Department profile
Maples Group

Offshore

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates

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Maples Group

Rankings

About

Provided by Maples Group

Since opening as the first offshore law firm in the region in 2005, our Dubai office has successfully attracted high-profile investment managers, banks and fund managers to this rapidly growing finance centre, enabling us to offer time-sensitive service to such clients. Our office can provide a full legal service and can organise administrative and fiduciary support through our affiliate, MaplesFS. 
Maples Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and principally practises British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands law, offering access to Ireland through our Dublin office. Understanding the region's business environment is essential to providing targeted, sophisticated legal support.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Offshore - United Arab Emirates

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Maples Group is an elite offshore law firm whose Dubai team advises on the full gamut of matters relating to Cayman and British Virgin Islands' investment funds, including the formation of private equity, hedge and real estate funds. It is also well versed in issues arising from Shari'a-compliant funds. The firm maintains a strong offshore M&A practice, and continues to be acknowledged for its Islamic and aviation finance expertise. It regularly acts as issuers' counsel on high-value sukuk issuances. The team represents a blue-chip client base, including leading financial institutions and asset managers. It maintains strong relationships with numerous end-user clients and onshore counsel across the region.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • The Dubai office of Maples Group advised Ma'aden Sukuk on the establishment of its trust certificate issuance programme and initial USD1.25 billion issuance thereunder.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Maples always works in a heads-up and pragmatic manner.

    Offshore respondentGlobal

  • Maples has extremely responsive personnel, knows the market very well and offers a full-service package from legal through to administration.

    Offshore respondentGlobal

  • The lawyers at Maples are fantastic; they respond quickly and are diligent.

    Offshore respondentGlobal

  • Working with Maples is very smooth; the team is always available and works well under tight deadlines.

    Offshore respondentGlobal

  • Maples' strengths are its responsiveness, thoroughness and attention to detail.

    Offshore respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Manuela Belmontes
    Manuela Belmontes

    Manuela Belmontes

    Manuela Belmontes is highly sought after for her expertise in Islamic and aircraft finance matters, with further notable experience in sukuk issuances. She is joint managing partner of the firm's Dubai office.

    • Manuela Belmontes is an extremely committed and thorough lawyer who always goes above and beyond. She is responsive and knows her space very well; it is always great to work with her.

      Offshore respondentGlobal
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  • Philip Ireland
    Philip Ireland

    Philip Ireland

    Dubai joint managing partner Philip Ireland enjoys a strong reputation for investment fund matters. He has expertise relating to a wide range of asset classes and is experienced advising on Shari'a-compliant fund launches as well as on venture capital and equity funding mandates.

    • Philip Ireland is a longstanding member of the funds community in the Middle East. He has loads of market knowledge and brings this to the table alongside technical Cayman insight.

      Offshore respondentGlobal

    • Philip Ireland is always highly supportive of the client's needs.

      Offshore respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Maples Group (2)

United Arab Emirates

Members

Provided by Maples Group

Maples Group has rankings in the following guides

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