The Middle East is a significant part of our network. Our lawyers advise on high-profile, multi-jurisdictional transactions with deep local roots, the result of many years’ experience in the local Middle East markets. They advise on some of the most complex transactions in the region. Over the years we have also nurtured strong relationships with regional law firms, key government agencies and regulatory bodies.
Our Dubai office advises clients carrying out in-bound and out-bound transactions concerning the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
The experienced team at Stephenson Harwood's Dubai office provides legal advice on a broad range of finance and business matters to financial institutions, corporates, and governmental entities. Sophisticated and perceptive legal advice is coupled with a creative, commercial, and service-oriented approach to legal services, carried out to the highest standards.
"One client stated that the team was 'very progressive and pragmatic', and that they 'rate them very highly."
Chambers Global 2020
Major oil terminal
Acting for a UAE oil terminal in relation to a US$125 million multi-jurisdictional dispute concerning title to two cargoes of oil discharged into terminals in the UAE.
Four newbuild VLGC's
Advised Owners on the purchase of four newbuild VLGC's from a leading Korean shipyard, total project value US$390 million.
Major UAE bank
Advising our client on complex hybrid financing involving aircraft engines and components in a multi-jurisdictional transaction amounting to over US$200 million.
Leading commodities trading entity
Acting for a UAE oil terminal in relation to a US$125 million multi-jurisdictional dispute concerning title to two cargoes of oil discharged into terminals in the UAE.
DIFC based bank
Advised DIFC based bank on their participation in an international Islamic finance transaction and their compliance under DFSA regulations.
Fraud and asset recovery
Advising David Haigh, the ex-managing director of Leeds United Football Club on a DIFC claim initiated by the DIFC branch of a major Bahrain based Islamic investment bank for AED23 million on account alleged of breach of trust and money laundering.
Oil and gas
Advising a real estate developer on the development of an oil and gas services hub in the Basra region.
Iraqi government
Advising government of Iraq in debut bond offering of $2 billion in international financial markets.
Government entities
Advising government entities on IPOs, IPPs, large construction and EPC projects and real estate development projects.
Major tourism development project
Advising the client (developer) in matter of Omani Law, assisting in negotiations with the government and in all corporate and contractual aspects.
Major hotel owners
Acted for a number of hotel owners in respect of hotel management agreements for hotels including the Chedi Hotel in Muscat, Kempinski Hotel in Dubai, a multi-hotel development in Dubai and the Inter-Continental Hotel in Muscat.
Major real estate development
Acting for one of the region's largest real estate development companies in drafting and renegotiation of their joint venture with another government owned developer for the development of a 2.8 million sqm land area into a residential and commercial mixed used development.