Special Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award: Ibrahim Mubaydeen

The first of the two Lifetime Achievement awards presented this year goes to Ibrahim Mubaydeen, Abu Dhabi managing partner of Allen & Overy. Educated in Jordan and the UK, Mubaydeen is a transactional lawyer who has held high rankings in the UAE chapter of Chambers Global since the very first edition of the guide. Some 24 years later, he continues to be praised as one of the leading names in the market. Fellow lawyers note his “great reputation,” further remarking that he is “something of a legend in Abu Dhabi.” He has been instrumental in Abu Dhabi’s economic development, with a lead role overseeing the establishment of many of the regulations governing the operation of businesses within the Emirate. In addition, he continues to be in high demand for his transactional advice, with an outstanding track record of work representing private companies as well as government-owned entities.

Mubaydeen continues to act as lead partner on a variety of high-profile matters, including for the likes of Mubadala and ADQ. His recent work for the former includes overseeing the merger of Mubadala Health with G42 Healthcare, in addition to advising the sovereign wealth fund on its USD1.9 billion sale of stakes in Masdar to TAQA and ADNOC.

Chambers presents this award in recognition of Mubaydeen’s long and highly successful career, which has established him as a role model for lawyers throughout the region.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Nayla Comair-Obeid

The second Lifetime Achievement award presented this evening goes to Nayla Comair-Obeid. Professor Comair-Obeid is universally acknowledged as one of the pioneers of arbitration in Lebanon and as one of the most prominent arbitration lawyers in the region as a whole. In Chambers research interviews, she has consistently been referred to as “a doyenne of international arbitration in the Middle East,” and as someone who is “respected within the intellectual and academic establishment.”

Educated in Lebanon and in France, Professor Comair-Obeid has enjoyed an outstanding career and can firmly be said to be at the peak of her profession. In the mid-1980s she founded the Beirut law firm Obeid & Partners, overseeing its growth into one of the most prominent practices in the Lebanese market, with additional offices in Dubai and Paris. She continues to lead the firm’s dispute resolution team, combining her role as counsel to sovereign states and numerous commercial clients with frequent appointments as an arbitrator. She has held leadership positions at a variety of industry bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, as well as academic posts in Lebanon, France and the UK. In 2019 she was elected an associate member of London barristers’ set 3 Verulam Buildings. She is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. 

Outstanding Contribution Award: Geraldine Ahern

The Outstanding Contribution awards acknowledge lawyers who have had an immeasurable impact within their jurisdiction or field of expertise. This description aptly fits Geraldine Ahern, managing partner of Eversheds Sutherland in Abu Dhabi and head of the firm’s regional commercial practice. Her work focuses on commercial agreements and commercial contracts pertaining to matters such as technology outsourcing as well as distribution and franchising arrangements. She also takes a hands-on role within Eversheds’ employment group, advising on the full gamut of issues arising under employment contracts and policies.

She is well known and highly respected among her peers within the legal profession – factors which were instrumental in her rising to the top band of UAE-based lawyers for Commercial Contracts in Chambers Global 2024. Client referees were also quick to praise her when interviewed by the Chambers research team. One source said: “Geraldine is technically excellent as well as being extremely pragmatic and commercial.” Another interviewee enthused: “She’s a go-to person; she’s well liked, very commercially focused and pragmatic.” The same source added that “you can discuss things very openly with her, and her advice is super-clear.”

Such accolades are reflective of a practitioner operating at the top of her game and we are pleased to acknowledge this through the Outstanding Contribution award. 

Outstanding Contribution Award: Salman Al-Sudairi

The Outstanding Contribution awards acknowledge lawyers who have had an immeasurable impact within their jurisdiction or field of expertise. Salman Al-Sudairi is chair of the Saudi Arabia practice at Latham & Watkins and managing partner of its newly inaugurated Riyadh office, having recently overseen the formal integration of his law firm (with which Latham had a longstanding and highly successful cooperation agreement) into Latham’s global network, making it one of the very first international law firms to operate within the Kingdom. The success of this operation is, in no small part, due to the impressive leadership and oversight of Al-Sudairi himself.

Sources acknowledge Al-Sudairi as one of the foremost business lawyers in Saudi Arabia and one of the first names people think of for high-stakes transactional work. By way of examples, Chambers research commentary through the years has noted him as not just an “outstanding” and “brilliant” lawyer, but someone who is “a very big name and has a solid practice.” He is also regularly highlighted for his loyal following of major commercial clients. There can be no doubt that, as the legal market in Saudi Arabia enters a new, ever-more sophisticated era, Latham is well placed for success with its Riyadh team led by such a highly respected figure. 

Client Service Award: Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

The Client Service award is presented to law firms which have received particularly high praise from their client referees during the most recent round of Chambers research. This year the recipient is Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, a US-headquartered law firm which has maintained an office in Abu Dhabi since 2012 and whose UAE-based lawyers regularly work on behalf of governments, sovereign entities and well-known asset managers on a variety of significant acquisitions and investments across the Middle East.

Typical referee comments describe Cleary as “a trusted adviser” which “can always be relied upon to undertake complex work to a high standard and carry out such work efficiently.” It was highlighted in several interviews that the Abu Dhabi team is evidently very well integrated with its colleagues in other jurisdictions; moreover, sources praised the consistently high quality of Cleary’s lawyers, regardless of which office they were dealing with. One source said: “Cleary has technically excellent teams across various jurisdictions. We have worked with many of their lawyers – in different parts of the world – and their deal execution is always seamless.”

These comments are merely a sample of those the research team received. The volume of very strong praise from major businesses confirms Cleary as a worthy winner of this year’s award.

