Dean Ryburn

- Construction and Engineering Disputes

- Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Dean Ryburn is the managing partner of Dentons' Dubai office and the Head of Middle East Construction and Dispute Resolution practice. He has 20 years' experience advising clients on risk management, and dispute avoidance and resolution. He regularly acts for clients in all common forms of dispute resolution (including litigation, arbitration and mediation) to protect and enforce their legal rights in relation to their most important projects and transactions. He has an in-depth understanding of local laws, practices and dispute resolution frameworks having been based in the region full-time for more than 15 years. Dean brings a commercial background and understanding to disputes from previous roles as senior in-house counsel for a leading regional power developer and a secondment to a government-owned company to advise on negotiating the close-out and resolution of disputes for a US$4 billion project.

He regularly acts for clients in resolving disputes relating to variations, delay and disruption, early termination, defective works and related issues. He is noted for his ability to quickly grasp and distil complex technical and legal issues, and provide and deliver on a clear strategy to achieve clients' commercial objectives in a cost-efficient manner. He acts for all project participants but has particular expertise advising main contractors on resolving complex interconnected disputes with employers and subcontractors.

Dean has been highlighted as WWL's recommended lawyer in 2024 for construction and named as one of 10 consultants in the 2025, 2023 and 2022 Construction Week Power 100 ranking of the Middle East's most influential construction leaders in recognition of his particular expertise in complex and high-value construction arbitrations. Dean is also ranked in Chambers and as a leading individual in Legal 500.

Barrister, High Court of New Zealand, 2006

Solicitor, High Court of New Zealand, 2006