Department profile
A&O Shearman

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates

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A&O Shearman

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - United Arab Emirates

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

A&O Shearman is an esteemed law firm which has a pre-eminent reputation for corporate and M&A work in the UAE. With offices in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the firm is well recognised for handling high-stakes M&A deals across a wide spectrum of industries, most significantly in financial services, healthcare and education. The team's lawyers are well placed to assist its top-flight client base with joint ventures and disposals, and have further noteworthy expertise in energy and technology-related transactions. The team's other areas of expertise include group restructurings and corporate governance matters.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • A&O Shearman advised Ajlan & Bros on the sale of 100% of its shares in Pure Beverages Industry Company, valued at USD277 million, to Almarai.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • A&O Shearman's ability to blend international standards with regional specificity makes them a highly reliable partner for high-stakes transactions.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • Throughout the course of the deal, what stood out most was the team's remarkable resilience and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • A&O Shearman ensure that we are supported by the leading expert in the relevant area regardless of where they are based, which reflects their commitment to quality.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • A&O Shearman has a deep bench of senior and junior associates who work well with overall partner oversight.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

  • The team works seamlessly across time zones to keep the process moving. Their ability to respond quickly without compromising on quality is a key factor in ensuring the transaction stays on track.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Ibrahim Mubaydeen
    Ibrahim Mubaydeen

    Ibrahim Mubaydeen

    Ibrahim Mubaydeen is a distinguished lawyer who is particularly noted for his handling of transactions relating to power and infrastructure projects. He has led some of the largest M&A transactions in the UAE, most notably within the oil and gas sector, while also excelling at corporate restructuring work. He is the Abu Dhabi managing partner.

    • Ibrahim Mubaydeen's strengths are his knowledge, network and ability to provide practical advice on how to do things.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Khalid Garousha
    Khalid Garousha

    Khalid Garousha

    Khalid Garousha is a highly esteemed lawyer, based in Abu Dhabi, who has a formidable reputation for his work on market-leading M&A transactions. He is also an eminent figure in ECM matters, most significantly in IPOs.

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  • David Foster
    David Foster

    David Foster

    David Foster has fast become a go-to lawyer for market-leading M&A transactions in the UAE. He is very experienced in cross-border mergers, equity investments and joint ventures, acting particularly for clients in the education sector. He holds the position of managing partner for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

    • David Foster is an exceptional legal talent who is also acutely aware of our business and focus areas. He is commercially minded and deeply trusted.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • David Foster is an exceptional lawyer. He explains complex issues clearly and avoids overcomplicating legal concepts.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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  • Ben Ward
    Ben Ward

    Ben Ward

    Ben Ward is the Middle East, Turkey and Africa head of M&A and corporate. He frequently advises on multi-jurisdictional M&A, including disposals and strategic investments. He offers further expertise in the establishment of partnerships and joint ventures.

    • Ben Ward is extremely available, commercial and flexible.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

    • It's just gone from strength to strength thanks to Ben Ward's institutional knowledge combined with his follow-through ability.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at A&O Shearman (4)

United Arab Emirates

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