Winners for the Chambers Middle East Awards 2021 are available now.

Region-Wide Awards

Middle East International Law Firm of the Year:
Allen & Overy LLP
Clifford Chance LLP
Clyde & Co LLP
Dentons
Shearman & Sterling LLP
White & Case LLP

Winner: Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance's history in the Middle East goes back many years. In 1975, it was the first international law firm to establish an office in Dubai, and it has been a leading name in the region ever since. As of 2021, its Dubai presence is complemented by a substantial offering in Abu Dhabi, as well as a successful cooperation agreement with one of the best teams in Riyadh, AS&H Law Firm. From these three offices, Clifford Chance advises on a variety of market-leading mandates across the Middle East, with key areas of strength including Islamic and project finance, multi-jurisdictional M&A instructions, and high-value DIFC litigation. Client testimonials note that the team is “extremely attentive and very quick to respond,” in addition to being “technically very, very strong.” Highlight matters of late include representing Dubai World subsidiary Port & Free Zone World (PFZW) on a USD2.7 billion cash offer for DP World. In a related matter, the law firm also assisted PFZW and DP World with the USD8 billion refinancing of Dubai World’s existing debt facilities.

Country Awards 

United Arab Emirates

Banking & Finance:
Allen & Overy LLP
Clifford Chance LLP
Dentons
Linklaters
White & Case LLP

Winner: Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy’s finance team is one of the largest in the Middle East and is regularly mandated on market-leading work across the region. The firm is recognised for both the breadth and depth of its knowledge, particularly when it comes to transactions originating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Allen & Overy has a wealth of experience advising on conventional as well as Shari’a-compliant facilities in addition to acting as lead counsel on some of the most significant debt restructuring mandates yet seen in the Middle East. Sources frequently cite the firm’s strength in the project finance arena, where it represents an impressive number of commercial lenders and export credit agencies. A notable work highlight saw Allen & Overy represent the lenders to the ACWA Power consortium in connection with the approximately USD4.3 billion construction of what is reported to be the world’s largest concentrated solar plant.

Construction:
Clyde & Co LLP
Dentons
DLA Piper LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
King & Spalding LLP

Winner: Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co maintains a longstanding reputation as the leading construction law firm in the UAE, with a deep bench of industry specialists across its offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The firm’s market-leading status is particularly pronounced when it comes to contentious matters. The construction team represents contractors and employers in a wide variety of cases involving issues such as variation, extension of time and early termination, and relating to construction projects located both within the UAE and further afield. It is well versed in arbitration proceedings conducted under the rules of all major institutional bodies – including the ICC, DIAC and DIFC-LCIA – and is equally adept at coordinating litigation, both within the UAE’s financial free zones and at all levels of the domestic Emirati courts.

Corporate/Commercial & Commercial Contracts:
Afridi & Angell
Al Tamimi & Company
Clyde & Co LLP
Eversheds Sutherland International LLP
Hadef & Partners

Winner: Al Tamimi & Company

From its origins as a single-office practice more than 30 years ago, Al Tamimi & Company has grown to become a leading Middle East law firm with offices in every country of the GCC. Its name is synonymous with high-stakes commercial contract work ranging from the restructuring of regional operations to the negotiation of procurement, broadcasting and franchise agreements. In addition to its dedicated corporate/commercial group, the law firm also offers specialist teams advising on commercial regulatory issues and sports and event management matters. All three strands of the practice are regularly turned to for advice on some of the most important and high-profile matters in the UAE, as well as often providing guidance on issues elsewhere in the Middle East. In the sports and event management sphere, Al Tamimi acts for Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management on a wide range of matters relating to the hosting of motorsport events at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, including sponsorship, ticketing and supplier agreements for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Corporate/M&A:
Allen & Overy LLP
Clifford Chance LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Linklaters
Shearman & Sterling LLP

Winner: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has cemented itself as a go-to corporate counsel both within the United Arab Emirates and across the Middle East. As a compact team with highly acclaimed practitioners in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the firm regularly acts on high-profile financial services M&A. The team is also highly accomplished when it comes to acting for asset managers such as CVC and Gulf Capital, as well as financial institutions such as Emirates NBD. Other clients range from sovereign wealth funds to entities in the oil and gas sector. Among several notable recent deals, Freshfields advised DP World on a recommended cash offer by Ports & Free Zone World (PFZW) for the approximately USD2.7 billion issued share capital of DP not already owned by PFZW. One client praised the firm as “efficient and constantly available with top-tier, quality advice.” Another client described Freshfields as a “first-class corporate/M&A practice, indisputably a market leader in the MENA region.”

