation; Mohamed Al Marzouqi, who represents an enviable list of clients in banking, property and intellectual property disputes, as well as criminal law issues; and Ahmed Allouz, who is notably active in employed-related claims, are the practice heads. 'Leading litigator' Naief Yahia is regarded as a go-to by financial institutions.
Dispute resolution: local litigation in United Arab Emirates
Al Tamimi & Company
Responsables de la pratique:
Hassan Arab; Mohamed Al Marzouqi; Ahmed Allouz
Autres avocats clés:
Naief Yahia; Taiba Alsafar
Les références
‘Al Tamimi’s team has a positive perspective and full knowledge of the country’s legislation.’
‘Capable team with subject matter experts.’
‘Professional and care about outcome of cases.’
Principaux clients
GL Events PJSC
KONE
Samsung
Mashreq Bank
Emirates NBD
Ford
Credit Suisse
Majid Al Futtaim
LG Electronics
Caterpillar
Standard Chartered
Mubadala Investment Company PJSC
Oracle
Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology
Emirates Water and Electricity Company
General Electric
HSBC
Hadef & Partners LLC
Hadef & Partners LLC is a market-leader in local litigation and has an impressive track record handling a host of disputes. The group has specialist expertise in engineering and construction, transport, trade and maritime disputes, and has overseen a number of substantial fraud and asset recovery cases over the past twelve months. The practice is jointly led by Abdulrahman Juma, who represents multinational corporations and UAE governments entities and Walid Azzam, who is highly regarded for local and international financial crime proceedings. Omar Al Heloo plays a key role on white-collar crime and fraud-related matters and senior legal consultant Rami Obeid has been a crucial supporting presence across a range of cases. Matthew Page left the firm in 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Abdulrahman Juma; Walid Azzam
Autres avocats clés:
Omar Al Heloo; Rami Obeid
Les références
‘Hadef have market-leading experience of the local courts and knowledge of UAE law. This gives them the edge over many competitors in the international arbitration market because they provide clients with an all-round service from advice, to arbitration, to enforcement of awards – and all the local skirmishes in between. They have excellent lawyers with unrivalled understanding of the local market.’
‘Litigation partner Walid Azzam has time and again proved that responsiveness and legal expertise at the highest levels of a law firm are readily attainable. Walid is constantly reachable and his legal knowledge impresses even the most seasoned litigators in the market. ’
‘Hadef & Partners stands out due to their swift turnaround times and personalized service. Their dedication to understanding the unique needs of their client, rather than adopting one approach, is what differentiates them from other firms. Hadef & Partners adopts a collaborative approach. They often co-work with other departments and specialists from other sectors (e.g. industry consultants and experts) to ensure that their client’s needs are met.’
BSA Law
The team at BSA Law has a notable focus on disputes relating to the construction, real estate and financial services sectors and also handles issues pertaining to debt recovery and asset tracing, fintech and digital assets misdemeanors, and contractual and employment disputes. The group has also been highly active in bankruptcy proceedings. The practice is led by Asim Ahmed, who is a key name for real estate, employment and criminal cases. Ahmad Bin Hezeem has been kept busy handling ownership disputes and associate Ahmed El Sayed is also noted.
Responsables de la pratique:
Asim Ahmed
Autres avocats clés:
Ahmad Bin Hezeem; Ahmed El Sayed
Les références
‘Solid local expertise, market knowledge, and excellent connections with various government entities.’
‘Very proactive and result driven lawyers.’
Principaux clients
Octavia Limited
Amplex Emirates Company – LLC
C B Financial Services Limited – REP Office
Wonder Park LLC
Al Rashideen Trading & Distributions Consumer Products LLC.
Total UAE LLC
Common Group International Co. Ltd
American Life Insurance (MetLife)
Emirates Neon
ABC International (Virgin Islands)
Principaux dossiers
- Successfully defended Octavia Limited in a case filed by Astalia Investment Limited before the Dubai Courts, regarding a dispute over the ownership of Mining Company Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Represented Amplex Emirates Company in a 25-million-dirham dispute relating to the design and build of Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Represented C B Financial Services Limited in a refund claim matter initiated by an ex-customer of the client.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants is particularly well-known for its representation in fraud and embezzlement cases as well as private client work, but is also active in work across a range of sectors. Ziad Galadari has a strong practice handling litigation arising from major infrastructure, real estate and construction projects; Ahmed Galadari‘s knowledge of the regional landscape ensures that he is sought out by stellar international clients; Abdulla Ziad Galadari‘s ‘combination of expertise, collaboration, client-centricity, innovation, and other exceptional qualities’ makes him ‘truly stand out’ in the market; and Fadi Hassoun is a key name for complex civil and criminal proceedings. Banking and finance disputes specialist Marwan Al Cherkah is also noted. Abdelhak Attallah was a new arrival from Alsuwaidi & Company in November 2022, as well as experienced litigator Hussein Al-Momani who joined from Primecase law Firm in November 2023
Responsables de la pratique:
Ziad Galadari; Ahmed Galadari; Abdulla Ziad Galadari; Fadi Hassoun
Autres avocats clés:
Marwan Al Cherkeh; Abdelhak Attallah; Hussein Al-Momani
Les références
‘Abdullah Galadari has a unique blend of qualities that set him apart from other competitors. It is the combination of expertise, collaboration, client-centricity, innovation, and other exceptional qualities within that makes him truly stand out.’
