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Ibrahim. N. Partners is an independent law firm with offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, known for its strong regional expertise across corporate, commercial, and financial matters. The firm advises local and international clients on M&A and regulatory work and is particularly well known for its expertise in equity capital markets, where it has consistently maintained a Tier 1 ranking.
Highlights
The capital markets team, led by Ahmed Ibrahim, acted as the Issuers’ counsel for Talabat Holding in its IPO on the Dubai Financial Market. This was first tech listing in the UAE and the largest of its kind globally, winning Equity Deal of the Year at the IFLR Middle East Awards 2025.
INP acted as UAE issuer’s counsel for Lulu Retail Holdings PLC (“Lulu Retail “) in connection with its highly anticipated IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
The firm acted as the issuer's counsel for Drake & Scull in the successful offering of new shares through a capital increase. The restructuring won Impact Transaction of the Year by IFLR in 2024.
Key clients
Talabat Holding, Lulu Retail, Spinneys 1961, Drake & Scull, Alef Education, Dubai Taxi Company PJSC (DTC), BlueFive Investments Holding Limited, Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC, Primestack Pte Ltd (COINDCX)
Testimonials
2025
- “The team’s knowledge, expertise, and attention to detail are exceptional.” – Capital Markets (Equity)
- “The team provides timely advice and are highly business-oriented.” – M&A
- “They demonstrate strong expertise, quick turnaround time, and great availability.” – Project Finance
- “He is the first choice when it comes to capital markets in the UAE.” – Ahmed Ibrahim, Capital Markets Partner
- “Excellent in M&A and corporate matters.” – Malack El Masry, Corporate Partner
- “Provides good and sound advice.” – Malack El Masry, Corporate Partner
2024
- "The firm is well versed of UAE regulations which allowed them to recommend transaction structure and terms that will be accepted by the local regulator.” – Equity capital markets
- “Their responsiveness, documentation and strategy are unparalleled.” – Equity capital markets
Matouk Bassiouny is a full-service law firm headquartered in Cairo founded by highly regarded lawyers, Omar S Bassiouny who is also the Group Head of Corporate and M&A, and F John Matouk who is the Group Head of Dispute Resolution. The firm established its branch offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2018. The firm is an expert in advising on corporate and commercial matters including mergers and acquisitions.
Highlights
Matouk Bassiouny acted as lead counsel to Connect Money in connection with its USD 8 million seed funding round. The team, led by Mohamed Essam, advised on all aspects of the transaction, including structuring, negotiation, documentation, and closing. The deal closed in June 2024.
The firm also acted as lead counsel to Synapse Analytics in connection with securing USD 2 million. The team was led by Mohamed Essam and was responsible for the funding round and handling all matters related to the transaction’s legal efficacy, negotiation, and closing. The transaction closed in August 2024.
Of counsel Stefano Beghi joined the Corporate and M&A team from Seyfarth Shaw in May 2025.
Key Clients
Money Fellows; Spark Education Platform; Development Partners International; Beco Capital; Blnk
Meysan traces its presence in the Middle East back to 2015. The firm was awarded the Rising Star Law firm of the Middle East the same year it was established. Recently the firm launched its London offices in 2023 with the intention of bringing together leading legal talent in the Middle East and the United Kingdom. Meysan prides itself on having extensive expertise in UAE laws and advising on complex transactional matters, led by Managing Partner Bader El-Jeaan.
Highlights
Meysan acted for Al Khair National for Stocks and Real Estate Co. W.L.L. in connection with the divestment of its 37.58% majority stake in Gulf Cement Company P.S.C. As lead counsel, the team was responsible for the structuring of the transaction; drafting and negotiating the share purchase agreement and disclosure letter; and advising on capital markets regulations, merger control, and other legal considerations. The transaction closed in February 2025 and was led by Bader El-Jeaan and Tarek Yehya.
The firm also advised on the migration of Al Farwaniya Property Developments Limited to the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) jurisdiction. The team, led by Bader El-Jeaan, contributed to the designing and execution of the strategic legal roadmap for the migration, which included advising on legal restructuring of corporate governance, ensuring compliance with ADGM regulations, and preparing and coordinating the commercial contracts and counterparties’ communications. The transaction closed in September 2024.
Partner Hasa Rizvi joined the Corporate team from RIAA Barker Gillette (Middle East) in July 2025.
