Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based | Global

Ibrahim Mubaydeen is a distinguished lawyer who is particularly noted for his handling of transactions relating to power and infrastructure projects. He has led some of the largest M&A transactions in the UAE, most notably within the oil and gas sector, while also excelling at corporate restructuring work. He is the Abu Dhabi managing partner.

Khalid Garousha is a highly esteemed lawyer, based in Abu Dhabi, who has a formidable reputation for his work on market-leading M&A transactions. He is also an eminent figure in ECM matters, most significantly in IPOs.

Michael Hilton is the head of Skadden's Abu Dhabi office and its Middle East practice. He advises leading clients on major M&A transactions and joint ventures, most regularly acting for entities in the oil and gas and financial services sectors. He is also experienced advising on cross-border acquisitions across the Middle East.

Renad Younes is a well-regarded lawyer who regularly takes a lead role on high-profile M&A matters within the oil and gas sector, leveraging her longstanding track record in the field of projects and energy. She is also adept at overseeing joint ventures and strategic partnerships. She heads the firm's Abu Dhabi office.

Nicholas Edwards leads Linklaters' Middle East corporate practice and co-heads the firm's Abu Dhabi office. He maintains a robust M&A practice, often acting for clients in the oil and gas and finance sectors. He is also adept at joint ventures and equity raisings.

Abu Dhabi-based Steven Worthington is well recognised for his work on behalf of high-profile clients on large-scale, cross-border transactions and investments. Co-heading the firm's MENA financial sponsor practice, he is adept at handling joint venture arrangements, and his recent work has had a notable emphasis on the energy and technology sectors.

Chris Macbeth is one of the co-founders of Cleary Gottlieb's Abu Dhabi office. He has a strong reputation for his work assisting with acquisitions and private equity investments. He is particularly experienced in acting for sovereign wealth funds and is also well versed in venture capital work.

Gamal Abouali is a well-respected lawyer who co-founded the firm's Abu Dhabi office. He has a strong track record in cross-border M&A transactions, most regularly acting for clients in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, he is well placed to assist investment funds and corporates with various venture capital matters.

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

Stuart James is a notable partner in Ashurst's Abu Dhabi office. He offers expertise across the full gamut of M&A, including investment and joint venture mandates, acting on behalf of major regional players from the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Abu Dhabi-based Tom Lawless advises sovereign entities and corporates on a wide variety of M&A and related matters. He is able to assist with strategic investments and the establishment of joint ventures, in addition to his expertise in private equity transactions.

Wael Jabsheh is the partner in charge of Akin's Abu Dhabi office and the head of the firm's Middle East corporate practice. He is noted for his impressive handling of high-value acquisitions and disposals, frequently advising sovereign entities and asset managers.

Chris Lester has extensive experience that spans the full gamut of mergers, demergers and acquisitions, in addition to restructurings, privatisations and joint ventures. His clientele includes prominent regional banks, private equity houses and entities in the oil and gas sector. He joined the Abu Dhabi office of Greenberg Traurig after leaving Latham & Watkins in September 2025.

Lynn Ammar maintains a wide-ranging M&A practice from Abu Dhabi. Her expertise in cross-border transactions, corporate restructurings and project development is highly sought after by corporates and sovereign wealth funds.

Stefan Mrozinski is a notable lawyer who joined the newly established Abu Dhabi office of Paul Hastings in May 2025. He has extensive experience advising regional and international clients on mergers and acquisitions, disposals and the establishment of joint ventures. He is sought after for his strengths in the technology sector, and he offers additional capabilities in corporate governance and restructuring.

Stephen McKenna is an experienced partner in Dentons' Abu Dhabi team. He is able to advise clients on a range of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions and the establishment of joint ventures.

Charlotte Stevens is a partner based in Freshfields' Abu Dhabi office. Her expertise lies primarily in the handling of acquisitions and joint ventures on behalf of clients operating in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Daud Khan is a partner in the Abu Dhabi office of Clifford Chance. He advises international corporates and regional clients on a range of corporate mandates, including M&A, joint ventures and strategic investments. His clients hail from key sectors such as healthcare and technology.

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