Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) in United Arab Emirates

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP's Ian Ingram–Johnson co-heads the global projects and infrastructure practice and advises sponsors, governments, lenders and project companies. Oil and gas specialist Judith Kim is well regarded for her work in the upstream and midstream project development transactions space, particularly in Oman. Finance expert Kyle Nevin specialises in multi-sourced project financings, under both conventional and Islamic financing structures. On the construction side, Sachin Karia is a key name to note and has experience advising clients on construction projects across the real estate, petrochemicals, and oil and gas sectors. Joe Clinton joined the Dubai team in 2021 after relocating from the Istanbul office.

Practice head(s):

Ian Ingram-Johnson

Other key lawyers:

Judith Kim; Kyle Nevin; Sachin Karia; Joe Clinton; Elliott Sawford

Testimonials

‘Intellectual rigour and discipline for the really complex and novel issues.’

‘It has been a pleasure to work with A&O across different projects in the GCC.’

‘Helpful and very strong as legal advisors.’

Key clients

Duqm Refinery & Petrochemical Industries Company LLC

OQ Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company LLC (formerly ORPIC)

Arab Banking Corporation (B.S.C.), Bank Muscat SAOG, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited, HSBC Bank plc and Standard Chartered Bank (the Joint Lead Managers)

OQ Exploration and Production (formerly Oman Oil Company Exploration & Production LLC)

Oman LNG LLC

Shinas Generating Company S.A.O.C.

Tatweer Building Company

Work highlights

  • Advised Tatweer on the Saudi Arabian pathfinder PPP project launched by the government, involving the construction and operation of 60 schools across Mecca and Jeddah.
  • Advising JBIC/NEXI and other lenders on the Warsan waste-to-energy project.
  • Advising the Royal Commission of AlUla alongside Synergy, Rothschild and Afry on all aspects of the development of a governance and procurement strategy for the AlUla development project.

Ashurst LLP

Ashurst LLP has an established presence in the region and handles the full spectrum of infrastructure and energy projects, from corporate and construction, through to procurement and dispute resolution. Middle East managing partner David Charlier also co-heads the international projects group and has extensive experience advising on PPP projects. Global projects co-head Joss Dare specialises in the structuring, development, procurement and privatisation of transport and infrastructure projects. For social infrastructure projects, Yvonne Cross is the go-to contact and advises on construction, operations and maintenance procurement. Abu Dhabi-based Luke Robottom has a particular focus on transactional construction work.

Practice head(s):

David Charlier

Other key lawyers:

Joss Dare; Yvonne Cross; Luke Robottom; Grant Batten

Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable about how projects work in the UAE.’

‘Luke Robottom is a good ‘go to’ guy for all things related to projects. Very capable.’

‘Ashurst law firm – good experience in many sectors, particularly in oil and gas.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)

Asyad Group

Lamar Holding W.L.L.

Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company Limited

Vision Invest

ADES Investments Holdings Ltd

Sojitz

TAQA

Engie

Work highlights

  • Advised ADNOC on an energy infrastructure investment in the Middle East.
  • Advised the sponsor consortium comprising of Ajyad Knowledge and Al Bawani on the development and project financing of 60 schools in and around Jeddah and Mecca as part of TBC’s Schools Infrastructure Programme.
  • Advising the lenders on a project to develop, finance, construct, operate and maintain all utility assets for the Qiddiya giga project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance is a ‘premier adviser in the international projects space‘ and the projects and infrastructure team is praised by clients for its ‘pragmatic, problem-solving‘ approach. Richard Parris specialises in project finance, energy and infrastructure and has been particularly active in the petrochemicals sector in Saudi Arabia. Mohamed Hamra-Krouha co-heads the practice alongside Parris and advises sponsors, financiers and governments on projects and project financings.

Practice head(s):

Richard Parris; Mohamed Hamra-Krouha

Other key lawyers:

Robin Abraham; Inaamul Laher; Peter Avery

Testimonials

‘The team has long and extensive experience in government and PPP projects as well as project finance whether in Kuwait or the GCC region. They also build on their wide and intense experience worldwide.’

‘The team members are pragmatic, problem solving oriented with a commercial approach to complicated legal issues.’

‘The firm is recognised by the market and its competitors as one of the premier advisers in the international projects space.’