Dispute Resolution (International Firms):
Allen & Overy LLP
Clifford Chance LLP
Clyde & Co LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
Norton Rose Fulbright

Winner: Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance is a dominant force in the DIFC litigation world and has an especially impressive track record in financial services, insolvency and professional negligence matters. In one recent case of note, the firm assisted the liquidator of a well-known private equity house with the pursuit of some USD1 billion potential claims against the group’s auditor, in respect of the auditor’s failure to identify a major fraud. Interviewees praise Clifford Chance for its high service levels and the “brilliant legal minds” within its dispute resolution team. The firm is also increasingly noted for its arbitration practice, which of late has acted on several disputes relating to major real estate development projects. The practice is at the forefront of issues in the arbitration arena, having successfully obtained one of the first enforcements of an overseas arbitral award in the Dubai courts following recent amendments to the emirate’s enforcement procedure.

Dispute Resolution (Domestic Firms):
Al Tamimi & Company
Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla
Global Advocacy & Legal Counsel
Hadef & Partners

Winner: Hadef & Partners

Hadef & Partners offers a comprehensive skill set in dispute resolution, combining deep knowledge of UAE law with considerable strengths in arbitration and DIFC litigation proceedings. However, it is in the onshore litigation space that the firm is most consistently seen as a market leader. Hadef is notable for its formidable Arabic-language advocacy capabilities and possesses highly experienced litigation teams in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It earns the highest praise for its “incredible knowledge of local laws,” and is further highlighted for its prompt turnaround and excellent client service. One client summarised their experience of working with the firm by stating: “Hadef & Partners is very user-friendly and accessible.” Major cases on which Hadef has worked include a multi-stranded debt recovery dispute in which it represented Caterpillar Financial Services before the courts of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the DIFC.

Employment:
Al Tamimi & Company
Clyde & Co LLP
DLA Piper LLP
Hadef & Partners
Pinsent Masons LLP

Winner: Pinsent Masons LLP

In recent years the Dubai-based employment team of Pinsent Masons has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of well-respected partner Luke Tapp. The firm is now established as one of the main players in this field, and more than capable of holding its own against longer-established practices. The firm undertakes a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, including overseeing workplace investigations into instances of alleged discriminatory behaviour. Further areas of experience include defending companies against unfair dismissal claims and providing employment advice in the context of executive terminations, group restructurings and clients’ entry into new markets. The group is especially well versed in DIFC employment issues as well as employment matters relating to the construction industry.

Intellectual Property:
Al Tamimi & Company
Clyde & Co LLP
Gowling WLG
Rouse

Winner: Rouse

Rouse is a very strong name in the IP world, maintaining a strong emphasis on portfolio management and enforcement. An international boutique law firm, Rouse’s Dubai office was established more than 20 years ago and handles an array of work throughout the Middle East and Africa, acting on behalf of several of the world’s most recognisable brands, including adidas, Starbucks and Visa. Interviewees praise Rouse for its deep specialism in trade marks and patents, noting it especially as one of the best names around when it comes to enforcement proceedings. Sources go on to highlight the team’s “longstanding background in the region” and high-quality service. Major work highlights include acting for Visa International on several major advertising and promotional campaigns, including in connection with the Dubai Shopping Festival and the FIFA World Cup. The team also acts for Honeywell International on the full gamut of contentious and non-contentious trade mark matters across the MENA region as well as in Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Real Estate:
Al Tamimi & Company
Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Clyde & Co LLP
Hadef & Partners

Winner: Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla

The real estate team at this well-regarded law firm earns high praise from its clients. Sources relate that the group offers “pragmatic advice” which “hits the core of an issue very quickly.” Interviewees also highlight the firm’s responsiveness, “fantastic knowledge of contract law” and “ability to think outside the box” as further standout attributes. The real estate practice has a strong focus on the hospitality sector, with a notable track record of advising on major hotel and leisure projects across the UAE and its economic free zones. The firm continues to assist several high-profile clients with a variety of matters as the hospitality industry feels the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and backs up its impressive capabilities in transactional real estate with considerable experience in real estate litigation.

