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2026 Edition

ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners traces its presence in Bahrain back to 2006. The office advises on Bahraini law and is backed by expertise from its office in Kuwait, where the firm was originally established in 1977. Led by partner David Walker,  of counsel, and recently returned partner Simone del Devo, the firm has top class practices in both corporate and financial practice areas, underpinned by partners Simone del Devo and Amal Lari and associate Ahmed Al-Saeed. The team has a regular presence on the market’s most sophisticated transactions.

 

Highlights  

ASAR Bahrain acted as legal counsel to Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) in connection with its acquisition of 292.8 million shares in Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (ALBA) from SABIC Industrial Investment Company. The firm advised Ma’aden on all Bahrain law aspects of the transaction, including the block trade structure, stock exchange mechanics, regulatory approvals, settlement logistics, and local disclosure obligations. The deal reached financial close in February 2025.  

The team also advised Engie on the sale of its entire shareholding in three Bahraini closed joint stock companies involved in utility infrastructure projects in Bahrain, including the Bahraini operation and maintenance company responsible for operating the Al Ezzel Power Station. This included advising on the transaction structure, regulatory compliance requirements, and reviewing and negotiating the share purchase agreement. 

 

Key Clients  

Burgan Bank; Eskan Bank; Engie; Fajr Capital; Ma’aden 

Haya Rashed Al Khalifa is one of the oldest and most prestigious firms in the market, boasting over 30 years of providing legal advisory services to a diverse and distinguished client base. The firm is known for its work for clients in all aspects of corporate commercial and financial transactions, including banking and finance, restructuring and insolvency, financial services regulatory and M&A . 

Testimonials 2023-2024
“The team offers timely responses, high-availability and accurate analysis.” (M&A)
“Elie Yazbeck is very responsive and understands business and business problems very well. He's client-oriented and always gives accurate feedback on questions addressed to him.”
“Sachin Shaji is an excellent and pragmatic litigator” (M&A)

Key clients 
Bahrain Sugar Refinery, Bahrain Economic Development Board, Bank of America, Bahrain Development Bank, Bahrain Islamic Bank, Kuwait Finance House, Majed Al Futtaim Properties, KHCB, Texel Air

Newton Legal has become a fixture on Bahrain’s local legal market. It is also registered as a foreign legal consultant, a license it has held since 2012. The firm was founded by Joseph Huse and operates out of Manama. The team is led by Bahraini lawyers, most notably Managing Partner Aamal Al Abbasi, who upholds a strong reputation in the local market. The team is especially well known for its corporate practice, where it has a notable record on top M&A, joint-ventures, and corporate restructurings.

 

Highlights  

Newton Legal acted as local counsel to Ithmaar Holdings in the proposed sale of certain assets amounting to USD 695 – 715 million and liabilities amounting to USD 665 – 695 million of the Ithmaar Group (including assets and liabilities of Ithmaar Bank) to GFH. The team advised on al elements of the transaction which relate to Bahraini law, as well as the corporate governance considerations or related to the deal and the completion steps and considerations.  

The team also advised the arrangers in the syndicated shariah complaint multi-currency financing of Eskan Bank. The transaction encompassed a US$ 266,000,000 term facility and a BHD 150,000,000 revolving credit facility, totalling approximately US$ 664,850,000. The transaction closed in June 2024.  

 

Key Clients  

National Bank of Bahrain; Ithmaar Holdings; Ahli United Bank; Mumtalakat Holding Company; Weil, Gotshal & Manges (on behalf of noteholders of Petrofac) 

 

Testimonials 2023-2024
“We have used the firm for its legal opinion on various complex matters. They are an excellent team led by a very professional partner.” (Banking & Fiannce)
“The team advised us on the legal documentation and regulatory process for the divestment of regulated business. Their knowledge, client service and approach to work stands out.” (M&A client)
“Aamal Al Abbasi is very good in client management” (Banking & Finance)
“I would recommend Ahmed Fardan for his work laying down a regulatory plan and drafting of transaction documents.” (Energy)

Dating back to 1921, Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants is Bahrain’s oldest law firm. The firm has offices in Manama and Dubai. It has a strong record on conventional and Islamic finance transactions, with a capacity for Shari’ah-compliant products and financial regulatory advice. 