‘The firm brings a team of multi disciplinary lawyers, well-equipped to deal with transactions across multiple sectors in all the key jurisdictions.’

‘The integrated global network provides full service capabilities to clients in key markets.’

‘Clients have access to a dedicated team of lawyers with the right balance of specific experience, industry knowledge and legal skills to deliver the best advice for each project and have a proven track record of providing a seamless service across multiple time zones and locations.’

‘Peter Avery is a key leader.’

Key clients

Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation

Alinma Bank

AMEA Power

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

Japan Bank for International Cooperation

Red Sea Development Company (a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund)

Qiddiya Investment Company (a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund)

MUFG

Dentons

Dentons' Middle East projects and infrastructure practice is fully integrated with its corporate, dispute resolution, employment and banking teams. Clients also benefit from the firm's significant cross-border capabilities. Mhairi Main Garcia was promoted to regional practice head in 2021; Main specialises in energy, renewables, sustainability and PPPs. Jon Nash has extensive UAE project development experience. On the project finance side, Udayan Mukherjee and Stephen Knight  are standout partners. Counsel Michelle Teng is another key individual to note on the banking and project finance team.

Practice head(s):

Mhairi Main Garcia; Alex Roussos

Other key lawyers:

Jon Nash; Udayan Mukherjee; Stephen Knight; Michelle Teng

Key clients

ACWA Power International

Maysan Properties SAOC

Gemalto Middle East FZ LLC

Al Husainiyah Power Generation Company

Samba Financial Group

National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed)

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)

Sumitomo Corporation,

Gulf Investment Corporation

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)

Al Blagha Holding

Tamasuk Holding

Agility

Work highlights

  • Advised ACWA Power and the sponsor consortium on the successful commercial and financial close of the Ibri II PV IPP solar project.
  • Advising Snam on its agreement, in consortium with several international investment funds, to purchase a 49% share of ADNOC Gas Pipelines from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
  • Advising Tabreed on the acquisition of Masdar cooling assets at Masdar city in Abu Dhabi.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper are active across the GCC and have a strong focus on PPPs in the water storage and treatment space. Trevor Butcher heads the firm's Middle East finance and projects practice and has extensive experience advising on privately financed schemes in the utilities sector. Keith Bullen and Robert Harker have a strong project financing practice and advise sponsors and lenders. Other key names to mention include legal director Adam Haque and senior associate Mona Hammadi.

Practice head(s):

Trevor Butcher

Other key lawyers:

Keith Bullen; Adam Haque; Mona Hammadi

Key clients

Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC)

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources (“MEIM”)

Rural Areas Electricity Company (Tanweer)

Haya Water

Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP)

Bahrain Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT)

Standard Chartered Bank

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Al Kifah Holding Company

Al Fouzan Group

Arab Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised Saudi Water Partnership Company on the procurement of the following desalination plants in Saudi Arabia: Yanbu 4 IWP, Rabigh 3 IWP, Shuqaiq 3 IWP, Jubail 3A and 3B IWPs.
  • Advised Saudi Water Partnership Company on the procurement of the following sewage treatment plants: Buraydah 2 ISTP, Tabuk ISTP and Madinah ISTP.
  • Advised Saudi Water Partnership Company on the procurement of six water storage projects in Jeddah with an aggregate capital cost of $2.25bn.

Linklaters

Linklaters has a broad projects and infrastructure practice and is active across the GCC, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia. The practice has expertise in cross-border transactions, multi-tranche financings and secondary market acquisitions. Practice head Matthew Keats has significant experience advising on the development, acquisition/disposal and financing of energy and infrastructure projects. The team in Dubai also includes managing associate Jonathan Vick and associate Divya Chawla. Sarosh Mewawalla left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Keats

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Vick; Divya Chawla

Testimonials

‘Excellent lawyers – worked with multiple partners and their teams ranging from commercial contracts reviews/negotiations to arbitration prep.’

‘Advice and quality of work delivered was excellent.’

The team had deep contract law knowledge, specific to the oil and gas sector.’

‘Highly responsive, good commercial acumen, excellent legal drafting skills.’

