The Legal 500

United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution

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  1. Dispute resolution
  2. Leading individuals

Leading individuals

Al Tamimi & Company’s dispute resolution practice is ‘among the best as far as local law knowledge is concerned’, and ‘adopts the highest ethical standards and ensures that the team is available to the client at all times’. In 2012, it represented Dubai Islamic Bank in a criminal case against seven businessmen concerning the embezzlement of public funds. Deputy managing partner Hassan Arab heads the dispute practice regionally. Hussain Eisa Shiri, who leads the Dubai dispute resolution team, is ‘one of the best legal brains in the country’, and head of international arbitration Paul Turner is also recommended.

Clifford Chance’s contentious practice is ‘consistently on-the-ball’. Graham Lovett and James Abbott’s broad practice includes Dubai World Tribunal and DIFC court cases as well as major international arbitrations. Abbott is ‘a shrewd strategist and a formidable advocate’, who ‘works tirelessly for the client, and is always able to provide excellent and pragmatic advice’.

Clyde & Co LLP’s heavyweight contentious practice has the breadth and depth of expertise to cover a broad array of sectors and venues. The insurance and reinsurance sectors are key areas of strength, wherein the team represents a number of global insurers and reinsurers including Royal & Sun Alliance and Swiss Re. It also recently represented a car manufacturer in an application before the Indian courts to discharge an injunction against it by its Indian importer. Christopher Mills heads the practice, which includes ten other partners in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Hadef & Partners is ‘an invaluable resource when dealing with UAE court matters or with the UAE judicial authorities’, and fields an ‘extraordinarily receptive and immensely capable’ litigation team that is ‘among the best in the UAE’. In 2012, the team represented Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank in various claims in the Abu Dhabi and Dubai courts against Saudi companies Saad and Al Gosaibi. Dubai practice head Richard Briggs has ‘an excellent reputation’, and is ably supported by Adrian Chadwick, Erik Muthow, and Abu Dhabi practice head Saleh Ahnaish.

Afridi & Angell’s well-respected contentious practice is particularly active in DIAC arbitrations with a construction component. It also handles DIFC court cases, where it can utilise its valuable local law knowledge. Shahram Safi is recommended.

DLA Piper Middle East LLP’s contentious practice handled a number of firsts in 2012, including the first QFC Appeal Court case and the first jurisdictional case in the DIFC Court of Appeal. Practice head Jim Delkousis acted in the aforementioned QFC case. Daniel Jude recently relocated from the firm’s Liverpool office, and Henry Quinlan joined from Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer’s highly respected contentious practice has broad regional scope and can leverage world-class arbitration expertise through its international network. The relocation of Jonathan Rawlings from London has strengthened its arbitration capability in the UAE. The firm experienced an increase in its DIFC workload in 2012, and also broadened its offering to cover regulatory matters and internal investigations. Joseph Huse retired.

Habib Al Mulla & Company fields one of the largest litigation teams with full rights of audience before the UAE courts as well as the DIFC and tribunals. The team handled over 400 cases before the federal and Dubai courts in 2012, representing clients including individuals, government bodies, and UAE-based developers and companies. Founding partner Habib Al Mulla is a seasoned veteran. Karim Nassif joined Cotty Vivant Marchisio & Lauzeral.

Patrick Bourke’s contentious practice in Norton Rose (Middle East) LLP’s Dubai office was reinforced by fraud, asset and trade finance expert Adam Vause’s relocation from Bahrain. In addition to its arbitration expertise, the team also handles DIFC cases for clients including global financial institutions, local and regional corporates, and high-net-worth individuals. It continues to act for Nakheel in various Dubai World Tribunal construction disputes.

International arbitration remains a core feature of Allen & Overy LLP’s disputes practice, which has acted in ICC, DIAC and ADCCAC proceedings, as well as defending the UAE against ICSID arbitration claims brought by foreign investors. It also handles other forms of ADR, as well as court litigation before the DIFC. In 2012, it represented United Investment Bank (a DIFC-registered investment bank) in DIFC court proceedings. Regional managing partner Simon Roderick leads the contentious practice, and is supported by respected construction disputes expert Christopher Mainwaring-Taylor.

Dentons’s contentious capability spans construction, financial services and investment treaty matters for government entities and local and international corporate clients. David Risbridger now heads the team, after Paul Stothard relocated to London. Arbitration specialist Michael Kerr is well regarded.

Fulbright & Jaworski LLP’s ‘outstanding’ commercial litigation practice has ‘bench strength that few firms can match’, particularly in cases concerning the defence, infrastructure and oil and gas industries. International and domestic arbitration are key sources of work, as is DIFC court litigation. Jonathan Sutcliffe is ‘superb’ and ‘very responsive to clients’, and Philip Punwar is ‘an outstanding litigator’.

