United Arab Emirates

A&O Shearman was formed in 2024 via the merger of two historic firms, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. A firm of nearly 4,000 lawyers, including 800 partners, working across almost 50 offices in 28 countries, A&O Shearman has the experience, diversity of skills and backgrounds, and global understanding to stay at the forefront of the changes across every sector, market, and jurisdiction around the world.

A&O Shearman is one of the leading international firms in the United Arab Emirates, with lawyers in the key hubs of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The firm acts as trusted advisors to leading domestic and international corporates, investors, and financial institutions, and have long-standing relationships with government agencies and regulatory bodies across the UAE and the wider Middle East.

Highlights

A&O Shearman is particularly strong in banking and finance, advising on complex acquisition, leveraged, project and Islamic financings. The team, led by Samer Eido, recently advised lenders in connection with the USD7 billion Shariah-compliant murabaha facility for the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The debt capital markets team, led by Anzal Mohammed and Sachin Dave, advised in relation to the establishment by ADNOC Murban Sukuk Limited of a Reg S/144A sukuk programme and debut issuance of USD1.5bn trust certificates due 2035 thereunder. The issuance marked the first ever sukuk issuance by the ADNOC Group and the second only public sukuk issuance by a UAE obligor where the sukuk assets are solely comprised of listed shares.

The firm’s award-winning restructuring practice—co-led by Adam Banks and Haris Meyer Hanif—is the only large, dedicated restructuring team in the region and regularly acts on high-profile, court-led restructurings. The firm advised RAK Gas LLC in connection with the circa AED4 billion debt restructuring for JBF RAK LLC; the first significant debt-for-equity transaction of this kind executed under the UAE's onshore bankruptcy law. This won Deal of the Year at IFLR’s Middle East Awards 2025.

Testimonials

“The team demonstrates outstanding expertise in banking and finance, with a strong grasp of complex financial matters.” – Banking and finance

“A&O's regulatory team and banking team is truly one of the best in the region.  Their industry and market knowledge is extremely sound, and they have great relationships with the regulators."– Banking and financial services regulatory

“The team provide exceptional legal advice that is also pragmatic." – Financial services regulatory

“Their response time is very quick and efficient and in terms of cost, they offer great value for money in comparison to other firms in the region.” – Financial services regulatory

“Samer Eido excels at client relationship management and consistently stands out as a trusted and highly effective lawyer.” – Banking and finance

“Anthony Traboulsi brings deep industry insight and technical strength to every matter.” – Banking and finance