Key clients

Shell Vivo Lubricants Supply DMCC

Advanced Petrochemical Company

Samba Financial Group Saudi American Bank

Vision International Investment Company

Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank ADIB

Work highlights

  • Advising Advanced Petrochemical Company on the financing for the construction of a greenfield petrochemicals plant in Jubail, Saudi Arabia
  • Advised Alinma Bank as the lender to Mada Al Ghurair Limited on the SAR 950m commodity murabaha based financing and privatisation of a milling company located in Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank on the $120m equity bridge loan and hedging arrangements it entered into with Dhafrah Solar Energy Holding Company.

CMS

The opening of CMS' Abu Dhabi office in July 2020 significantly bolstered the firm's presence in the projects and infrastructure space. Office managing partner David Moore focuses on the development and operation of transport infrastructure, with a particular focus on rail. Amir Kordvani is another key name to note and has extensive experience advising governments, sponsors, developers and contractors.

Practice head(s):

David Moore; Amir Kordvani; Mark Rocca

Key clients

Etihad Rail PJSC

Dana Gas PJSC

Port of Duqm Company SAOC

Gazprom Neft

Dragon Oil

DEWA

OPWP

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)

Three Eight Six

Public Authority for Housing Welfare – Kuwait

Rosneft

Egyptian Electric Utility & Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (EgyptERA )

Phanes Energy DMCC

Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Railway Company

NEOM

Larsen & Toubro

Work highlights

  • Advising Saudi Railway Company on all non-contentious matters, including a bid for a metro project.
  • Appointed by The King Fahd Causeway Authority in Saudi Arabia to advise on the development of the $3.5bn King Hamad Causeway to connect Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
  • Advised NEOM on a proposed ferry PPP linking KSA with Egypt.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP‘s Antoine Cousin specialises in advising sponsors, lenders and governments on energy and infrastructure projects, PPPs and joint ventures. Adam Pierson has a strong background advising Saudi clients and Yasser Riad in the project development and finance group has a particular focus on water desalination and renewable energy work. Alexander Malahias is praised for his ‘unprecedented client engagement‘. At the associate level, Jennifer Riddle‘s support on deals has been ‘instrumental‘.

Practice head(s):

Antoine Cousin; Alexander Malahias; Adam Pierson; Yasser Riad

Other key lawyers:

Jenny Riddle; Khawla Alatiyat

Testimonials

‘W&C have the best team on the ground in Abu Dhabi and probably the UAE for infrastructure and project finance.’

‘They are well geared and as far as I can see have been the most successful law firm in developing local talent.’

‘Yasser Riad on projects and all round for his relaxed style, sector knowledge and ability to consistently deliver.’

‘Jenny Riddle for PF, her practical approach is appreciated.’

Jennifer Riddle’s role in the deal was instrumental. Jenny had great knowledge in the field of project finance with the greatest drafting skills we have seen in the market.’

Khawla Alatiyat for projects, Khawla is not only an excellent transaction lawyer but a problem solver, she has been indispensable to the sector in recent years. A leader for the future.’

‘The W&C infrastructure team is my go-to team of fixers.’

‘Adam Pierson’s ability to understand a complicated scenario and craft a nuanced, commercially-oriented solution is unparalleled. I don’t know what Adam advertises as his area of expertise, however, if I were to name one it would be “fixer.”’

Key clients

The Red Sea Development Company

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA)‎

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)

Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC)

Water & Electricity Company of Saudi Arabia (WEC)

National Water Company (NWC)

Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC)

Metro Jeddah Company (MJC)

USAID / Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan

Work highlights

  • Represented The Red Sea Development Company on the signing of key finance documents for Phase One of The Red Sea Project, the revolutionary tourism giga project currently under development on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised EWEC on the PV2 IPP involving the development of a 2GW solar project, together with a grid station and associated facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
  • Advised EWEC on the Fujairah F3 IPP involving the development of the Fujairah F3 power generation plant having a net capacity of 2400MW together with a grid station and associated facilities.

Afridi & Angell

Afridi & Angell has in-depth knowledge of the power sector and frequently acts as project counsel on large-scale projects. Masood Afridi specialises in project finance and has expertise advising on projects involving power generation and transmission, mining, and oil and gas. Senior associate Adite Aloke is also noted and frequently advises sponsors on the development, investment and financing of renewable energy and utilities projects.