Galadari & Associates’ practice covers financial services and construction cases for local clients such as Dubai Holdings. Senior legal consultant Leonora Riesenburg focuses on project and construction disputes, and takes ‘a strategic approach to cases’.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP supplements its strength in international law with the UAE law expertise of legal consultant Diana Hamade. The practice has broad regional strength and a notable focus on contentious employment matters. In 2012, Craig Shepherd and Stuart Paterson represented Parson Electronics FZE in a $110m ICC arbitration alleging the breach of an exclusive distributorship and agency agreement.

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP’s broad commercial disputes practice has key strength in the shipping, insurance and trade sectors. The team includes experienced local lawyers, which gives it the ability to tap into work beyond its strong Dubai World Tribunal, DIFC and arbitration work. Hugh Brown relocated to Dubai to be managing partner of the office, offsetting Edward Newitt’s move back to London (although he still focuses on work in the Middle East). In addition, aviation litigators Richard Gimblett and Charles Cockrell arrived as part of the inheritance from legacy firm Barlow Lyde & Gilbert.

Although Pinsent Masons is best known for its market-leading contentious construction practice, its four-partner team also handles a broader range of commercial disputes. The arrival of Björn Gehle from Clayton Utz in 2011 strengthened the team’s international arbitration capability, adding to Michelle Nelson’s keen knowledge of local arbitration provisions (having played a role in drafting the DIAC regulatory provisions).

SJ Berwin LLP’s dispute resolution team had another strong year, thanks in no small part to ‘arbitration guru’ Tim Taylor QC, whose ‘knowledge is encyclopaedic’. Both he and Mark Hoyle sit as arbitrators and mediators in cases, and Hoyle is recommended for his ‘extensive knowledge of the region’. In 2012, the team acted for Meydan Group in a DIAC arbitration concerning a joint venture to conduct work on the Meydan Racecourse project.

Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP’s ‘extremely professional’ contentious team is particularly highlighted for its ‘tactical acumen and practical approach to problems’. Practice head Adrian Cole is valued for his ‘deep understanding of key issues in litigation’, managing associate Raza Mithani ‘excels in arbitration hearings’, and Philip Norman is ‘a first-rate lawyer’. In 2012, the team acted for a European engineering company in a complex series of matters stemming from fraudulent conduct by its senior management.

Trowers & Hamlins enhanced its contentious construction practice and regional experience by recruiting Eric Teo from Al Tamimi & Company. In addition to its growing volume of construction arbitrations for international contractors, the team also handles financial services disputes. Nick White, who splits his time between Dubai and Malaysia, now heads the practice following Andrew Greaves’ move to Addleshaw Goddard (Middle East) LLP.

Eversheds LLP combines local expertise with an international footprint that few firms match. The team is currently involved in three multimillion-dollar arbitrations for regional companies and multinationals. Nasser Ali Khasawneh has notable arbitration and contentious IP expertise, and John Kemkers is noted for his real estate expertise.

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton’s ‘professional’ dispute resolution practice focuses exclusively on major construction cases, and as such regularly handles large-scale arbitration mandates before all the major arbitral bodies. Its client base encompasses Dubai government entities, international and local engineering firms, and developers and contractors of major infrastructure projects. Thomas Wilson is ‘fast and thorough’.

Reed Smith provides ‘a very good level of service’, and its dedicated expertise in construction disputes has allowed it to profit from the stream of work emanating from that sector, where clients include Reem Developers and ASWAR Engineering. Paul Taylor gives ‘a sensible, commercial view’.

Al-Suwaidi & Company combines ‘expert knowledge of international arbitration and strong local law knowledge’ to deliver a rounded practice to both local and international clients, with construction continuing to be a key source of mandates. Head of arbitration Nigel Truscott has ‘a supportive approach’. Head of litigation Fahmy Hallag is also recommended.

Bin Shabib & Associates (BSA) LLP recently represented a Singaporean company in a dispute against its commercial agent. Practice head Asim Ahmad is the key figure.

Davidson & Co’s ‘small but highly competent’ team handles local and international arbitrations, as well as a significant number of DIFC cases. It represented a Dubai-based company in breach of warranty claims brought under separate actions before the LCIA and ICC. Managing partner Jonathon Davidson and Joseph Durkin provide ‘clear advice on the legal issues, but also understand the political and emotional stakes’.

Hilal & Associates’ Abdullah Rashid Hilal handles arbitration and local litigation.

Boutique commercial firm KBH Kaanuun handles DIFC work, international arbitrations and local court matters for international and local companies and private clients. It has a particular focus on financial services, media, employment and real estate matters, and in 2012 represented the manager of a property syndicate and its related entities in a dispute with DAMAC concerning the Park Towers Developments. Kaashif Basit is the key contact.

