Department profile
King & Spalding LLP

Corporate/M&A

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates


King & Spalding LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - United Arab Emirates

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

King & Spalding is a strong law firm for corporate and M&A work in the UAE and is known for having specific expertise in transactions relating to Saudi Arabia. The firm is especially well versed in corporate matters arising in the energy sector, including in the petrochemicals arena as well as with regard to renewables. The team offers further expertise in the healthcare, retail and real estate industries and is well endorsed for its capabilities in private equity and venture capital, drawing upon the strength of its market-leading investment funds practice. The team's clientele commonly includes multinational corporations, government entities and private equity firms.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • King & Spalding advised ADNOC on its acquisition of a 35% interest in a USD7 billion low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia project located in Texas, USA.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • King & Spalding are always quick to mobilise resources. Their willingness to adapt to our timelines and needs, sometimes on very short notice, reflects a genuine dedication to client service.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • The lawyers at King & Spalding are very user-friendly. They can provide commercial support and work well with the broader transactional team.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • King & Spalding's responsiveness and availability are definitely its strongest points. The team works well together, showing excellent internal coordination and communication.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Partners at King & Spalding have experience across a wide number of sectors and jurisdictions, which adds to the depth of knowledge that they bring to transactions in this region.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • The team at King & Spalding demonstrates outstanding responsiveness, delivering well-considered advice and options.

    Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Nabil Issa
    Band 2Nabil Issa

    Nabil Issa

    Middle East managing partner Nabil Issa is a well-known lawyer with a remarkably broad practice that encompasses M&A, private equity and investment funds. He splits his time between Dubai and Riyadh and is widely esteemed for his expertise concerning the Saudi Arabian market.
  • Band 3Simon Fraser
    Band 3Simon Fraser

    Simon Fraser

    Abu Dhabi-based Simon Fraser is a seasoned lawyer in sales and acquisitions, particularly when it comes to representing clients in the energy and oil and gas sectors. He is also regularly involved in Kuwait-related deals.

    • Simon Fraser brings a wealth of experience. He provides thoughtful, strategic and practical advice, always with a wider perspective.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Simon Fraser brings many years of experience and a calm and thoughtful approach.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Simon Fraser is an outstanding attorney, very knowledgeable and able to concisely explain issues and offer resolutions.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Simon Fraser's ability to listen and respond in a way that feels genuinely tailored makes working with him both efficient and reassuring.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Simon is so good at calming everything down and putting it in perspective. He doesn't get frazzled by anything and he's great at giving comfort to the parties involved.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Up and ComingMatt Hartsuyker
    Up and ComingMatt Hartsuyker

    Matt Hartsuyker

    Matt Hartsuyker is based in the Abu Dhabi office of King & Spalding. He is noted for his experience advising clients on both regional and international cross-border M&A and joint ventures. He offers further capabilities in corporate restructuring.

    • Matt combines strong legal expertise with a calm, solutions-oriented approach. He has the ability to break down complex issues, guiding the client through decisions with pragmatism and confidence.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Matt Hartsuyker is a very bright and responsive attorney and a skilled negotiator.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Matt Hartsuyker advocates for his client very hard. He's good at pushing back when necessary, and as a client you know you are in good hands.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
    • Matt Hartsuyker is a highly skilled, competent and trustworthy lawyer who demonstrates a notably mature and commercial approach. He is undoubtedly a rising star in M&A transactions across the region.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal
  • Foreign expert for Saudi ArabiaJames Stull
    Foreign expert for Saudi ArabiaJames Stull

    James Stull

    James Stull is a Dubai-based lawyer who is highly regarded for his expertise in relation to Saudi Arabia. He is particularly well versed in investment funds, private equity and venture capital issues and is increasingly active in the technology space.
    • James Stull always adds practical and commercial points around complex legal issues, which is what the business needs.

      Corporate/M&A respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at King & Spalding LLP (6)

United Arab Emirates

King & Spalding LLP has rankings in the following guides

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