Key Clients
Agility Logistics; Al Khair National for Stocks and Real Estate Co. W.L.L and Gulf National Holding Co. KSCC; Logic (Logic Information Systems FZ LLC); Al Farwaniya Property Developments Limited (Reem Mall); Al Massaleh Real Estate Company KSCP
AX Law is a new generation law firm dedicated to delivering first-class legal services. The firm has a team of lawyers with great wealth of experience and licensed to practise law in various jurisdictions. The deal team is being led by partners Karim Fawaz and Ashleigh Bruce. The firm deals with the most complex projects in the region and regularly advises clients from public and private sectors on transformative projects with a specificic focus on technology projects including data centres.
Afridi & Angell is a UAE full-service law firm founded in 1975. The firm boasts of being one of the first in the UAE market and prides itself on being a multi-specialist. The firm can advise local, regional and international clients on transactions particularly known for its banking and M&A practice. Afridi & Angell has the capacity to handle the most high-profile and complex deals in the UAE.
Greenberg Traurig has its history traced back to 1967 when it was established in South Florida. Greenberg Traurig opened its UAE offices in 2023 when it received a license to practice in the UAE. The UAE team handles complex domestic and cross-border transactional work spanning from mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures to corporate structuring among others.
Alem & Associates is a fast-paced Lebanese law firm founded in 1953 by senior partner Mohamed Y Alem. The firm has spread its tentacles to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh. Alem & Associates has extensive experience in advising clients within the Middle East. The team is known for its M&A practice where it advises on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic transactions. The firm prides itself on having a deep understanding of UAE regulations and market dynamics.
Hadef & Partners is a leading independent UAE law firm established in 1980 by Hadef Al Dhaheri. The firm has over 100 lawyers in its offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The firm boasts of advising on complex and strategic projects and transactions in the UAE. The deal team is led by managing partner Sadiq Jafar. The team advises on domestic and cross-border transactions, mostly in the banking and M&A practice areas.
Trowers & Hamlins is an international law firm with broad practice. The firm’s presence in the UAE could be traced back to 1991. Trowers & Hamlins boasts of being a pioneer in Dubai legal market with expertise and commercial connections across the region. The team consists of notable UAE lawyers such as Martin Amison. The firm has an active M&A practice where it mostly advises on divestitures and acquisitions.
Rasma Legal is a UAE-headquartered multi-service law firm founded in 2007 by Mazen Rasamny. The firm offers clients exceptional regulatory experience in the UAE, KSA and across the GCC region, specifically in the financial services and financial technology sectors. Rasma Legal has a strong focus on corporate advisory work with a good record of steering companies through complex mergers and acquisitions, private equity and other significant corporate transactions in the Middle East.
Simmons & Simmons is an international law firm headquartered in London. The firm was founded in 1896 and has been working in the UAE for more than 25 years. The deal team includes a lot of highly regarded practitioners such as partner James Coleman. It is mostly known for its award-winning banking practice specifically Islamic finance led by partner Aditi Sanyal. The team regularly advises on complex and high-value transactional matters across technology, media and telecommunications sectors.
White & Case is a global law firm established in 1901. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in the America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa. The firm boasts of having a cross-border integrated law practice with local, US and English-qualified lawyers across its offices. The firm’s presence in the UAE could be traced to 2007 when it opened its office in Abu Dhabi and further expanded into Dubai in 2013. The UAE team is led by partner Abdulwahid Alulama.
Highlights
In the Middle East the firm is renowned for projects work and its Dubai based capital markets team is one of the region’s strongest on the debt side.
In the banking and finance area the firm advises on large financing transactions and is particularly active in project finance in the energy sector.
In the project area the firm is experienced and active for sponsors on transport and pet-chem developments locally and regionally.
Chicago-headquartered Baker McKenzie is well recognised around the world, including the Middle Eastern region. In Qatar they opened their office in 2011 and the firm operates out of Doha and is led by Ian Siddell, co-managing Partner of the Bahrain and Doha offices.
The firm’s work focuses on projects, particularly infrastructure projects, and the firm are strong in banking and corporate work and boasts sectoral strength in defense and infrastructure.
Key clients
The firm’s key clients list features the likes of Saudi Binladin Group, The Commercial Bank, Qatar National Bank and DBS Bank.
Hourani & Partners is a prominent Middle Eastern law firm with a history of over 40 years. The deal team is led by managing partner Chadi Hourani and supported by a bench of seasoned practitioners. The team is widely recognised for its standout banking, capital markets and M&A capabilities, and is instructed on sophisticated, cross-border mandates. The firm serves a variety of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, private equity funds, publicly listed companies, commercial and investment banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.
Highlights
Hourani & Partners advised a consortium of investors led by RRJ Capital in their $600 million private equity investment in VistaJet via the issuance of convertible preference shares. Hourani acted as UAE and DIFC counsel. The transaction closed in March 2025 and was led by Rudolf Goldschmidt.