Technology, Media & Telecoms:
Allen & Overy LLP
Clyde & Co LLP
DLA Piper LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP
Simmons & Simmons

Winner: DLA Piper LLP

DLA Piper is widely agreed to be one of the best law firms for technology, media and telecoms in the Middle East. Clients are quick to praise the UAE team, observing that “the law firm quickly and efficiently offers solutions to any problems that arise; it provides excellent advice on a wide range of matters.” Further sources describe DLA Piper as both “very, very commercial” and a law firm which provides an “exceptional level of service.” It is noted for the considerable breadth of its offering within TMT and is especially highlighted as a go-to law firm for data protection and privacy issues. Additionally, it is increasingly active on fintech-related mandates, having assisted several major clients with the development and ongoing operation of digital payments platforms. In the TMT space, DLA Piper represents numerous leading telecoms operators, including Vodafone and Saudi Telecom, in addition to major film studios, e-commerce companies and government entities.

Saudi Arabia

Banking & Finance:
Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm (AS&H) in co-operation with Clifford Chance
Khoshaim & Associates
Legal Advisors in association with Baker McKenzie Limited
The Law Office of Megren M. Al-Shaalan in cooperation with White & Case
The Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi in cooperation with Latham & Watkins LLP

Winner: The Law Office of Megren M. Al-Shaalan in cooperation with White & Case

White & Case is well known for its longstanding client relationships with several major players in the Saudi market, including oil and gas heavyweight Saudi Aramco. At the end of 2019, it announced a new cooperation agreement with The Law Office of Megren M. AlShaalan. Since this agreement was signed, the two law firms have continued to represent several long-term White & Case clients in the Kingdom. Together they counselled Aramco on its SAR111 billion IPO, the world’s largest-ever debut issuance, as well as advising the oil company on numerous high-value project finance mandates in the time since. The combined team has additional strengths in a wide range of Islamic financial products, such as sukuk, and an impressive track record when it comes to advice on the financing of major energy and infrastructure projects. The practice is also noted for its commendable approach to teamwork, with the finance team in Riyadh frequently working alongside White & Case colleagues not just in the UAE, but also in London and other White & Case offices worldwide. Clients enthuse that the law firm "clearly values our relationship and consistently provides service that is very responsive and very high quality.”

Corporate & Commercial:
Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm (AS&H) in co-operation with Clifford Chance
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in association with the Law Firm of Salah Al-Hejailan
Khoshaim & Associates
King & Spalding LLP (in association with the Law Offices of Mohammed Al-Ammar)
Legal Advisors in association with Baker McKenzie Limited
The Law Office of Mohanned bin Saud Al-Rasheed (in association with Baker Botts LLP)

Winner: Khoshaim & Associates

Khoshaim & Associates continues to be a standout law firm in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with founding partner Zeyad Khoshaim consistently cited as one of the market’s most impressive lawyers. In the corporate realm, the law firm has extensive experience representing clients in group restructurings and joint ventures, often in relation to market entry matters. It maintains a substantial bilingual team comprising both Saudi and internationally trained lawyers and is regularly seen advising on some of Saudi Arabia’s most significant and high-value transactions. One recent matter saw the firm acting for Saudi Aramco, as majority shareholder, on the negotiation of a joint venture agreement with Dussur and Hyundai Heavy Industries for the establishment and operation of a marine engine manufacturing facility. In a separate highlight, Khoshaim & Associates also advised Aramco on the creation of an approximately USD110 million manufacturing joint venture with Baker Hughes. The law firm offers further strengths in regulatory and commercial contract issues, often acting for major international and regional clients.

Dispute Resolution:
Al-Jadaan and Partners
Clyde & Co
Derayah LLPC (formerly known as Hatem Abbas Ghazzawi & Co.)
Khoshaim & Associates

Winner: Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co is well known for its leading global reputation in construction, mining and insurance disputes. These strengths are reflected by the work of its Riyadh-based disputes practice, which acts for several very significant names in these sectors on a range of high stakes litigation and arbitration proceedings. Beyond these areas, the firm is regularly instructed on high-value contractual and shareholder disputes, including matters arising from distribution, franchising and employment agreements. The firm’s Riyadh-based lawyers also demonstrate a strong capacity for teamwork, regularly cooperating with their colleagues in the Dubai office on high-value Saudi-related disputes.