Highlights
Zu’bi & Partners repeatedly acts for the Ministry of Finance and National Economy and in 2023 advised on a $1 billion sukuk issuance and $1 billion drawdown from its GMTN programme. In the financing space, the team advised HDFC Bank, Bahrain branch, as borrower on a $525 million club financing from a group of international lenders. Showcasing its expertise in public M&A, the firm advised Al Baraka Group on its acquisition by Dallah AlBaraka Holding, which led to the delisting of Al Baraka Group. The deal required an intricate understanding of public M&A regulations and processes. The team also acted for Gulf Tamin on a share acquisition into the listed Arab Insurance Group.

Key clients 
Ministry of Finance and National Economy, HDFC Bank, Al Baraka Group, Gulf Tamin

ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners
5 practice areas
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ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners is a key player in Bahrain’s corporate and finance landscape, advising on both local and international matters across a wide range of sectors, including banking and financial services, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, and healthcare. With nearly 20 years in Bahrain and a broader presence spanning four decades in the Gulf, the firm brings deep market knowledge and regional connectivity to its work.

The Bahrain team provides comprehensive support on corporate and financial matters, from complex crossborder transactions to day-to-day advisory work. ASAR is known for delivering clear, commercially focused guidance that helps clients navigate high-value deals, regulatory frameworks, and strategic growth opportunities in Bahrain and across the region. The firm’s clients include multinational corporations, regional financial institutions, investment funds, government entities, and leading Bahraini businesses.

Baker McKenzie
9 practice areas
View profile
Bahrain
Norton Rose Fulbright
8 practice areas
View profile
Bahrain
Freshfields
10 practice areas
View profile
Bahrain
Trowers & Hamlins
9 practice areas
View profile
Bahrain
Ahmed Zaki Yamani
5 practice areas
View profile
Bahrain
Jalila Sayed Attorneys & Legal Consultants
3 practice areas
View profile
Bahrain
Hassan Radhi & Associates
6 practice areas
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Dr. Hassan Ali Radhi founded Hassan Radhi Law Office in 1974. Later, Hassan Radhi Law Office associated itself with the U.S. legal firm Coudert Brothers and both established an international business law firm in the name of "Coudert Brothers in association with Hassan Radhi" and worked together for eight years. In 1994, Hassan Radhi & Associates (HRA) came into existence with the induction of partners. 

Currently HRA has Nine partners including Dr. Hassan Ali Radhi who is the senior partner of the firm and other partners are Ms. Noor Hassan Radhi, Mr. Sayed Jaffer Mohamed, Mr. Jalil Al Aradi, Ms. Noora Janahi, Mr. Mohsin Al Alawi, Ms. Fatima Al Ali, Mr. Hassan Al Nawah and Mr. Qassim Alfardan. The number of attorneys presently working at the office, including the partners, is 17, apart from the trainee lawyers, paralegals and administrative staff.

Today HRA topped the list of the most reputable and leading law firms in Bahrain and in the Gulf region with an extensive range of legal expertise. HRA provides an exceptional legal services to leading businesses in Bahrain and around the world and always staying true to the guiding values and principles and providing outstanding legal services to clients, especially in Banking, Corporate and Finance sectors with high professional standards.

The Firm's lawyers render consultation services on every facet of law related to business in Bahrain. The lawyers have been educated at prestigious universities from Bahrain, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Jordan and Bangladesh.

HRA is the exclusive member firm in Bahrain for Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms with in-depth experience in 100+ countries worldwide.  HRA clients are the ultimate beneficiaries of the worldwide reach and access to exceptional global legal expertise that membership in Lex Mundi provides.

HRA has received a number of prestigious national and international awards, particularly for its achievements in individual areas of law and in different jurisdictions. HRA has been consistently listed among the top law firms in the region by the world’s largest legal referral guides such us IFLR1000, Chambers and Partners, Legal500 and others.