Bahrain Corporate & Finance International Law Firm of the Year
Al Tamimi & Company 
Baker McKenzie 
DLA Piper LLP 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer  
Trowers & Hamlins LLP 

Bahrain Corporate & Finance Law Firm of the Year Winner: International: Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Trowers & Hamlins is a leading international law firm with extensive capabilities in Bahrain, coupled with a deep bench of lawyers. Clients often comment favourably on this aspect of the law firm’s practice, with one referee commenting: "The quality of the lawyers in Trowers' Bahrain practice is very high; they also have access to a network of highly capable partners in other jurisdictions." The team typically advises on M&A deals and Shari'a-compliant financings. It also has experience in restructurings and joint ventures, often acting for regional and national banks. For example, Trowers acted for AllSalam Bank on its USD2.2 billion acquisition of the retail banking business of Ithmaar Bank.

Bahrain Corporate & Finance Domestic Law Firm of the Year  
Elham Ali Hassan & Associates  
Hassan Radhi & Associates 
Newton Legal  
Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates  
Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants  

Bahrain Corporate & Finance Law Firm of the Year: Domestic Winner: Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates

Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates is a highly accomplished domestic law firm with a number of longstanding client relationships. The team acts on a range of deals including joint ventures as well as group restructuring and reorganisation matters. Its lawyers also advise on employment issues. Referees regularly commend the firm for its high quality of client service, with one referee noting: "I was very satisfied with their level of service and responsiveness. The team go above and beyond in their explanations and clarifications, which gives us peace of mind." According to another referee, "they understand very quickly what we need, as well as our business sensitivities."

Bahrain Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
Charles Russell Speechlys 
Hassan Radhi & Associates 
Haya Rashed Al Khalifa Law Firm 
Zeenat Al Mansoori & Associates 

Bahrain Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Winner: Charles Russell Speechlys

Charles Russell Speechlys has one of Bahrain’s leading dispute resolution teams. It maintains particular specialties in cross-border financial services cases and white-collar fraud claims. In this regard, one client observed: "The team has the capacity to streamline everything, and they manage it extremely well." In addition, the firm maintains a go-to practice for high-value construction disputes and major contentious regulatory proceedings. Noteworthy clients include big-name financial institutions, airlines and contractors. Clients enthuse: "The team quickly grasped the relevant issues and were able to provide clear guidance on the various options available to us, along with the associated merits and risks." Significant work that Charles Russell Speechlys has recently assisted with includes the implementation of a court order to put Awal Bank in liquidation, acting on behalf of the Central Bank of Bahrain.

Egypt Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie (Helmy, Hamza & Partners) 
Matouk Bassiouny 
MHR & Partners in association with White & Case LLP 
Sharkawy & Sarhan 
Zulficar & Partners 

Egypt Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Winner: Matouk Bassiouny

The team at this leading Egyptian law firm has an outstanding reputation for transactional work. Traditionally best known for M&A matters, the firm is increasingly to be seen advising on market-leading finance deals as well, advising an extensive list of major Egyptian, regional and global international banks as well as high-profile commercial borrowers. Recent mandates include acting for a special-purpose vehicle controlled by Hassan Allam Properties in regard to its receipt of an EGP1.79 billion loan facility from a syndicate led by Arab African International Bank. The firm has seen considerable expansion in recent years, with the addition of offices in Algeria and Sudan (both of which are ranked by Chambers). In 2023, Matouk Bassiouny also boosted its Egyptian finance offering through the lateral hire of premier aviation finance lawyer Sherif El Hosseny from rival law firm Rizkana & Partners.

Egypt Corporate/M&A Law Firm of the Year
Baker McKenzie (Helmy, Hamza & Partners) 
Matouk Bassiouny 
Sharkawy & Sarhan 
Zaki Hashem & Partners 
Zulficar & Partners

Egypt Corporate M&A Law Firm of the Year Winner: Zulficar & Partners

Zulficar & Partners has long been noted as a formidable operator, with especially deep know-how in the financial services sector. Its activity in this space covers all aspects of banking and finance work – the firm also receiving a place on the shortlist for Egypt Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year – but also extends to the provision of corporate and M&A advice to banks and financial institutions. In one highlight matter, the firm advised Bahrain-headquartered Arab Banking Corporation (ABC) on the merger of its two Egyptian subsidiaries, Blom Bank Egypt and Bank ABC Egypt. Outside of financial services, Zulficar & Partners has acted on a variety of major transactions in sectors as diverse as real estate, food and beverages, and oil and gas. Interviewees affirm: “They are one of the top law firms for corporate/M&A in Egypt.”

Egypt Litigation Law Firm of the Year
ADSERO – Ragy Soliman & Partners 
Al Tamimi & Company 
Shahid Law Firm 
Zaki Hashem & Partners 
Zulficar & Partners 

Egypt Litigation Law Firm of the Year Winner: ADSERO – Ragy Soliman & Partners

ADSERO has quickly positioned itself as a leading law firm in Egypt’s litigation arena. It handles disputes of all sizes and has experience handling contentious claims up to the highest levels of the Egyptian court system. Furthermore, ADSERO offers an impressively versatile practice which is capable of representing clients in matters as diverse as employment disputes and challenges before the Egyptian Tax Authority, as well as cases involving allegations of copyright infringement or white-collar fraud. The firm is also noteworthy in the Egyptian market for its deep understanding of international trade issues, assisting clients with cases relating to the imposition of anti-dumping duties by the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Egypt Arbitration Law Firm of the Year
ALC Alieldean Weshahi & Partners 
Matouk Bassiouny 
Shahid Law Firm 
Youssef Partners Arbitration Leaders
Zulficar & Partners 