Egypt

Banking & Finance:
Baker McKenzie (Helmy, Hamza & Partners)
Matouk Bassiouny
Shalakany Law Office
Sharkawy & Sarhan
Zulficar & Partners

Winner: Baker McKenzie (Helmy, Hamza & Partners)

Baker McKenzie’s Cairo team enjoys the highest level of respect among interviewees, and it continues to be rated as one of the top law firms in Egypt for significant international transactions. Its reputation for banking and finance work is second to none, having acted on a number of market firsts and other very high-profile matters. The team counts several leading commercial banks and multilaterals among its regular clients, including JBIC, Afreximbank and Banque Misr. Commentators describe the finance team as “fantastic,” adding that it is “very practical” and “they turn things around very fast.” It is well versed in project, real estate and acquisition finance, with additional expertise in regulatory banking issues. A major highlight was the firm’s advice to the term loan finance parties on amendments to their agreement for the provision of more than USD3.2 billion to finance construction of a greenfield refinery by Egyptian Refining Company.

Corporate/M&A:
Baker McKenzie (Helmy, Hamza & Partners)
Matouk Bassiouny
MHR & Partners in association with White & Case LLP
Nour & Partners in association with Al Tamimi & Company
Zaki Hashem & Partners
Zulficar & Partners

Winner: Matouk Bassiouny

A premier law firm in Egypt, Matouk Bassiouny is especially acclaimed for its top-tier M&A practice and is regularly instructed on some of the Egyptian market’s biggest deals. The firm’s recent experience encompasses high-value matters within sectors such as real estate, oil and gas and e-commerce. A particular highlight involved the firm acting for ADNOC on the Egyptian aspects of its USD5 billion joint venture with OCI creating the Abu Dhabiheadquartered company Fertiglobe. Matouk also maintains one of the best private equity teams in North Africa, with a deal list that includes acting for Helios Investment Partners and the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund on their USD107 million joint acquisition of a controlling stake in seed company Misr Hytech. Matouk Bassiouny earns the respect of its competitors and overseas counsel alike, sources stating that it is a “very good law firm” comprised of “top-notch lawyers” who “always deliver quality work.”

Dispute Resolution:
Matouk Bassiouny
Shahid Law Firm
Shalakany Law Office
Youssef & Partners
Zulficar & Partners

Winner: Youssef & Partners

Founded in 2016, Youssef & Partners has quickly risen to become a leading law firm for dispute resolution in Egypt. Principally known for its arbitration expertise, the firm is adept at both commercial and investment treaty proceedings, with an impressive track record of success in major cases. In one such matter, Youssef & Partners obtained an approximately USD180 million settlement on behalf of Al Kholoud for Touristic and Real Estate Development in its long-running UNCITRAL claim against the Arab Republic of Egypt and two state-owned entities. This was a high-profile case relating to the Government’s reversal of earlier privatisation transactions in the wake of the Arab Spring. One client review praised the law firm for its ability to “come in and look at everything from a new and very fresh perspective,” while another observed: “They’re practical. They know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to strategy.”

Bahrain

Corporate & Finance (International Firms):
Baker McKenzie
Charles Russell Speechlys
Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Winner: Trowers & Hamlins LLP

UK-headquartered law firm Trowers & Hamlins has been active in Bahrain for over six decades and continues to offer an impressive depth of resources in both corporate and finance transactions. The Bahrain team is noted especially for its Islamic finance expertise, often representing regional and national banks in Shari’a-compliant financings. The firm’s work in Bahrain's financial services sector also extends to numerous other matters, including the representation of Al Salam Bank in the USD50 million formation of its MEC Ventures Fund and assisting National Bank of Bahrain with its takeover of Bahrain Islamic Bank. Clients say the Bahrain office “exceeds expectations” and is "very helpful in arranging cross-border legal advice using the Trowers network of offices." In addition to its high-value financial services work, Trowers & Hamlins also advises on major projects and real estate mandates.