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Legal Developments in United Arab Emirates

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to
  • The Banking Regulation Review - UAE Chapter

    The past year has seen a substantial improvement in the performance of banks and financial institutions in the UAE. Adequate provisions have been made for most nonperforming loans, banks are once again aggressively competing for good assets and 2012 bank results show substantial improvement in profits.
  • Legal Aspects of Medical Practice in UAE - Reportable Events, Crimes and Civil Wrongs

    1. According to recently published statistics, the UAE’s medical tourism market was worth $1.58 billion in 2012 and this is expected to grow a further 6.5 per cent to $1.69 billion in 2013. The UAE- with its predominately expatriate population of around 8 million- and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are- it seems- the two jurisdictions in the GCC where the demand for medical services- and the appetite to cater to this demand- is booming. The two "senior" Emirates in the seven member federation- Dubai and Abu Dhabi- have broadly similar demographics, hospital beds and medical practitioners although in Dubai the private sector is substantially larger than the public sector whilst the reverse is the case in Abu Dhabi.
  • Construction Law & Practice, as published in The European Lawyer (Thomson Reuters)

    1. Construction industry overview for the jurisdiction
  • Arbitration in Dubai, March 2013 by Daniel Brawn, Galadari

    The Emirate of Dubai has long been a centre for trade and commercial activity and such activity will inevitably generate disputes. In Arabic culture, traders endeavour to settle their disputes by negotiation, either between themselves or under the guidance of a leading citizen. The growth of international trade and investment has brought a wider range of disputes and Dubai has sought recently to place itself as a centre for commercial dispute resolution. Parties to international contracts are generally unwilling to submit their disputes to the Dubai Courts, with proceedings conducted in Arabic, and therefore international contracts generally include provisions for disputes to be resolved by arbitration. The law is developing rapidly in Dubai and the purpose of this article is to provide an insight into current arbitration practice at this exciting stage of its development.
  • Getting it off the ground: the Jointly Owned Property Law in Dubai

    The original version of this article was published in Practical Law, Multi-Jurisdictional Guide to Corporate Real Estate, 2012/2013
  • DIFC EMPLOYMENT LAW: WHY 2013 WON’T BE LIKE 2005

    "On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And you'll see why 1984 won't be like "1984""
  • MLC 2006-WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE SHIPOWNER AND THE COMMON SEAFARER?

    On 7 February 2006, the ILO, a United Nations agency, established the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). According to the convention, all commercial ships over 500 GT trading internationally will require a Maritime Labour Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance. The convention will also apply to ships below 500 GT or those operating on domestic trades (within the flag’s territorial waters) but will not require certification, only inspection.
  • MLC 2006 - Update

    This article on the MLC 2006 is to provide you with an update and developments regarding the convention. An estimated 90% of world trade is carried on ships and seafarers are essential and integral part of international trade and the international economic and trade system in general.
  • The Reluctant Poacher - Focusing on the fundamentals

    Foreign labour migration in the UAE (and, indeed, the AGCC in general) is characteristically transient, a trait which is further exacerbated by the increasing liberalisation of local sponsorship transfer rules. The departure of the original employer's talent pool to a competitor will inevitably impact upon its business, especially if the departures lead to loss of key customers or clients, damage to the company’s competitive edge and other critical elements of profitability. Mandeep Kalsi reports
  • Enforcement of foreign arbitral awards against UAE counterparties

    The merits and de-merits for seating arbitration in the DIFC using the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Rules for contracts with UAE counterparties are explored by Reema Ashraf, Jonathan Brown and Valeria Lysenko.

Press Releases worldwide

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    Penningtons Solicitors LLP has recruited partner Maria Riccio and associate Rupert Graham-Evans to lead its newly established pensions law team. Working between the firm's Hampshire and London offices, they will also support Penningtons' regional offices across Cambridge and the South East, advising clients in the UK and internationally.
  • Matouk Bassiouny Advises Emirates NBD PJSC on the USD 500 Million Acquisition of BNP Paribas S.A.E.

    Matouk Bassiouny advised Emirates NBD PJSC on the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of BNP Paribas S.A.E. in Egypt.  The value of the transaction amounted to USD 500 million. The Share Purchase Agreement was signed in December 2012 and closing took place in Cairo on Sunday June 9 th 2013. 
  • Partner and Senior Associate join Matouk Bassiouny's Dispute Resolution group

    We are delighted to inform you that Johanne Cox joins Matouk Bassiouny as a Partner in the firm's Dispute Resolution group. Johanne has practiced international arbitration in Egypt for a number of years, prior to which, she practiced arbitration in London and Paris at leading international law firms.  She is recognized in Legal 500 (2013) as "very experienced and knowledgeable", adding a "great dynamic" to her law firm's practice.  Johanne is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a Solicitor-Advocate in England and Wales, and an accredited Mediator.
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  • Kochański Zięba Rapala & Partners law firm is a laureate of the European Medal 2013

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    - Paksoy
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