Egypt Arbitration Law Firm of the Year Winner: Youssef Partners Arbitration Leaders

Youssef Partners Arbitration Leaders is a compact practice noted for its deep specialisation and expertise in international arbitration. It receives extremely high praise from the clients for which it acts. Typical commentary from Chambers referees describes Youssef Partners as “the firm to go to when it comes to complex cases,” and notes that its lawyers “are business-oriented, fully updated on market trends, and always finding outside-the-box solutions to solve issues in a very strategic way.” The firm has built a stellar reputation through its representation of corporate clients and high net worth individuals in high-value investor-state disputes against Middle Eastern governments. In addition to this work, it regularly takes on international commercial arbitration matters, including in the oil and gas sector. The firm’s founder, Karim Youssef, is also in high demand for his opinion work, being often consulted internationally for his knowledge of both Egyptian and Kuwaiti law.

Iran Law Firm of the Year (Online-only award)
Atieh & Associates  
Sabeti & Khatami 
Torossian, Avanessian & Associates 
Dr Ali Hatami & Associates 
International Law Office 

Iran Law Firm of the Year Winner: Atieh & Associates

Atieh Associates is consistently noted as one of Iran's most prominent commercial law firms. Its lawyers provide sophisticated advice to international clients, with noteworthy expertise concerning sanctions, foreign investment and corporate restructurings. To this end, sources describe Atieh as having "great technical abilities. We found them extremely responsive and always available to accommodate our needs." The firm also has an impressive domestic client base and is highly experienced in assisting with commercial issues and corporate governance. One client noted of their experience with Atieh that "they provide business-oriented advice and they have thorough knowledge of local law and the commercial environment."

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

Iraq Law Firm of the Year Winner: Confluent Law Group

Confluent Law Group is a top-tier practice with standout experience advising on oil and gas projects across Iraq. The team is very highly regarded, with its client list featuring many leading names in the oil and gas sector. In addition, Confluent's lawyers are well accustomed to representing project sponsors in connection with large-scale water and solar power projects. Other major clients include export credit agencies and regional banks. "Confluent provides a high service level and good responsiveness,” elaborated one client. Another source noted: "The team members offer an excellent technical legal execution, but also a deep understanding of the market."

Jordan Law Firm of the Year
Ali Sharif Zu’bi Advocates & Legal Consultants 
A & T Najdawi Law Firm 
Bakr & Odeh Advocates 
Khalifeh & Partners 

Jordan Law Firm of the Year Winner: Ali Sharif Zu’bi Advocates & Legal Consultants

Ali Sharif Zu'bi Advocates has a prominent position in the transactional sphere in Jordan. Its strong bench of well-recognised lawyers is adept at assisting clients with the full suite of M&A transactions and financings in Jordan, including with regard to project development and group restructuring. It also handles a vast body of disputes work, with a wealth of experience advising banks and foreign multinationals on high-profile cases, including at both litigation and arbitration. One client noted that the firm is “always able to help with complex and sophisticated matters,” while another added: “They have a close, collaborative team and they provide very good service.” The firm’s recent work includes advising a Meridiam-led consortium on all aspects of a proposed water desalination plant valued at USD2 billion.

Kuwait Law Firm of the Year
ASAR 
GLA & Company 
International Counsel Bureau 
Meshari Al-Osaimi Attorneys 
Meysan Partners 

Kuwait Law Firm of the Year Winner: ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners

ASAR is a market-leading Kuwaiti law firm with strong expertise in cross-border transactional and commercial advisory matters. Its lawyers are noted for their regular handling of high-value capital markets, Islamic finance and M&A transactions. Among these transactions, ASAR recently acted for Ahli United Bank on the cross-border sale of its entire share capital, worth approximately USD8.8 billion, to Kuwait Finance House. The firm's abilities in non-contentious matters are bolstered by an impressive offering in dispute resolution, with extensive experience overseeing international arbitration mandates as well as Kuwaiti litigation proceedings. According to one highly impressed source, “ASAR has shown the ability to address a wide array of matters by involving team members who have the required expertise on specific issues.”

Lebanon Law Firm of the Year
Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm 
Abousleiman & Partners 
Alem & Associates 
Badri and Salim El Meouchi 
Obeid & Partners 

Lebanon Law Firm of the Year Winner: Abou Jaoude & Associates Law Firm

Abou Jaoude & Associates maintains a leading position at the forefront of the Lebanese legal market. Its lawyers are often called upon for their expertise in finance and M&A transactions as well as corporate reorganisations. The team is also eminently capable in regulatory banking work and has a strong track record of acting for big-name clients on a wide variety of cutting-edge matters. For example, an Abou Jaoude team advised Credit Suisse on the liquidation aspects of its exit from the Lebanese market. Clients agree that the firm "offers reliable and quick service, especially when it comes to urgent and unforeseen matters." Abou Jaoude also handles a multitude of high-value arbitration cases conducted under both ICC and ICSID institutional rules. One client elaborated: "They displayed a keen understanding of the business context and market dynamics throughout the collaboration."