Corporate & Finance (Domestic Firms):
Elham Ali Hassan & Associates
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates
Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants

Winner: Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants

Distinguished Bahraini law firm Zu’bi & Partners can trace back its origins one hundred years. It is known among sources for its diverse body of transactional work and exceptional market knowledge. The group often acts for multinational corporations as well as global financial institutions such as Standard Chartered and EBRD. In addition, it is regularly instructed by Bahraini government departments, including the Ministry of Finance, as well as state-owned entities such as the country’s sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat. Among its recent work for the latter, Zu’bi & Partners advised Mumtalakat Sukuk on a USD500 million issuance of trust certificates due 2027. In addition to finance matters the law firm regularly advises on joint ventures and group restructurings and is “very well regarded” by market commentators.

Dispute Resolution:
Charles Russell Speechlys
Hassan Radhi & Associates
Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates
Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants

Winner: Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates

Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates remains one of the most respected law firms in Bahrain, and is noted especially for the formidable prowess of its dispute resolution team. The group is highly accomplished at both Bahraini court litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration. The firm’s lawyers are highly accomplished at advocacy and act on behalf of clients in the full gamut of business-related disputes. Its wide-ranging experience spans everything from construction arbitrations to white-collar criminal investigations, insolvency mandates, shareholder disputes and insurance litigation. One highlight case saw the firm representing a claimant in an approximately BHD13 million claim relating to multiple finance facilities and mortgage agreements. In-house counsel and international law firms agree that it is “on par with the best in Bahrain, without question.”

Oman

Oman Firm of the Year:
Addleshaw Goddard LLP
Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co (AMJ)
CMS
Dentons
Said Al Shahry & Partners

Winner: Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Addleshaw Goddard has made impressive strides in Oman over recent years and is especially noted for its capabilities in banking and finance. The firm is a well-established adviser to several major banks and is regularly seen assisting with the finance arrangements for various high-profile energy projects and an array of other syndicated lending mandates. It complements its finance know-how with an increasingly impressive corporate offering which has built up considerable experience advising on the Omani elements of multibillion-dollar transactions. This includes advising DP World on its acquisition of the Oman assets of Topaz Energy, as well as acting for Worley on its takeover of Jacobs Oman. The firm also maintains a strong presence in the dispute resolution field, where its expertise covers a range of shareholder, joint venture and insurance-related cases.

Kuwait

Kuwait Firm of the Year:
Al Tamimi & Company in association with Omar Khaled Al-Qahtani
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners
International Counsel Bureau
Meysan Partners

Winner: ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners

Commentators consistently cite ASAR as the standout law firm in Kuwait. It has a history dating back more than 40 years, during which time it has led on numerous market firsts and established itself as the Kuwaiti counsel of choice for a plethora of well-known global brands from fields as diverse as investment banking, IT and defence. The firm’s multinational team of lawyers regularly offers guidance on M&A, finance and capital markets transactions, but is also able to offer advice on more specialist areas, including aviation, franchising and taxation. Its dispute resolution group has equally wide-ranging experience. Among several noteworthy recent highlights, ASAR represented the arrangers – HSBC and Standard Chartered – on the establishment of a USD1 billion trust certificate issuance programme by Boubyan Sukuk.

Jordan

Jordan Firm of the Year:
Ali Sharif Zu’bi Advocates & Legal Consultants
Al Tamimi & Company Advocates & Legal Consultants
Khalifeh & Partners
Safwan Moubaydeen Law Firm in Association with Dentons
Sanad Law Group, in association with Eversheds Sutherland

Winner: Sanad Law Group, in association with Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds’ longstanding tie-up with Sanad Law Group is a force to be reckoned with. It maintains one of the largest teams of lawyers in Jordan and is widely acknowledged as one of the dominant law firms in the market. The firm is active on a wide range of M&A, private equity and joint venture mandates, with further expertise in areas such as commercial contracts and financial services regulatory matters. Among its recent work, the firm provided guidance to TÜV Austria Hellas on its acquisition of shares in a Jordanian company. The Jordan office is also notable for its wealth of experience in Iraqi transactions and frequently assists its colleagues in Baghdad and Erbil. Clients speak at length about the firm’s high-quality service, one source describing its lawyers as “responsive, knowledgeable, commercially aware and a pleasure to work with.”