‘Abdelhak Attallah is an amazing and capable lawyer. He is knowledgeable, a strategic thinker, responsive and available at all times to help his client. ’
‘Abdelhak Attallah’s knowledge and advise was on point.’
Principaux clients
MG Motors
Steel Kitchenware Manufacturer
Arab International Development Investment Company
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
MENA Region Based Foodstuff and Agro Trading Company
Principaux dossiers
- Represented a high-net-worth individual in a complex international divorce settlement dispute, securing the release of a USD 540 million yacht and protecting assets totalling over USD 1 billion in DIFC Courts, Dubai Courts and the Joint Judicial Committee.
- Secured a victory in the UAE Cassation court, establishing a legal precedent and protecting a brand and business valued at USD 98 million, by successfully removing a wrongfully registered trademark in bad faith.
Habib Al Mulla & Partners
Habib Al Mulla & Partners acts for an ever-growing client base across a litany of sectors and industries – most notably financial institutions. The group has also been steadily growing its tax litigation offering, and has overseen major wins against tax authorities that include market-first aspects. Practice heads Mohamed El Khatib, Amir Alkhaja, Mohamed El Baghdady and Ali Dakhlallah are key names for criminal and civil, banking and finance, and tax disputes. Gerry Rogers‘s arrival from Galadari & Associates and Matthew Page‘s arrival from Hadef & Partners LLC in 2023 add further strength. Tarek Saad left the firm.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mohamed El Khatib; Amir Alkhaja; Mohamed El Baghdady; Ali Dakhlallah
Autres avocats clés:
Gerry Rogers; Matthew Page
Les références
‘Ali Dakhlallah is an excellent lawyer ’
‘Knowledge and understanding of the litigation process end-to-end is unprecedented.’
‘Knowledgeable, responsible, and responsive team of professionals.’
Principaux clients
Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC
Noor Bank
InvestBank
RAK Bank
Emirates Islamic Bank
Bank of Baroda
Emirates NBD Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Mashreq Bank
Habib Bank Limited
Standard Chartered
HSBC
Schlumberger Middle East SA
Weatherford
Gianni Versace
Tesla
Huawei
Tencent
Apple
Emaar Group
Damac Group
Wasl Group
Nakheel PJSC
Meydan Group
Mawarid Finance PJSC
China State Construction
Galadari Group
The American Hospital
Emirates Hospital Group
Tariq Al Futtaim
DUTCO Group
The Associated Press (AP)
Principaux dossiers
- Represented InvestBank PJSC, an ADX-listed bank, in proceedings before the Sharjah Courts and authorities in a case pertaining to financial violations committed with respect to accumulated losses and written off debts with a value exceeding two billion dirhams
- Representing Argentem Creek & Partners in all UAE aspects of its ongoing $150m dispute with GNT Group.
OGH Legal
OGH Legal has a wide-ranging practice covering the full gamut of disputes work and handles high-profile cases relating to local, regional DIFC and English law. The firm has a strong presence in the construction and banking sectors and is notably adept handling employment, white-collar crime, IP and tech-related issues. Practice head Sherif Hikal has longstanding experience across the courts of all seven Emirates and acts for corporate and private clients. Mohamed Elghatit is particularly active in the construction and real estate sectors and Suzanne Abdullah is a key name for IP, commercial and civil disputes and is able to draw on her previous in-house experience.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sherif Hikal; Mohamed ElGhatit
Autres avocats clés:
Suzanne Abdullah
Les références
‘They are very communicative and always at our disposal. When circumstances are difficult we are happy to have them on our side. Knowledge of local law is exceptional, which matters in Dubai.’
‘Hands-on approach to client support and a real understanding of the demands of international clients. The speed of service delivery and solutions focused approach as well as civil law expertise sets them apart.’