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

Oman Law Firm of the Year Winner: Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Addleshaw Goddard is an acclaimed international law firm that is widely recognised as one of the leading names for corporate legal services in Oman. The Muscat-based group is particularly esteemed for its banking practice, which is frequently seen advising on high-profile project financings, bank mergers and the provision of syndicated loan facilities. In addition to its impressive list of financial services clients, the firm also represents a number of sovereign wealth funds and major players in the telecoms sector. Addleshaw Goddard's Muscat office also maintains a well-respected disputes team whose lawyers offer deep experience in construction disputes and debt recovery matters. One client noted that "Addleshaw delivers top-notch speed of delivery and quality of work," while another acknowledged: "Their connectedness with the local market is reflected in their high level of commercial awareness." Among other high-profile matters, Addleshaw Goddard represented Ahli Bank in its USD444 million conventional and Islamic term loan to Oman Broadband Company (OBC) for the expansion of OBC's fibre optic network.

Qatar International Law Firm of the Year
Al Tamimi & Company 
Dentons 
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP 
Clyde & Co LLP  
K&L Gates 
White & Case LLP 

Qatar International Law Firm of the Year Winner: K&L Gates

K&L Gates is a respected international law firm which is noted for its highly skilled banking and finance team in Doha. The group has a strong track record when it comes to high-value Islamic and conventional finance facilities. It is also very experienced in banking regulatory work, including licensing matters. For example, K&L Gates advised Dukhan Bank on its QAR25 billion direct listing on the Qatar Stock Exchange. The firm is frequently mandated on acquisitions and joint ventures, with many of its clients in these areas coming from the financial services sector. K&L Gates also fields a capable disputes team which possesses noteworthy expertise in arbitration, especially in regard to cases held under ICC rules. Sources variously describe the team as "brilliant and available at all times” and note that "they provide a strong handling of complex matters."

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

Qatar Domestic Law Firm of the Year Winner: Al Marri & El Hage

Al Marri & El Hage Law Office is a well-established law firm with a prolific disputes practice. Its litigation team regularly advises on construction and real estate disputes before all levels of the Qatari courts, including the Court of First Instance as well as the Court of Cassation. The firm demonstrates additional strengths in international arbitration, often handling cases under ICC rules. Clients enthuse: "Al Marri & El Hage has a business-oriented approach, clear vision of the full picture and gives practical solutions to complex issues." One market source elaborated: "They are a diligent and effective law firm."

Saudi Arabia Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
AS&H Clifford Chance 
Khoshaim & Associates 
Latham & Watkins LLC
Legal Advisors in association with Baker McKenzie 
Linklaters 

Saudi Arabia Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Winner: Khoshaim & Associates

Khoshaim & Associates is considered by many to be the leading independent Saudi law firm. It attracts a consistent stream of high-profile work across all major practice areas, and this is reflected by its place on the shortlist for all three of the Saudi Arabia awards at the 2024 ceremony, where it comfortably goes head-to-head with major international practices. Khoshaim’s banking and finance team maintains an outstanding reputation and is active across a wide variety of disciplines, including both project finance and restructuring matters. The team is also very active on banking regulatory work – in this field, it recently acted for Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises on the formation of a new bank to support the country’s continued economic development under the Vision 2030 initiative. Sources declare that "it is a very sophisticated law firm with brilliant lawyers who are always eager to provide the necessary support."

Saudi Arabia Corporate and Commercial Law Firm of the Year
AS&H Clifford Chance 
Khoshaim & Associates 
Latham & Watkins LLC
Legal Advisors in association with Baker McKenzie 
The Law Firm of Salah Al-Hejailan in association with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 

Saudi Arabia Corporate and Commercial Law Firm of the Year Winner: AS&H Clifford Chance

In March 2023 Clifford Chance made history as one of the first international law firms to formalise its presence in Saudi Arabia, converting its successful association agreement with AS&H into a new joint venture. The corporate team remains one of the largest in Riyadh, comprising several seasoned and well-respected Saudi lawyers in addition to some of the best-known Westerners active in the Kingdom. AS&H has a long history at the forefront of transactional work in Saudi, having handled many of the largest and most high-profile M&A deals to have taken place there. It is also noteworthy for its string of repeat instructions from premier commercial entities such as the PIF. In one recent matter for this client, AS&H Clifford Chance advised on the recapitalisation, debt conversion and restructuring of Arcelor Mittal Tubular Pipes Jubail, as a result of which PIF increased its stake in the company to approximately 65%.

Saudi Arabia Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year
Clyde & Co 
Derayah LLPC 
Khoshaim & Associates 
Hammad & Al-Mehdar Law Firm 

Saudi Arabia Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year Winner: Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co is a significant player in Saudi dispute resolution. It is particularly well regarded for its specialisms in fields such as construction, insurance and shipping, but is also regularly instructed on high-value contractual and shareholder matters. The team oversees a wide range of work – including local court cases as well as international arbitration proceedings – and it acts for a blue-chip client base that includes major global and regional insurance companies and engineering contractors. Referee feedback describes Clyde & Co’s lawyers as “very professional strategic advisers for complicated disputes,” and praise their “excellent grasp of technical commercial points.” Lawyers based in Clyde’s Riyadh office frequently work on multi-jurisdictional cases and are well versed in coordinating with colleagues based elsewhere in the firm’s expansive global network, including in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and London.

UAE Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year
Addleshaw Goddard LLP  
Allen & Overy LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Linklaters 
Norton Rose Fulbright  

UAE Banking & Finance Law Firm of the Year Winner: Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance has a long history in Dubai, stretching back close to 50 years. Banking and finance has been a core part of its offering during this time, with the firm’s team members consistently rated among the market’s top legal talent in this field. The practice is frequently active on multibillion-dollar syndicated lending agreements, and is well established as a counsel of choice for many of the biggest commercial banks operating in the Middle East. Aviation, real estate and project finance are notable areas of expertise, in addition to refinancing. The firm is also noteworthy as one of the pioneers in Islamic finance – its Dubai office continuing to be involved in some of the most significant facility agreements in this field. Recent highlight work includes advising Dubai Islamic Bank on the USD330 million, Shari’a-compliant financing for two new Boeing aircraft intended for Emirates.