Lebanon

Lebanon Firm of the Year:
Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm
Abousleiman & Partners
Alem & Associates
Badri and Salim El Meouchi
Chedid Law Offices in association with Dentons

Winner: Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm

Abou Jaoude & Associates is firmly established as one of the leading law firms in Lebanon. The firm represents an impressive client base and maintains an outstanding reputation within the legal profession, being regularly chosen by top-tier international law firms to act as Lebanon counsel on major international transactions. Interviewees declare: “They have an excellent team and excellent knowledge,” adding that “they’re always available and extremely responsive.” Abou Jaoude is a go-to law firm for finance matters and acts for several high-profile financial institutions, including Credit Suisse and Lebanon-based Arab Finance Corporation, as well as representing big-name corporates such as Samsung, Uber and 3M. Another notable client is Lebanese fashion house the Elie Saab Group, which the firm recently counselled on its receipt of a significant multi-bank loan facility intended to refinance the group’s substantial debt portfolio. In addition to finance work, Abou Jaoude has a strong track record in market-leading M&A transactions.

Iraq

Iraq Firm of the Year:
Al Tamimi & Company
Confluent Law Group
MENA Associates in association with Amereller – Rechtsanwälte
Sanad Law Group, in association with Eversheds Sutherland

Winner: Confluent Law Group

Confluent Law Group is a two-time winner of the Iraq Law Firm of the Year award, a testament to the high esteem in which it is held. The team is active on an array of mandates, both in Federal Iraq and the country’s autonomous Kurdistan Region, typically acting for major international oil companies and financial institutions on a broad spectrum of project finance and development mandates. It is especially notable within Iraq for its enduring relationships with several Asia-based clients as well as its Mandarin-speaking personnel. Direct clients and international law firms regularly cite Confluent as a standout practice and preferred team to work with, praising that “they’re very good at finding solutions” and provide “solid, clear advice.” The team is the principal external legal counsel to several international oil companies in regard to their Iraqi projects, which account for several billion US dollars in revenue.

Iran

Iran Firm of the Year:
Atieh Associates Law Firm
International Law Office
Sabeti & Khatami
Torossian, Avanessian & Associates
T&S Associates

Winner: Sabeti & Khatami

Sabeti & Khatami has quickly built an impressive name for itself in Iran. Although a relatively new entrant to the market, it is already regarded by many well-known international law firms as the first choice for Iranian referrals, or to work with in the capacity of local counsel. The team combines a deep knowledge of business issues in Iran with top-flight international experience. The firm is noted for its strong understanding of the financial services, energy and automotive sectors, and advises several big-name European and Asian clients on the full suite of issues underpinning their continued operation within Iran. This includes providing guidance on local distribution agreements in addition to advising on the restructuring of Iranian subsidiaries in response to international sanctions. The firm also regularly advises on M&A and finance transactions as well as disputes relating to breach of contract, IP infringement and white-collar fraud.

Qatar

Qatar International Firm of the Year:
Clyde & Co LLP
Dentons
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Simmons & Simmons LLP
White & Case LLP

Winner: Dentons

The Doha office of Dentons is a top choice for corporate matters in Qatar. With strengths in group restructurings and commercial contracts, the team is distinguished for its frequent representation of clients from the aviation, sports and finance sectors. High-profile recent work includes acting for the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy on a series of commercial agreements and the establishment of several new corporate entities in the runup to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The view of one highly impressed client was that “Dentons Doha is undoubtedly the best international firm in the market,” whilst another client appraised: "The team is excellent, with outstanding leadership. They are very knowledgeable and offer prompt responses. Having Dentons at the table gives us both excellent legal counsel and real credibility.”

Qatar Domestic Firm of the Year
Al-Ansari & Associates
Arab Law Bureau
Sharq Law Firm
Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners

Winner: Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners

Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners is widely agreed to be a leading law firm in Qatar. It stands out for its experienced team of Qatari and international lawyers, who demonstrate significant expertise in corporate restructurings, refinancings and contract negotiations, acting for a clientele that that includes local, regional and international giants such as Marubeni, the Al Rajhi Group and the Hawar Group. Recent work highlights include assisting an international software solutions provider with the restructuring of two subsidiaries, one of which was based in the Qatar Science and Technology Park. One client enthused: "They are always timely, cost-effective, strategic in their thinking and provide exceptional service." Another client agreed that Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners offers “terrific, very practical advice.”