‘Mohamed ElGhatit deserves well earned recognition and praise. He is rightly establishing himself as the go to person for UAE law expertise both in law and procedure. He offers can-do solutions with impressive turn around times. Everyone is talking about him and wants him on their side.’
Principaux clients
DP Masters Manufacturing Co.
SKAT Danish Tax Authority
Alec Engineering and Contracting
Dubai Holding
Davidson Kempner
Siemens Process Systems Engineering
Burlington Loan Management DAC
Regera S.à.r.l
Finsbury Associates
Asia Royal
Meeras Holding
EMAAR
Aldar Properties
Nakheel
Principaux dossiers
- Acted on behalf of a European Government Authority in a claim in the UAE that involved 5 primary local court cases and 12 ancillary actions.
- Representing the largest creditor (Burlington Loan Management DAC) in bankruptcy proceedings before RAK Court.
- Representing a Spanish construction group in an AED 2 billion dispute with DEWA (the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) arising out of the construction of the Jebel Ali Power Plant in the Jebel Ali region in Dubai.
Alsuwaidi & Company
Alsuwaidi & Company is well placed to handle a range of disputes, with notable strength in insurance, construction and Islamic banking cases. The group is led by Mohammed Alsuwaidi, who also sits as an arbitrator; Ali Alraeesi, who has close contacts with government entities and public bodies and is notable for tech and IP disputes; Reda Hegazy, who handles civil, criminal and labour cases with impressive acumen pertaining to Sharia’ Law; and Mohammed Lemine, who is an insurance disputes specialist. Nidal Alsayed leverages extensive banking and financing expertise to act on disputes in this space. Associates Afraa Alhashmi and Ibrahim Jarjoura also noted.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mohammed Alsuwaidi; Ali Alraeesi; Reda Hegazy; Mohamed Lemine
Autres avocats clés:
Nidal Alsayed; Afraa Alhashmi; Ibrahim Jarjoura
Principaux clients
Lutzker & Lutzker LLP
RSA Insurance
Frost Brown Todd LLC
Union Insurance
Principaux dossiers
- Represented RSA in matter worth AED2,200,000, resulting in various enforcement orders issued to several entities by the Execution Court.
- Representing a client, one of the public service infrastructure companies in Dubai, in a matter relating to the subcontractor’s request from the court to issue a petition order to prevent the client from liquidating the performance bonds for an amount of c. AED280,000,000 million.
Horizons & Co Law Firm LLC
Horizons & Co Law Firm LLC is regularly engaged to handle real estate and construction mandates, acting for both property managers, contractors and developers in contractual, damages, and insurance disputes as well as financial institutions in proceedings regarding project financing. The team has also been active in criminal complaints for defamation and slander, confidentiality breaches and bankruptcy proceedings. Ali Ismael Al Zarooni, who handles criminal, financial and tax disputes alongside construction work, heads the team with Areen Jayousi. Legal manager Lilas Alakhras is noted for her wide-reaching practice and Natasja Pollemans joined from KBH Limited in 2023, adding expertise in international trade and energy disputes. Oliver Dupenois and Paul Suckling left the firm in 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ali Al Zarooni; Areen Jayousi
Autres avocats clés:
Natasja Pollemans; Lilas Alakhras
Les références
‘The team works well together and is geared up to provide good advice to clients. The team is very strong in UAE civil and criminal law advice.’
‘Areen Jayousi has an excellent client service approach and takes great care to understand the issues from the client’s perspective needs. He also handled the matter with great sensitivity and understanding of the positions of the various parties. He is very knowledgeable about UAE laws and has great experience navigating local sensitivities. He provides his advice in a way that is comprehensive but cuts through the complexities to focus on the practical realities of the situation, so that the client can see a way through the noise to a positive outcome.’
‘Horizons is a strong independent UAE law firm. They have very good capabilities in the onshore UAE Courts. They are also very active and visible in the market.’
Principaux clients
HSBC
Horizon Gulf Electromechanical Services LLC
Heriot Watt University Dubai
Arabtec Construction LLC & Belhasa Six Construct LLC (ABJV)
Abaar Investments – PJS subsidiary of Mubadala Investment PJSC
IMKAN Properties LLC
FMC
Constructora San Jose S A, Constructora San Jose S A Abu Dhabi Branch
Tav Tepe Akfen Investment Construction & Operation Company & Consolidated Contracting Engineering & Procurement S.A.L. – Offshore
Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC
Principaux dossiers
- Appointed by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, in relation to execution applications for bounced cheques to the value of AED 130,000,000 and applications for the enforcement of two separate mortgages.
