Investment Funds | Global

King & Spalding maintains a premier team with longstanding expertise in the investment funds arena. The firm is acknowledged for assisting with matters across the region and has particular strength in relation to Saudi Arabia. Lawyers within the group are noted for their strong expertise in venture capital, private equity and real estate funds, as well as their ability to act for both general and limited partners. The firm also possesses leading expertise in REITs and advises on a wide array of matters, including Shari'a compliance issues.

Morgan Lewis has a highly esteemed practice in this field, with significant experience advising on Shari'a-compliant funds, as well as in regard to the representation of limited partners. It is well versed in credit and feeder funds, and advises on a range of QIFs, including in the real estate and technology sectors. Its lawyers represent clients in fund-related matters throughout the Middle East, with particular strengths in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The firm continues to grow its sovereign wealth and pension fund expertise.

A&O Shearman houses a highly respected team of investment fund lawyers who regularly advise high-end regional and international clients on a range of investment products. It is recognised by a number of sources for its impressive sovereign wealth fund expertise, and possesses extensive capabilities in open as well as closed-ended funds, Shari'a-compliant structures and private equity investments. The team is well regarded for fund formation and has equally impressive experience relating to asset management insolvencies. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a respected Middle East investment funds team, principally comprising lawyers based in Dubai and Luxembourg. The group advises on a range of matters, including the structuring and launch of Shari'a-compliant and real estate funds, as well as funds targeting investment in digital and crypto assets. Further significant areas of activity include the establishment of funds focused on supporting sustainability and energy transition.

Addleshaw Goddard has a growing investment fund team in the UAE, having in 2023 drawn attention for its lateral hire of Philip Dowsett from Dechert. This adds to the notable funds experience housed in its Oman office, while the firm's London partners are also regularly mandated on the formation of Shari'a-compliant funds by asset managers based in the Middle East. Addleshaw's fund formation capabilities are complemented by an array of expertise in ancillary areas such as dispute resolution.

Dechert is home to a compact group of lawyers with extensive experience advising on Middle East investment funds. The team regularly counsels asset managers on the formation of Shari'a-compliant funds domiciled in either the Cayman Islands or the DIFC. It is active across a variety of asset classes, but is especially notable for its experience regarding real estate funds.