Department profile
HFW

Insurance

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates

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HFW

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Insurance - United Arab Emirates

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

HFW maintains a skilled contentious insurance practice in the UAE, with lawyers based in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The team is best known for its work on behalf of policyholders and its strong experience relating to aviation insurance. It also acts for a wide range of Middle East-based insurers. The firm has considerable abilities in marine and construction insurance, in addition to growing strengths in computer crime and cyber liability claims. Team members also advise on non-contentious issues.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • HFW advised Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance on its retrocession arrangements arising from a ship repairer's liability risk policy.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have proactive thinking for any potential issues and provide a hands-on approach from the partners.

    Insurance respondentGlobal

  • HFW has outside-the-box thinking, the capacity to find non-standard, creative solutions and commercial awareness. It focuses on adding value to the business needs, rather than just legal.

    Insurance respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Sam Wakerley
    Sam Wakerley

    Sam Wakerley

    Sam Wakerley heads the firm’s regional insurance and reinsurance department from his base in Dubai. He is a leading lawyer for contentious issues within the field, including under marine insurance and business interruption policies.

    • He has great commercial awareness and is excellent at strategy.

      Insurance respondentGlobal

    • Sam Wakerley has strong technical expertise and local knowledge, with a pragmatic approach and ability to flag all possible scenarios and solutions.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
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  • John Barlow
    John Barlow

    John Barlow

    John Barlow heads the regional financial institutions and regulatory practice, dividing his time between Dubai and Riyadh. He frequently acts for banks and export credit agencies on insurance matters relating to their lending activities.

    • Dealing with John Barlow is like having another member of your internal team, not a third-party external consultant.

      Insurance respondentGlobal

    • His professionalism, client-centric approach and effective communication have been instrumental in the success of our projects.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
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  • Thomas Neighbour
    Thomas Neighbour

    Thomas Neighbour

    Senior associate Thomas Neighbour has a growing profile within the insurance industry, having advised on a number of high-profile business interruption, construction and liability claims.

    • Thomas Neighbour is a solid insurance lawyer who provides sound advice on a consistent basis.

      Insurance respondentGlobal

    • Thomas Neighbour has great attention to details and is always responsive, with excellent turnaround times.

      Insurance respondentGlobal
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  • Justin Whelan
    Justin Whelan

    Justin Whelan

    Justin Whelan has extensive experience assisting clients with business interruption cases. He is also noted for his handling of insurance and reinsurance litigation, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and data protection claims. He recently relocated to the Riyadh office of HFW from Abu Dhabi.

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Ranked Individuals at HFW (4)

United Arab Emirates

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