PRO BONO WORK: Hassan Radhi & Associates prides itself in assisting the less privileged by rendering free legal advice and representing them before the Bahraini courts without charging any fee. There is no distinction in our treatment to fee paying clients and pro bono clients and full care and attention is provided to both.

HRA vision: “We strive to be a leader in providing comprehensive, professional and creative legal solutions to fully meet the confidence and expectations of our clients locally and internationally”.

Haya Rashed Al Khalifa
5 practice areas
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Haya Rashed Al Khalifa is a full service legal practice and regarded as one of the most prominent and dynamic law firms in Bahrain. With over 30 years of litigation and transactional experience, we are endowed with a long-standing tradition of excellence and we enjoy a distinguished reputation for the quality of its legal advice, delivering highly professional, responsive and cost-effective services tailored to the needs of those whose interests it represents and serves.

Associates of Haya Rashed Al Khalifa Attorneys are well known as dynamic legal advisors with a unique breadth of expertise concentrated on procuring solutions that are innovative and practical.

We have a reputation for providing an exceptional legal service and are renowned for our commitment to excellence and for our ability to find innovative solutions to the most complex of legal problems. Please feel free to visit our website at www.hraklf.com for further information

Charles Russell Speechlys
9 practice areas
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Bahrain
Zu'bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants
6 practice areas
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Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants is a leading international Bahraini top-tier legal services provider in the sectors of banking and finance, corporate, civil, commercial, litigation and arbitration services. For the past 101 years, the firm has been providing its clients with the highest quality legal advice. The firm has an exceptional reputation for dealing with unconventional issues and providing innovative solutions specifically tailored to meet its local and international clients’ legal and commercial needs. The firm regularly advises and partners with other international law firms on major infrastructure projects and financing.

Al-Twaijri & Partners View profile
Bahrain
Al Jabal and associates View profile
Bahrain
Elham Ali Hassan & Associates
6 practice areas
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Celebrating 30 years of excellence in 2022, EAH Law is a leading honest and reliable Bahrain law firm with offices at the prestigious Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama. The firm is accustomed to dealing with and advising multi-national organizations, financial institutions, governments, international law firms, and high net-worth individuals at the forefront with a commitment to market leading client service. Renowned partners Elham Ali Hassan (LLB, LLM (Berkley)) and Essa Jawahery (LLB, LLM (London), FCIArb) are both admitted to the Court of Cassation, the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution, and leading international arbitration institutions.  

Dalal Al Zayed and associates View profile
Bahrain
Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates
5 practice areas
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Bahrain
DLA Piper
7 practice areas
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Bahrain
Newton Legal
6 practice areas
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Newton Legal is a Bahrain-based international law firm established in 2012 with the objective of providing worldclass legal services throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain and the GCC region.

At Newton Legal, we rely on our lawyers’ international and local experience, and our firm’s trusted reputation to provide effective legal representation to clients across the region. Our structured approach allows us to advise on issues in a way which is tailored to each client’s exceptional, multifaceted and occasionally politically sensitive transactions. Our clients include businesses ranging from multinational corporations as well as Bahraini governmental clients such as the Office of H.R.H First Deputy Prime Minister, the Office of H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Jawad Al Arrayed, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and the Economic Development Board (EDB). 

Much of our practice is devoted to representing clients involved in the oil and gas, banking and finance, and real estate industries. We represent many of Bahrain’s leading companies, and companies worldwide turn to us when they need experienced legal counsel in Bahrain.

