Department profile
CMS

Construction

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates


CMS

Rankings

About

Provided by CMS

CMS was one of the first firms to recognise construction law as a specialist area and create a dedicated team over 30 years ago. The team in the UAE is one of the foremost construction teams in the country with an extensive and impressive client base. They are experts in UAE construction and have excellent construction capability and expertise across the Middle East and Africa. 

Unique Client Base

Their lawyers are recognised for their track record in advising on the largest, most technically complex projects in the region and for successfully resolving associated major domestic and international disputes. They act for employers, contractors and consultants, which gives a 360 degree view of the industry and the best practices. 

  • Government agencies - Government of Ras Al Khaimah Wastewater Agency, Government of Ras Al Khaimah Waste Management Agency, ZonesCorp
  • Developers - Gulf Data Hub, Global Student Accommodation, Acropole
  • Contractors - Bester Generacion, KAMCO General Contracting
  • Consulting firms –  Mott MacDonald, Ernst & Young, Obermeyer
  • Oil and gas multinationals - Lukoil, Eni, Dragon Oil, Petrobras, Bowleven, Gazprom Neft
  • Major family conglomerates – Al Ghurair, Al Hokair Group, Sabban Group, Al Rajhi Group
  • Private equity houses - Abraaj Group

Clients (7)

  • Ernst & Young
  • Abraaj Group
  • ZonesCorp
  • RAKWA
  • Fawaz Al Hokair Group
  • Bester Generacion
  • Gulf Data Hub

Industries (8)

  • Infrastructure
  • Construction
  • Energy
  • Real Estate Development
  • Hotels & Hospitality
  • Waste
  • Water
  • Wastewater

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - United Arab Emirates

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

The Dubai office of CMS maintains a strong focus on construction issues in the sphere of infrastructure. The firm is able to advise on both transactional and contentious work, and possesses a wealth of experience in acting for contractors. Its lawyers are also skilled in acting on construction disputes related to energy projects.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team's deep knowledge, extensive experience and impressive client portfolio in the construction sector truly set it apart.

    Construction respondentGlobal
  • CMS is our go-to law firm for high-value construction disputes. It delivers impeccable client service and achieves exceptional results.

    Construction respondentGlobal
  • CMS has a very well-informed, professional team who is simply on top of every issue and very organised, making stakeholders feel at ease.

    Construction respondentGlobal
  • CMS has a very experienced team with a great ability to work closely with clients and give tailored advice based on its extensive knowledge of the construction industry in the region.

    Construction respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 5Greg Sibbald
    Band 5Greg Sibbald

    Greg Sibbald

    Greg Sibbald is well recognised for his increasingly high-profile construction disputes work. He represents several multi-jurisdictional clients in arbitration proceedings arising out of large-scale infrastructure matters.

    • Greg Sibbald is truly a master of his craft when it comes to construction disputes.

      Construction respondentGlobal
    • He is an outstanding lawyer who is dedicated to his profession and a pleasure to work with.

      Construction respondentGlobal
    • Greg is a fantastic lawyer with huge amounts of experience.

      Construction respondentGlobal
    • Greg is very professional, responsive and has a great strategic mind.

      Construction respondentGlobal
  • United Arab Emirates, expertise based abroad in UKAdrian J Bell
    United Arab Emirates, expertise based abroad in UKAdrian J Bell

    Adrian J Bell

    Adrian Bell frequently advises on construction disputes in the UAE, with a focus on matters arising out of large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. Based in London, he was appointed joint managing director for Asia and the Middle East in 2025.

    • He is a real star of the construction world.

      Construction respondentGlobal
    • Adrian Bell is a real pleasure to work with and is an exceptional lawyer.

      Construction respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at CMS (2)

United Arab Emirates

Members

Provided by CMS

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