UAE Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Dentons 
Ibrahim & Partners  
Latham & Watkins LLP
Linklaters 

UAE Capital Markets Law Firm of the Year Winner: Ibrahim & Partners

Ibrahim & Partners first entered the Chambers UAE rankings as recently as the Global 2021 guide. In this short space of time it has come to be seen as one of the foremost names for domestic equity issuances, being frequently cited by interviewees as a standout practice for local law advice. Client commentary includes the observation that “the firm has a very strong understanding of local market regulations in the UAE and has provided us with practical advice throughout the process.” Sources additionally praise the team for its hands-on and efficient approach to the work it undertakes, as well as the high regard in which it is held by the regulatory authorities. Ibrahim & Partners recently acted for ADNOC Logistics and Shipping on its sale of a non-controlling stake in its business by way of an IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

UAE Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year
Addleshaw Goddard LLP 
Allen & Overy LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP 
DLA Piper LLP 

UAE Restructuring & Insolvency Law Firm of the Year Winner: DLA Piper LLP

UAE Restructuring & Insolvency is a new category at the 2024 Chambers Middle East Awards, and DLA Piper is the inaugural winner. DLA has fielded a dedicated R&I team in Dubai for longer than most international law firms operating in the emirate, which has positioned it well to take on a variety of high-profile and first-of-their-kind matters. One of the firm’s most notable work highlights is its ongoing representation of the Creditors’ Coordinating Committee for Ahmad Hamad Algosaibi Brothers (AHAB) in the negotiation of the company’s financial reorganisation proposal, setting an important precedent for such matters under Saudi Arabia’s Bankruptcy Law. Sources applaud the firm as “the go-to player to provide detailed advice and support.”

UAE Commercial Contracts Law Firm of the Year
Al Tamimi & Company 
Baker Botts LLP 
Baker McKenzie 
Clyde & Co LLP 
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP 
Hadef & Partners  

UAE Commercial Contracts Law Firm of the Year Winner: Al Tamimi & Company

Al Tamimi is universally regarded as the leading regional law firm in the Middle East, with its teams in the UAE able to work on cross-border matters alongside colleagues in almost every country across the region. The firm’s UAE commercial contracts expertise is a fundamental part of its overall offering, and much appreciated by its many regular clients. Participants in Chambers’ research interviews are quick to state that “they have depth and breadth of partners who are leaders in their fields.” Further commentary draws attention to the pragmatic and business-oriented approach of Al Tamimi’s lawyers. Voicing the experience of many, one source praised: “In addition to providing advice on the law, the lawyers we deal with also give views on a practical approach within the local environment.” Recent work highlights include advising Emirates School Establishment on the services agreement with the parties chosen to manage and operate schools participating in its landmark Ayjal programme, which was valued at more than AED718 million.

UAE Corporate Compliance & Investigations Law Firm of the Year
Akin Gump 
Al Tamimi & Company 
DLA Piper LLP 
Jones Day 
Squire Patton Boggs 

UAE Corporate Compliance & Investigations Law Firm of the Year Winner: DLA Piper LLP

2024 marks the first year Chambers has offered this award, following the broadening of the corresponding ranking table to cover corporate compliance work. This reflects the growing activity of UAE-based law firms on matters stemming from the West’s imposition of sanctions against Russia and Belarus in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. DLA Piper is a preeminent player in this area of work, with a long history of involvement in multi-jurisdictional cases. It offers complementary expertise in regulatory and internal investigations, including matters arising from allegations of bribery, corruption and white-collar fraud. Its client list comprises many recognisable names, including within the financial services industry. Clients themselves praise the team for its “excellent availability and top-level service.”

UAE Corporate/M&A Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 
Linklaters 
White & Case LLP 

UAE Corporate/M&A Law Firm of the Year Winner: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a longstanding presence at the top of the market in the UAE. With equally acclaimed offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the firm has continually enjoyed a stellar reputation for its strengths in M&A and private equity. The corporate team regularly assists financial investors and prominent regional clients in the TMT, oil and gas, and financial services sectors. The team has noteworthy experience advising on high-profile, cross-border M&A, and its lawyers are widely endorsed for their strengths assisting sovereign wealth funds and acting for major private equity houses. Clients regularly praise the firm’s quality of service and adaptability, with one elaborating: "On our deal, the team at Freshfields was required to respond to a changing environment, and the support they gave us was seamless."Another client noted of the firm’s bench strength that "the team is strong across all levels of seniority, from the managing partner down to the associates." Among the team’s recent high-profile mandates, Freshfields advised Kuwait Finance House on its acquisition of 100% of Ahli United Bank's shares, for an approximate value of USD11.6 billion.

