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Linklaters

THIRD FLOOR, GATE BUILDING 3, INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, PO BOX 506516, DUBAI
Warsaw, Tokyo, Stockholm, Singapore, Shanghai, São Paulo , and 21 more

What we say about the firm's legal practice in United Arab Emirates

Banking and finance

Within Banking and finance, Linklaters LLP is a second tier firm,

Despite the departure of Tim Ross to Latham & Watkins LLP, Linklaters has continued its swift progress in the Middle East. Sarosh Mewawalla has taken over as head of department and newly elected partner James Martin has transferred to Dubai from the London office. Martin recently led the team that advised the lead arrangers on a $1.2bn term loan facility, provided by a club of banks for Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. From a heavily bank-driven practice, it now represents a series of UAE-based borrowers such as Dubai International Capital. Dubai partner Luma Saqqaf is global head of the firm’s Islamic finance practice, which has forged a strong reputation for sukuk deals. The firm represented joint lead managers on DP World’s $1.5bn sukuk and advised National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) on its landmark AED1.7bn mandatory convertible sukuk. While Saqqaf is recognised by clients for her ‘expertise in Islamic finance’, London capital markets partner Andrew Roberts has played a key role on many of the high-profile deals and, as a consequence, spends lengthy periods in the Dubai office. On the project finance front, the firm has an impressive record in Saudi Arabia deals, with experienced partner Jonathan Inman to the fore.

Corporate and M&A

Within Corporate and M&A, Linklaters LLP is a second tier firm,

Although ‘not as well-established’ as the top-tier firms, Linklaters has successfully imported its famous ‘high-quality advice’, transactional acumen and technical precision to the UAE and Middle East. The firm is now on the panels of most of the large corporates and sovereign wealth funds in the UAE. Clients include Dubai World, Istithmar World and Dubai Holdings, and the practice is now regarded as an elite legal adviser on high-value and highly complex deals. Also noted for its ‘responsiveness’ and high levels of client service, the firm represented the underwriters to DP World’s giant IPO in November 2007 and, after advising Emirates Bank International on its $11.3bn merger with National Bank of Dubai in 2007, it took roles in further landmark deals such as Borse Dubai’s acquisition of OMX and subsequent sale of OMX to Nasdaq, as well as advising Saudi Oger and Oger Telecom on the sale of a 35% stake to Saudi Telecom Company. While Dubai stalwart Ewan Cameron remains an influential and well-connected figure, younger partners Scott Campbell, who is highly recommended for IPOs, and Nick Garland, who impresses with his ‘pragmatic’, ‘positive’ and ‘can-do’ advice, are winning many accolades. The firm’s capital markets standing was further enhanced by the transfer of partner Richard O’Callaghan to Dubai from London in September 2008.

Projects and energy

Within Projects and energy, Linklaters LLP is a second tier firm,

Led by new Dubai managing partner Sarosh Mewawalla, Linklaters advised the export credit agencies and commercial lenders on the financing of a $2.8bn petrochemicals plant in Saudi Arabia, just one illustration of the firm’s formidable record in that jurisdiction. The ‘strong team’ has worked on a series of landmark projects in the kingdom, including the landmark King Abdullah Economic City Port Project; the Makkah-Medina Rail Link; the Saudi Landbridge Rail Project; and Jeddah Islamic Port. Roles on major PPP, IWPP and gas pipeline projects in the UAE demonstrate the firm’s broad expertise. Projects partner Jonathan Inman has a superb reputation.

What we say worldwide

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United Arab Emirates

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Search News and Articles

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 Restructuring Review

    OVERVIEW OF 2008/2009 RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY
    - Afridi & Angell

  • Dubai Financial Support Fund to spearhead restructuring of Dubai World

    The Government of Dubai issued a press release on 25 November 2009 confirming that, through its Supreme Fiscal Committee (SFC), it has authorised the Dubai Financial Support Fund (DFSF) to spearhead the restructuring of Dubai World with immediate effect.
    - Denton Wilde Sapte

  • Law No 9 of 2009 and Article 3 of Law No 13 of 2008

    Application and implementation of Law No 9 of 2009 and Article 3 of Law No 13 of 2008 and any pitfalls associated with the same.
    - Trench & Associates

  • A Lawyer’s Words of Caution

    Before I embark on a review on the current hotel management companies’ and owners’ predicament when entering into a market such a Dubai in the face of the financial crisis, I have a few questions to pose to Mr Mike Scully;-
    - Trench & Associates

  • UAE - Dispute Resolution 2009/10

    Commercial disputes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are generally resolved through litigation in the courts or arbitration. Arbitration is becoming an increasingly popular way to resolve disputes. The UAE recently signed the UN Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards 1958 (New York Convention).
    - Afridi & Angell

  • M-Banking in UAE, is it regulated?

    Whilst driving to work in the morning you receive an sms from your wife reminding you to pay the DEWA bill. You realize that you have one internal meeting at 9.30am and another meeting at 3.00pm. There is no time for you to go to DEWA office or other payment outlets and you are betting whether you have time to pay the bill online from your desktop computer. In fact the only time you have to think about this house chore is the time when you are alone in the car driving to the office. However with the advent of mobile banking, the bill can be paid by pressing a few buttons on your mobile phone and by the time you reach the office, you are free to concentrate on other matters.
    - Habib Al Mulla & Company

  • Can Freehold Visas Win Back Trust?

    Dubai’s freehold property era is several years old but some of its birth pangs were never really addressed.
    - Trench & Associates

  • Islamic finance update

    On 30 April 2009 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (Academy) of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) closed its 19th session. The Academy is composed of senior Shari’ah scholars representing Muslim member countries of the OIC. It is considered to be the most prestigious and high-ranking body of Shari’ah scholars in the Muslim world. Compliance with its resolutions, while not statutorily binding, is considered to be extremely important and persuasive.
    - Denton Wilde Sapte

  • Commercial Rules for Bankruptcy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    The laws on bankruptcy in Saudi Arabia are not extensive nor has their application been well tested. Saudi law dealing with bankruptcy is not very detailed and in broad terms it is left to the parties to make an agreement with each other or Shari'ah principles are applied and the relevant court will decide the matter.
    - Al Tamimi & Company

  • EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION AND INCENTIVE PLANS

     
    - Al Tamimi & Company
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