- Act for Horizon Gulf Electromechanical Services LLC as a subcontractor in an almost-240 million-dirham dispute concerning the Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital (AJCSH) construction project.
- Acting for Arabtec Construction LLC & Belhasa Six Construct LLC, who are the parties to a joint venture which constructed one of Dubai’s most prestigious hotels, which was severely damaged by fire during a New Year’s Eve celebration, causing damage valued at AED 1.245 billion.
Ibrahim & Partners
Ibrahim & Partners represents regional and international companies active in sectors including banking and finance, real estate, construction and insurance before the UAE local courts. The team also has notable strength representing clients in financial and organised crime disputes, as well as anti-money laundering issues. Team lead Mohamed Abdelrehiem is active across a wide-array of litigation and arbitration proceedings. Associate Hazem Elbagoury supports on a range of disputes and senior associate Hany Zaid has cross-border disputes expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mohamed Abdelrehiem
Autres avocats clés:
Hazem Elbagoury; Hany Zaid
Les références
‘Dispute resolution team are very professional. ’
‘They can solve and determine the best alternative to win the lawsuits.’
Principaux clients
Ismail Ali Mohamed Ahmed
Omnix International Co. LLC
Sherif Razek
Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar)
Oren Hydrocarbons Middle East FZCO
Noon E Commerce Owned by Noon AD Holdings One Person Company LLC
AOL FZE
Corplease Emirates LTD
Principaux dossiers
- Representing over 15 ex-employees of IBM Middle East FZ-LLC in labour cases against IBM.
- Advised Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) in a dispute with two shipping companies relating to the damage to ship medications being delivered from the UAE to Lebanon.
- Acting for CorpLease Emirates Ltd. in multiple cheque execution cases against four of its clients.
M&CO Legal
Often acting for domestic and international clients in complex, multifaceted disputes, M&CO Legal has a strong bench of practitioners active in contractual, insurance, succession and employee disputes. Founding partner Mahmood Hussain is an esteemed litigator and arbitrator who provides expert opinions in a range of cases, including asset tracing and enforcement awards. Elsayed Mohamed is particularly skilled in civil and criminal law cases and associate Ahmed Usama Rabie also contributes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mahmood Hussain; Elsayed Mohamed; Omar Abou Reslan
Les références
‘They are an exceptionally good firm at local litigation.’
Primecase law Firm
Primecase law Firm acts in disputes involving multijurisdictional industry players, attracting a high volume of instructions from real estate and construction clients. Mohammad Alshraideh leverages extensive market experience to act in a range of disputes regarding contract terminations, corporate restructurings, shareholder contentions and tax claims. Salah Gaballa is also highly present across the firm’s cases, often overseeing bankruptcy and intellectual property rights disputes. Faraj Al Faidi has a diverse book of work that includes family, civil, criminal and labour proceedings. Hussein Al-Momani left the firm in November 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mohammad Alshraideh; Salah Gaballa
Autres avocats clés:
Faraj Al Faidi
Les références
‘Clearly describing the options and the steps to be taken in the case. constant communication: I am always up to date with the situation. Competence: the team is professional, knowledgeable and fully aware of the laws of the country.’
‘The personal touch: Once they believed in my case, they made me feel they are my family fighting with me for my rights. Not just another case the firm has taken on.’
‘What makes this practice unique is the quality of partners’ engagement and the full knowledge of the sector.’
Principaux clients
Mazrui International LLC (UAE)
Emirates National Investment
Al Rostamani Group
The Trustees Panel of KBBO CPG Investment LLC
Emirates Hospitals Group
Prince Raed Bin Zaid
Prince Mir’e Bin Raed
Pjp Investments group LLC
Alwanmed
Quantuma Advisory Limited
Ellington Properties
Tfg Mena HQ
Intermark Global
Elissar Zakarya Khouri
Better Gardens Contracting LLC
Principaux dossiers
- Represented the legal heirs of the late H.R Dr Mohammed K Kherbash against Dubai Land & Dotcom Real Estate LLC before a special committee established by Dubai Courts which deals with all disputes relates to Dubai land.
- Represented Al Mazroui Real Estate LLC against Saadiyat Development and Investment Company in relation to five lawsuits and later the filing of nine lawsuits; the Chief Justice of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department issued a decision to establish a special judicial body to resolve all disputes related to the Al Saadiyat project, with exclusive jurisdiction over all claims filed or to be filed by the client against the counterparty.
- Represented the legal advisers of the trustees panel appointed in relation to the bankruptcy of Emirates Hospital Group.