The firm also advised Emirates District Cooling (EMICOOL) in connection with its acquisition of Al Reef Cooling LLC. Acting as lead counsel, the team was involved in negotiating and advising on multiple operational agreements, including a cooling service agreement, a security deposits agreement, and a master chilled water service agreement. The transaction was led by Chadi Hourani.
Counsel Julian Awwad joined the Corporate M&A team from GLA & Co in September 2024. Güven Maviş departed the Corporate M&A team in April 2025.
Key Clients
Emirates District Cooling (EMICOOL); Delivery Hero SE and Talabat; Abu Dhabi Capital Group (ADCG); A consortium of investors led by RRJ Capital; Humania GCC Holding Limited
PwC Legal has a global presence in more than 160 countries. The firm’s team in the UAE belongs to a global M&A and restructuring network. The firm specialises in M&A transactions and corporate restructuring, with specified focus on carve-outs, group simplifications and reorganisations. The firm operates across a range of sectors with particular expertise in retail, industrials, financial services and energy sectors.
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
Anjarwalla Collins & Haidermota traces its presence in the UAE back to 2010. The firm is in Dubai and acts as the regional office of ALN. The firm has a talented team of international lawyers with significant experience in handling cross-border transactions, led by country partner Adil Shafi and senior partner Atiq Anjarwalla. The firm has a robust banking and M&A practice handling sophisticated corporate and financial transactions including mergers and acquisitions, syndicated financing and bilateral loan transactions.
Bracewell is an international law firm headquartered in Houston, Texas. The firm was founded in 1945 in the US and has presence in London and Dubai. The UAE team is led by managing partner Christopher Williams. With operations in the UAE since 2007, it has maintained solid projects practice in the region specifically in energy and infrastructure developments. Bracewell’s energy and projects practice in the UAE is led by partner Andrej Kormuth.
London-headquartered multinational “Magic Circle” law firm Clifford Chance opened its first office in the UAE in 1975 and now has office locations in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The firm is known for its stellar reputation as market leader across diverse practice areas. The team in Dubai is being led by managing partner Mohammed Al-Shukairy whilst partner Mohamed Hamra-Krouha leads the Abu Dhabi team. The firm has a tier one ranking across all practice areas in the UAE.
Highlights
The firm remarkably advised Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank as Lenders on the £2.2 billion public to private acquisition financing for Brookfield.
In Equity Capital Markets, the firm acted as counsel to ADES Holding Company on its US $1.2 billion IPO the largest IPO in MENA region in 2023.
The firm’s project team advised ENGIE, Orascom Construction, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Eurus, Energy Holdings Corporation (as Sponsors) on all aspects of the development of a 500MW BOO Wind Power Project in Egypt.
Key clients
ADNOC, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates, HSBC Bank Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank.
Walkers is an international offshore law firm headquartered in the Cayman Islands. The firm was formed in 1964 with its Dubai office opening in 2005. Led by managing partner Daniel Wood and supported by well-seasoned practitioners such as partner Ciaran Bohnacker, the firm has a top notch financial and corporate practice. The firm is well known for its cross-border legal advice in banking, investment funds and restructuring/insolvency.
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.
We act 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.
We leverage our international strength and sophisticated knowledge of the region’s legal systems to deliver top-tier advice in M&A, project development, finance and capital markets (including Islamic finance), funds, real estate, litigation, and arbitration.
Clifford Chance is a powerhouse across the financial and corporate sphere with highly rated partners and a deep bench in almost all areas. One of the world’s pre-eminent law firms, the firm has a significant depth and range of resources across five continents.
BSA LAW is a leading regional law firm based in the Middle East with eight offices spanning five countries. The firm's diverse team of more than 100 lawyers represents 35 different cultural backgrounds and speaks more than 30 languages, offering clients a broad, globally informed perspective.
As market leaders in emerging sectors, BSA LAW is dedicated to partnering with clients to support a sustainable and forward-thinking future. More than a traditional law firm, BSA LAW serves as a catalyst for collaboration, creating synergy and driving transformative change.
Founded two decades ago, BSA LAW has grown organically by nurturing talent and investing in people. The firm is recognized as a trusted advisor, offering flexibility, deep expertise, dynamic fee structures and a strong focus on building personal long-term client relationships.
Clients value BSA LAW for delivering clear, actionable advice paired with strategic insights and risk assessments that contribute directly to success in navigating complex challenges.
This ethos guides all aspects of the firm's work, whether supporting emerging startups, multinational corporations, pro bono initiatives or employee development programs. BSA LAW prioritizes a holistic clientcentered approach to achieve sustainable outcomes.