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Deal Highlights
21 results21 results
Deal Name Deal Date Firm Name Jurisdiction Deal Type Lawyer Names Client Names Client Role
nogaholding - Bond Issue
2021-04-01
A&O Shearman
Bahrain
Bond issue
HSBC, Gulf International Bank BSC
Underwriter
nogaholding - Bond Issue
2021-01-01
A&O Shearman
Bahrain
Bond issue
JP Morgan Chase
Underwriter
nogaholding - Bond Issue
2021-04-01
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
Bond issue
HSBC, Gulf International Bank BSC
Underwriter
nogaholding - Bond Issue
2021-01-01
Latham & Watkins
Bahrain
Bond issue
nogaholding
Issuer
nogaholding - Bond Issue
2021-04-01
Latham & Watkins
Bahrain
Bond issue
nogaholding
Issuer
nogaholding - Bond Issue
2021-01-01
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
Bond issue
JP Morgan Chase
Underwriter
nogaholding - Bond Issue
2021-04-01
Zu'bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants
Bahrain
Bond issue
nogaholding
Issuer
nogaholding - Bond Issue
2021-01-01
Zu'bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants
Bahrain
Bond issue
nogaholding
Issuer
GFH Financial Group - Restructuring
2020-12-06
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
Restructuring
Noor Hassan Radhi, Noora Janahi, Fatima Al Ali
GFH Financial Group
Debtor
Barclays Bank - Secondary share offering
2021-01-28
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
Secondary share offering
Noor Hassan Radhi, Noora Janahi
Barclays Bank
Underwriter
Electricity and Water Authority of Bahrain and Ministry of Finance - Project finance
2022-02-26
Freshfields
Bahrain
Project finance
Harnek Shoker
Electricity and Water Authority of Bahrain and Ministry of Finance
Project developer
Garmco Reorganization - Restructuring
2022-02-24
Newton Legal
Bahrain
Restructuring
Garmco Reorganization
Debtor
Garmco Reorganization - Securitisation
2022-02-24
Newton Legal
Bahrain
Securitisation
Garmco Reorganization
Debtor
Jawad Reorganization - Restructuring
2022-02-24
Newton Legal
Bahrain
Restructuring
Jawad Reorganization
Creditor
Jawad Reorganization - Securitisation
2022-02-24
Newton Legal
Bahrain
Securitisation
Jawad Reorganization
Creditor
Guangdong Champion Asia Electronics Co Ltd - M&A
2021-11-23
Guantao Law Firm
Bahrain
M&A
Huang Yaping Luo Zengjin
Guangdong Champion Asia Electronics Co Ltd
Acquirer
Ithmaar Bank B.S.C. (Closed), Ithmaar Holding B.S.C. and IB Capital B.S.C. (Closed) (together, the “Sellers”) - M&A
2022-06-29
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
M&A
Noor Hassan Radhi , Noora Janahi and Saifuddin Mahmood
Ithmaar Bank B.S.C. (Closed), Ithmaar Holding B.S.C. and IB Capital B.S.C. (Closed) (together, the “Sellers”)
Seller
GFH Financial Group B.S.C. - Sukuk
2022-03-15
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
Sukuk
NOOR Hassan Radhi, Noora Janahi, Fatima Al Ali and Saifuddin Mahmood
GFH Financial Group B.S.C.
Initial purchaser
Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, National Bank of Bahrain B.S.C. and Citibank N.A., London Branch (the Arrangers) - Sukuk
2022-10-10
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
Sukuk
Noor Hassan Radhi, Noora Janahi and Saifuddin Mahmood
Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, National Bank of Bahrain B.S.C. and Citibank N.A., London Branch (the Arrangers)
Initial purchaser
Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, National Bank of Bahrain B.S.C. and Citibank N.A., London Branch (the Arrangers) - Bond issue
2022-10-10
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
Bond issue
Noor Hassan Radhi, Noora Janahi and Saifuddin Mahmood
Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, National Bank of Bahrain B.S.C. and Citibank N.A., London Branch (the Arrangers)
Initial purchaser
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By Firm
7 results7 results
Firm Name Jurisdiction Total Deals Deals (Last 12 Months)
A&O Shearman
2
0
Freshfields
Bahrain
1
0
Guantao Law Firm
1
0
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Bahrain
9
0
Latham & Watkins
2
0
Newton Legal
Bahrain
4
0
Zu'bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants
Bahrain
2
0
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