Ranking tables
Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based | Global
United Arab Emirates
Eminent Practitioners
Band 2
Band 3
Up and Coming
Eminent Practitioners
E Ibrahim Mubaydeen
A&O Shearman | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Eminent Practitioners |Ibrahim Mubaydeen is a distinguished lawyer, 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.
E Khalid GaroushaA&O Shearman | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Eminent Practitioners |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.
Band 1
1 Michael Hilton
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 1 |Michael Hilton 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. He recently moved to Skadden's Abu Dhabi office from Freshfields.
Band 2
2 Nicholas Edwards
Linklaters | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 2 |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.
2 Osama Audi
Baker McKenzie LLP | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 2 |Osama Audi is based in Abu Dhabi, from where he heads the UAE corporate and M&A team. He acts for an impressive array of regional clients on high-profile M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions.
2 Renad Younes
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 2 |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 long-standing 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.
2 Steven Worthington
White & Case LLP | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 2 |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 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.
Band 3
3 Chris Macbeth
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 3 |Chris Macbeth is one of the co-founders of Cleary'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.3 Gamal AboualiCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 3 |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.
3 Simon Fraser
King & Spalding LLP | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 3 |Simon Fraser is a seasoned lawyer on 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.
3 Stuart James
Ashurst | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 3 |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.
3 Wael Jabsheh
Akin | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Band 3 |Wael Jabsheh is the Abu Dhabi managing partner of Akin 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.
Up and Coming
U Charlotte Stevens
Freshfields | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Up and Coming |Charlotte Stevens is a rising star who is based in Freshfields' Abu Dhabi office. Her expertise lies primarily in the handling of acquisitions and joint ventures for clients operating in the energy and infrastructure sectors.U Lynn Ammar
Clifford Chance LLP | Corporate/M&A: Abu Dhabi-based2025 | Up and Coming |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. She joined Clifford Chance in September 2024 after leaving Cleary Gottlieb.