UAE Construction Law Firm of the Year
Addleshaw Goddard LLP 
BCLP
Clyde & Co LLP 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 
K&L Gates 
Reed Smith LLP 

UAE Construction Law Firm of the Year Winner: Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Addleshaw Goddard has been steadily climbing the ranking table for UAE Construction, rising to Band 2 in the 2024 edition of Chambers Global. Clients have great respect and admiration for the firm’s Dubai-based construction disputes team. One source said: “They have demonstrated an excellent ability to attend to our urgent and multi-faceted requirements in a very professional manner.” Another observed that “the construction team is very well resourced and has a lot of hands-on experience.” The firm is well versed in advising the full spectrum of stakeholders in construction projects, including contractors, subcontractors, consultants and developers. Addleshaw’s Dubai lawyers are also frequently active on matters in the wider GCC, leveraging the firm’s expanding regional footprint, which comprises offices in Doha, Muscat and Riyadh. Its work in Qatar includes multiple highly sensitive mandates relating in some way to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

UAE Real Estate Law Firm of the Year
Al Tamimi & Company 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Clyde & Co LLP 
DLA Piper LLP 
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP 

UAE Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Winner: Al Tamimi & Company

Al Tamimi is a particularly accomplished regional law firm whose UAE real estate team continues to be appointed on numerous high-value deals. The firm’s top-tier practice group acts for several leading regional developers and also advises an impressive list of well-known corporate clients on the real estate aspects of their businesses. The team is adept at matters relating to commercial leases, as well as assisting with acquisitions in the retail and hospitality sectors. In this respect, a market source confirmed: "Al Tamimi is solid, experienced and very responsive. The team has a robust and deep understanding of the real estate sector." It is also able to provide representation in various real estate-related disputes. The firm leverages its extensive regional coverage on cross-border work. Clients also appreciate that Al Tamimi “has a strong grasp of the regulations while also being very commercially oriented. The team turns around high-quality work very quickly." Among a number of highlights this year, an Al Tamimi team assisted Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank with the USD122.5 million sale of the Al Maryah Tower.

UAE Dispute Resolution International Law Firm of the Year
Allen & Overy LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Clyde & Co LLP 
DLA Piper LLP 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 
Herbert Smith Freehills

UAE Dispute Resolution International Law Firm of the Year Winner: Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co maintains a formidable dispute resolution practice in the UAE, and is a repeat winner at the Chambers Middle East Awards. It offers sizeable teams dedicated to international arbitration and DIFC/ADGM litigation, and it is equally capable of coordinating domestic Emirati litigation alongside some of the market’s leading advocates. This expertise is complemented by the firm’s extremely strong standing when it comes to contentious proceedings in fields such as construction, employment and insurance – with specialist teams focusing on each of these areas. One source highlighted to Chambers’ research analysts the fact that “Clydes has a strong team of experts that works from various angles to provide the best solution to a matter.” Other sources state: “The team has a wealth of experience in managing disputes and litigation within the Middle East across various industries, which enables them to readily understand complex matters and provide strong strategic and commercial advice.” The sheer size of its disputes team ensures it is consistently active on a very high volume of landmark cases, including many matters involving novel points of law.

UAE Dispute Resolution Domestic Law Firm of the Year
Al Tamimi & Company 
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants 
Hadef & Partners 
Horizons & Co Law Firm 
Al Aidarous Advocates & Legal Consultants 

UAE Dispute Resolution Domestic Law Firm of the Year Winner: Horizons & Co Law Firm

Horizons is a significant name for dispute resolution, with an impressive reputation when it comes to domestic litigation proceedings before the courts of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates in the UAE. Founding partner Ali Al Zarooni is particularly highly praised by the firm’s major clients. One source observed that “Ali is one of the best lawyers I have ever dealt with,” while others state that “he is an excellent Emirati lawyer who is very user-friendly.” Al Zarooni himself, and the firm more broadly, are consistently noted for their handling of construction cases. The firm’s activity and reputation in this field was considered more than sufficient to warrant a ranking for UAE Construction: Dispute Resolution, complementing its longstanding presence in the table for Dispute Resolution: Domestic. Outside the construction sector, Horizons recently acted for Heriot Watt University Dubai on a case brought before the Dubai Court of Appeal concerning the early termination of a commercial agreement with Study World Education Services.

UAE Employment Law Firm of the Year 
Al Tamimi & Company 
Baker McKenzie 
Clyde & Co LLP 
Hadef & Partners 
Pinsent Masons 

UAE Employment Law Firm of the Year Winner: Hadef & Partners

Hadef & Partners’ employment team enjoyed a successful year in 2023 and continues to go from strength to strength in a number of key areas. The law firm has a growing client base of major multinationals hailing from a range of sectors and is notably adept at handling employment disputes in the local courts, as well as in the offshore courts of the DIFC and ADGM. Its lawyers regularly advise on HR policy matters and the drafting of employment contracts, in addition to providing support on issues arising from recruitment and performance management. The firm has notable expertise in employee benefits and executive compensation, and is also capable of assisting with dismissals and workplace investigations. Clients offer high praise for Hadef’s level of service, with one detailing: "They deal with us as a business partner rather than just another client, and they are always available when we need them." Another client noted: “Their depth of knowledge of the UAE market is very impressive." Hadef’s significant work this year includes advising adidas on a variety of employment matters, including the implementation of numerous consultancy and part-time working arrangements.

UAE Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year 
Al Tamimi & Company 
Clyde & Co LLP 
DLA Piper LLP 
Gowling WLG 
Rouse 

UAE Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year Winner: Gowling WLG

When it comes to intellectual property concerns, Gowling is well established as one of the primary figures in Dubai’s legal landscape. Its growing team assists numerous big-name clients with the full gamut of patent and trade mark matters. This includes non-contentious commercial work such as franchising and licensing agreements, but the firm is equally capable when it comes to enforcement and anti-counterfeiting issues. To give one example, it acted for ITW Performance Polymers, and the company’s Emirati distributor, on enforcement proceedings against the retailers and distributors of counterfeit products being sold in the UAE. A key factor which secured the firm this award was its client feedback. Lawyers within the IP team are praised for their “consistently excellent advice” and the way in which “they understand the commercial pressures we balance.” One client elaborated still further, noting: “The value-add we get from them is so unique – they really invest time in the relationship.” The source summarised that “if you’re a future-forward entity, these are the guys you want on board.”