White & Case is a truly global law firm, uniquely positioned to help our clients achieve their ambitions in today's G20 world. As a pioneering international law firm, our cross-border experience and diverse team of local, US and English-qualified lawyers consistently deliver results for our clients. n both established and emerging markets, our lawyers are integral, long-standing members of the community, giving our clients insights into the local business environment alongside our experience in multiple jurisdictions. We work with some of the world's most respected and well-established banks and businesses, as well as start-up visionaries, governments and state-owned entities.
Our name says it all: our namesake, Tribonian, the architect of the Roman Civil Code, was more than a jurist. He was a trusted legal advisor to Emperor Justinian guiding him through complex legal issues and reforms. Likewise, our lawyers are known to be trusted legal advisors and solution-oriented on complex transactions.
Tribonian Law Advisors (TLA) was founded in 2012 and stands as a beacon of superior quality, unmatched expertise and exceptional client service in the Middle East legal market. At the helm is U.S.-qualified lawyer Rindala Beydoun with experience as a partner (including GCC managing partner) at leading US law firms and whose leadership pushes the boundaries of conventional legal practice. TLA specializes in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate Finance and Private Equity, areas in which our partners Carlo Pianese and Emile Boulos have accrued significant experience at leading international firms such as Allen & Overy, Herbert Smith Freehills and Vinson & Elkins.
Led by our UAE office Managing Partner, Ahmed Ibrahim, our lawyers are experts in advising on all aspects of UAE laws. Our UAE offices are well placed to provide legal support across the GCC.
We advise local and international companies on a full range of issues from contentious and non-contentious corporate and commercial matters, including major project work, establishing and conducting business across the Emirates, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, employment matters, distributions and franchise arrangements.
Our capital markets team is the most active ECM team in the UAE, having led almost all the IPOs and rights issues in the UAE, including two UAE issuers listed on London Stock Exchange.
Our UAE lawyers are experts in advising on all aspects of UAE law. Our Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices are also well-placed to provide local legal support across the GCC.
We advise both local and international companies on a full range of issues from contentious and non-contentious corporate and commercial matters, including major product work, establishing and conducting business across the Emirates, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, employment matters, property, distributions and franchise arrangements.
Meysan’s UAE office advises corporates, investors, funds, state-owned entities, financial institutions, family businesses, and high-net-worth individuals on complex corporate transactions, restructurings, regulatory matters, and strategic commercial arrangements across the UAE and the wider region.
The team combines deep knowledge of UAE law with extensive regional and international experience, enabling it to support clients on sophisticated domestic and cross-border mandates. The practice is regularly instructed on matters involving M&A, corporate restructurings, capital markets, financing, real estate, regulatory compliance, private client matters, project development, and emerging sectors including digital assets, AI, financial services, and technology.
Meysan’s UAE corporate team advises clients throughout the full transaction lifecycle, including structuring, due diligence, negotiation of transaction documents, regulatory approvals, governance matters, disclosure obligations, implementation, completion mechanics, and post-completion matters. The team is particularly experienced in handling transactions that require coordination across multiple jurisdictions, complex regulatory analysis, and careful management of shareholder, board, and market disclosure requirements.
Hourani & Partners is one of the leading commercial law firms in the Middle East. The firm is led by a team of former “Big Law” attorneys who share a common belief – to establish a successful legal practice in the region, you have to be fully committed to the markets you serve. By being true local experts, maintaining a dedicated presence on the ground, and continuously providing exceptional levels of service, Hourani & Partners distinguishes itself from others.
Through our expansive office network, we offer clients a full suite of legal services across a range of practice areas, sectors and industries. Backed by legal professionals with cross-jurisdictional legal expertise and varied linguistic capabilities (including Afrikaans, Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Romanian, Spanish and Turkish), our clients entrust us with their most complex strategic transactions, as well as their day-to-day legal matters. Today, our client base ranges from Fortune 500 companies to private equity funds, publicly listed companies, commercial and investment banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and family conglomerates from across the Middle East, North America and Europe.
Founded in 1951, Paul Hastings has grown into a global powerhouse with more than 1,500 lawyers in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
The firm provides superior intellectual capital and execution to the world’s leading investment banks, asset managers and corporations. With elite teams in 17 core practices, we have earned a well-deserved reputation as a top international firm, with a trajectory of continued growth and success.
Our teams work closely with clients to understand their unique businesses and anticipate the challenges that may lay ahead. Our efforts helping them secure the best possible results in their most important matters have earned us a wide range of industry-leading honors and awards.
