The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, tier 4

Of Habib Al Mulla & Company, clients say that ‘standards of service are as good if not better than international law firms – the lawyers’ response is exceptional’. The banking practice is praised as ‘one of the premier offerings in Dubai’. Recent highlights include acting for the Husseini group on the first sukuk issuance out of Jordan, valued $80m. Mazen Boustany ‘is extremely competent and attentive – his attention to detail, coupled with his clear understanding of local nuances, lead to successful conclusions’.

Within Corporate and M&A, tier 4

Habib Al Mulla & Company offers ‘excellent service both on a professional and personal level. The lawyers are able to comprehend the business situation and advise on the probable opportunities and threats to enable informed decisions’. The corporate practice recently advised PETRONAS on its incorporation into the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, and represented ANC Holdings in its strategic acquisition of a 60% majority stake in Dhofar Fisheries Industries. Clients emphasise that ‘the work is not dependent on any single person’ and praise the team’s ‘specialism and strength in depth’. ‘Great communicator’ Rita Khaled ‘is excellent in a team working with Patrick Khoury ’, who in turn is described as an ‘impressive, dynamic lawyer’.

Within Dispute resolution, Habib Al Mulla & Company is a second tier firm,

Habib Al Mulla & Company has ‘great litigation capabilities’ and is ‘a leading firm for local UAE law’. The dispute resolution practice’s recent cases have ranged from a $220m arbitration before a tribunal in the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) to a successful employment law appeal in the Court of Cassation. Karim Nassif ‘has a good understanding of client needs’ while associate Ahmed Abdul Shafe is singled out as being ‘highly professional, dependable and responsive’.

Within Real estate, Habib Al Mulla & Company is a third tier firm,

Habib Al Mulla & Company gains vociferous praise for ‘exemplary service’ for local real estate litigation and transactions. Clients include World Development Company, Tatweer and Dubai Real Estate Corporation. Partner Karim Nassif and senior lawyer Scott Hutton are recommended for ‘their attention to detail, in-depth knowledge of the applicable laws and their interpretation of the law’s application in the commercial environment of Dubai’.