UAE Technology, Media & Telecoms Law Firm of the Year 
Allen & Overy LLP 
CMS 
DLA Piper LLP 
Latham & Watkins LLP
Simmons & Simmons LLP 

UAE Technology, Media & Telecoms Law Firm of the Year Winner: Latham & Watkins LLP

In the Middle East, Latham is well known for its outstanding track record in matters relating to Saudi Arabia. In March 2023 it became one of the first international law firms to be granted an operating licence by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Justice. Although also active elsewhere in the region, the firm’s Dubai-based technology, media and telecoms team has a long history of acting on major Saudi deals. Examples include its assistance to a noted Saudi technology healthcare company on its formation of a PPP intended to centralise the Kingdom’s health insurance claims processes, and assisting Saudi B2B technology platform Aney.com on regulatory issues pertaining to e-commerce, cybersecurity and data protection. Sources applaud Latham for its top-tier industry knowledge, responsiveness and management of client relationships. During 2023, key TMT partner Brian Meenagh relocated to Riyadh, positioning the practice to further capitalise on its success in Saudi Arabia. (As an aside, law firms can now submit for Saudi Arabia TMT, with submissions being due on May 30.)

UAE Shipping Law Firm of the Year 
Dentons 
HFW 
Stephenson Harwood LLP 
Watson Farley & Williams 

UAE Shipping Law Firm of the Year Winner: HFW

HFW has a very impressive shipping group in the UAE, with strengths in both non-contentious matters and shipping disputes. Its capabilities on both sides have recently been enhanced by several lateral hires from Clyde & Co, securing the firm a leading position in the market. The shipping department is frequently turned to for a variety of high-value admiralty and marine casualty matters, in addition to taking on major M&A and financing transactions in the sector. It was legal counsel to Shuaa Capital on the USD200 million leveraged buyout of Allianz Marine and Logistics Services, handling the sale and purchase agreement as well as the related financing agreement with National Bank of Fujairah. One highly impressed client described the firm’s shipping lawyers as “an in-house counsel’s dream come true,” while another said that “they stand out because of their understanding of the client – they respond well, provide custom-made solutions and are commercial in their advice.” Also of note is the firm’s top-tier insurance practice, the work of which is a natural complement to HFW’s shipping team, being regularly active on marine insurance claims.

UAE Insurance Law Firm of the Year 
Clyde & Co LLP 
HFW 
Kennedys 
Norton Rose Fulbright 
DWF 

UAE Insurance Law Firm of the Year Winner: HFW

Alongside its formidable shipping practice, HFW has also excelled in the insurance market this year. The firm maintains a skilled contentious insurance practice in the UAE, with lawyers based in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. HFW 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 insurers. Clients have noted HFW’s strength of service in this space, with one source mentioning: "HFW are able to grasp a brief quickly and provide balanced advice with a practical, problem-solving approach." The firm also 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, such as the transfer of portfolios. Another referee praised: “The service level provided to us is incredible and HFW will always support when we need them to be there for us.” One significant example of HFW’s prowess in the market this year was when it acted for Qatar Reinsurance in a dispute with Orient Insurance, relating to the terms of a reinsurance contract.

UAE Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year 
Allen & Overy LLP 
King & Spalding LLP 
Morgan Lewis & Bockius 
Norton Rose Fulbright  
Simmons & Simmons LLP 

UAE Investment Funds Law Firm of the Year Winner: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan Lewis has a substantial investment funds practice in the UAE, drawing upon the expertise of lawyers based in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In the most recent Chambers research and rankings for Middle East-Wide Investment Funds it doubled its number of ranked lawyers and received a raft of extremely high client praise. Typical commentary described the team as being “outstanding in terms of its knowledge and commercial awareness,” as well as “efficient and timely” in the work it undertakes. Sources offered high praise for individuals at all levels of seniority, with one interviewee observing: “The associate involved in our fund establishment was integral to the deal; they were aware of all the issues, competent and always available.” The firm is notable for its handling of several extremely high-value fund launches of late.

UAE Projects & Energy Law Firm of the Year 
Allen & Overy LLP 
Ashurst 
Bracewell 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Herbert Smith Freehills 
Linklaters 

UAE Projects & Energy Law Firm of the Year Winner: Clifford Chance LLP

Clifford Chance has an outstanding projects practice which is active throughout the Middle East. In addition to its work within the UAE, it is also especially notable for its lead roles on several landmark transactions relating to projects in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and offers a depth of expertise spanning oil and gas, social infrastructure and renewable energy. Among the team’s recent Egyptian work, it acted for the project sponsors – including Orascom Construction and ENGIE – on the development of a 500 MW wind power project at the Gulf of Suez. Its lawyers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi frequently work in close collaboration with the firm’s project finance experts in London and Riyadh on a variety of groundbreaking and novel matters. Major clients are full of praise for the firm’s work, noting: “They are a trusted and experienced team” that is “always responsive.”

Yemen Law Firm of the Year 
Alaghbari & Partners 
Luqman Legal 
Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah & Sons  

Yemen Law Firm of the Year Winner: Alaghbari & Partners

Alaghbari & Partners is a highly accomplished law firm in Yemen, representing a number of financial institutions as well as manufacturers and international oil and gas companies. The team is well versed in litigation, with a strong track record of results before the Primary Commercial Court, the Court of Public Funds and the Primary Tax Court. One notable example of Alaghbari’s recent work in this area includes its representation of Yemen Company for Sugar Refining in a case against the Tax and Investment Authorities. It is also experienced representing clients in arbitration proceedings and is increasingly active on labour and employment matters. Non-contentious matters such as contractual agreements are also a significant part of its workload. The firm is well regarded by market sources, with one elaborating: "Their service levels are excellent. They respond and take action on time."

Middle East Breakthrough Law Firm of the Year 
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 
Charles Russell Speechlys 
GLA & Company 
MAQ Legal 
Hammad & Al-Mehdar Law Firm 

Middle East Breakthrough Law Firm of the Year Winner: Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

The Chambers Middle East Awards ceremony is now well established in the legal calendar, and the research team is pleased to offer a greatly expanded number of awards in 2024. Gibson Dunn is the inaugural winner of the Middle East Breakthrough Law Firm of the Year, an award which is presented in recognition of the firm’s impressive strategic growth over the past 18 months. The catalyst for this growth was the hire of top-tier M&A lawyer Marwan Elaraby, quickly followed by the hire of several of his former Shearman colleagues and the establishment of a new office in Abu Dhabi. With the opening of a Riyadh office towards the end of 2023, Gibson Dunn has firmly re-established itself as one of the most significant international law firms active in the Middle East and is well positioned for yet more success at future awards ceremonies.

Middle East-Wide Dispute Resolution: Leading UK Barristers’ Set 
3 Verulam Buildings 
4 Pump Court 
Serle Court 

Middle East-Wide Dispute Resolution Winner: Leading UK Barristers’ Set: Serle Court

It is a reality of the market that disputes work in the Middle East is not solely handled by lawyers based within the region. London-based barristers are increasingly involved in arbitration proceedings, as well as taking on advocacy and opinion work in litigation cases before the courts of the DIFC and other financial free zones. The ranking table now called Middle East-Wide Dispute Resolution: The English Bar has been one of the great success stories of Chambers’ Middle East research, growing from a small Expertise Based Abroad list within the UAE Dispute Resolution section to a standalone table covering the entire region – and all within the space of five years. Sources have been glowing in their praise for the barristers at Serle Court, with many of those in the market citing it as the leading London set for Middle Eastern disputes. Financial services cases are key area of expertise for its members, as are matters involving freezing orders. The set’s barristers are said to be individuals who are “easy to work with” as well as “very responsive, alive to the issues and able to balance the concerns of the client.” That senior barristers here are also able to speak Arabic is viewed as another major plus.

Middle East Law Firm of the Year: Transactional 
Allen & Overy LLP 
Clifford Chance LLP 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 
Latham & Watkins LLP
Linklaters

Middle East Law Firm of the Year Winner: Transactional: Allen & Overy LLP

A&O made headlines throughout 2023, having signed a merger agreement with US law firm Shearman & Sterling. This strategic merger is set to enhance A&O’s transactional capabilities in the Middle East in a number of key areas, including capital markets and project finance. Allen & Overy already fields standout teams in both these spheres, but also maintains an impressive standing in broader bank finance transactions, as well as in M&A. While its on-the-ground Middle East footprint has altered over the years, its UAE-based lawyers continue to assist with matters throughout the region. One typically cross-border transaction saw the firm advise the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia on a significant minority investment in Capital Bank of Jordan, for a total consideration of USD740 million. Allen & Overy is notable for its strong client following of government-owned entities in Abu Dhabi, including such marquee names as Mubadala and ADQ. The longevity of these client relationships is in no small part due to the personal reputation of Ibrahim Mubaydeen, who is the winner of one of the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2024 ceremony.

Middle East Law Firm of the Year: Dispute Resolution 
Al Tamimi & Company 
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP 
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 
Clyde & Co LLP 
White & Case LLP 

Middle East Law Firm of the Year Winner: Dispute Resolution: Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co can trace back its roots in the Middle East more than 40 years. During this time it has grown to become one of the largest international law firms in the Middle East, with sizeable offices in Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh. Dispute resolution is key to its regional offering, as illustrated by its winning of dispute resolution awards in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE at the 2024 ceremony. The firm is especially noted for its specialist expertise in contentious insurance, employment and construction matters, in addition to its assured handling of contractual and shareholder disputes via litigation and arbitration. Clients praise Clyde’s disputes lawyers for their “commercially pragmatic advice,”and the way that they are “consistently very diligent and knowledgeable, and they present timely and clear advice, on budget.” Another source added: "The team at Clyde & Co are always available to discuss issues and are extremely responsive to all communications, whether verbal or written."

Middle East Rising Star Award 
Alexandre Brazeau (Gowling WLG)  
Antonia Birt (Reed Smith LLP) 
Lynn Ammar (Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP) 
Natalia Kumar (Al Tamimi & Company)  
Phil Hanson (Herbert Smith Freehills)  
Ravinder Singh (Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co) 
Reem Al Sayegh (Linklaters) 

Middle East Rising Star Award Winner: Reem Al Sayegh

The Middle East Rising Star Award is presented to lawyers from the younger generation who are widely accepted as names to watch for the future. Having built an exceptional reputation during her time as managing associate and counsel, Reem Al Sayegh was promoted to partner at Linklaters in May 2022. In the nearly two years since this promotion, she has fast established herself as a prominent name for banking and finance matters, with a lead role in both Linklaters’ Islamic finance practice and its Middle East financial regulatory group. Al Sayegh receives consistently high praise from others within the legal sector. One peer simply said: “I think she’s really excellent,” and others have been quick to agree, adding: “She knows her stuff inside-out.” Having already achieved so much, there is no doubt that Al Sayegh’s future career looks very bright indeed. As such she is a worth winner of this year’s award.