Practice head(s):

Masood Afridi

Other key lawyers:

Adite Aloke

Testimonials

‘Core competency and experience in power projects (IPPs) differentiates them from other firms. Our experience is generally good with people in the firm, there have been changes at certain levels, however, there is continuity.’

‘At partner level, we primarily deal with Masood Afridi; his exposure to the IPP sector clearly differentiates him from others. We also appreciate his collaborative approach as you have at times multiple legal firms working on a given transaction and or projects (if you have multiple stakeholders).’

Adite Aloke is another resource we have been dealing with, very diligent and thorough with her work.’

‘What makes Masood Afridi unique in his field is his ability to review the many documents in a project and to identify discrepancies that, if unnoticed, might damage the viability of the project.’

‘What makes Masood Afridi indispensable to my projects is his ability to find solutions to problems which other attorneys might deem project killers. I cannot express the comfort that it gives me to know that Mr. Afridi is looking after my project.’

‘Commercial, market specific expertise in the regional infra space combined with deep understanding/knowledge of subsectors (wind, solar, distributed generation, etc) sets the team apart from other firms who it seems operate at a more generic level and are followers to Afridi Angell in developing their practices.’

‘Ability to bridge legal and commercial elements easily is the main quality – the value-add is a lot more than competitors I have worked with. Access, speed of work and attentiveness to details are also factors that enhanced my reliance on the individuals I worked with.’

Work highlights

  • Advising Marubeni Corporation on the development and financing of the Fujairah F3 Independent Power Project.
  • Advising Emirates District Cooling LLC (Emicool) on its district cooling plant for the Expo 2020 site.
  • Advising Emirates District Cooling LLC (Emicool) on the establishment of a district cooling plant for the Fujairah Business Centre.

Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP specialises in energy and infrastructure and is active in the renewables, conventional power, water and infrastructure space in the Middle East. Andrej Kormuth is another key member of the team and has a particular interest in renewables. Tom Swarbrick is also noted and specialises in non-contentious construction work.

Other key lawyers:

Andrej Kormuth; Tom Swarbrick

Testimonials

‘The team is very technically capable at all levels.’

‘They are always willing to have reasonable discussions with us in respect of fees and always go above and beyond to deliver for us.’

‘The team at Bracewell are, in addition to being technically and commercially excellent, wonderful people to do business with. They are personable, responsive, available and easy to work with.’

‘The infrastructure and projects team in Bracewell has a deep knowledge of the complexities relating to project finance within the renewable energy space.’

‘Their attention to detail when reviewing and opining on documents, as well as their ability to think outside the box to solve complex issues in a timely manner is invaluable.’

Key clients

Acciona Agua

Alcazar Energy Partners

Al Jomaih Automative Company LLC

Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company

Axia Power Holdings

Blu Stone Holdings

China Harbour Engineering

Dubal Holdings LLC

Swicorp

Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV)

Jinko Power

Kyushu Electric

Marubeni Corporation

Miahona Company

Swicorp

Tamasuk

Total Solar

Utico

Eversheds Sutherland LLP

The UAE energy and infrastructure practice at Eversheds Sutherland LLP is involved in a broad range of projects across the region, from clean energy projects to sewage treatment plants. Middle East head of projects Ashley Halewood has a wealth of experience in the petrochemicals, power and water space. Iwan Walters left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Ashley Halewood

Other key lawyers:

Clint Dempsey

Key clients

Alfanar Energy Company

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation

FCC Aqualia

International Water Distribution Company

Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. LTD

Acciona

Al Ayuni Investment & Contracting Co

Tamasuk Holding Company

Alinma Bank

HSBC Saudi Arabia

Siemens Bank

Riyadh Bank

MUFG Bank

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

Warba Bank

Voltalia

Qatar General Electricity and Water Co (Kahramaa)

Public Works Authority of Qatar

SABIC

Amaala

Red Sea Development

Marubeni Corporation

Al Jomaih Energy & Water Company Limited

Desert Technologies Industries Factory CJSC

King & Spalding LLP

King & Spalding LLP has in-depth expertise advising sponsors and lenders on utilities, infrastructure, petrochemicals and PPP projects. Construction and infrastructure expert Tim Burbury has a particular interest in clean energy projects. Robin Bayley focuses on project finance and has experience advising clients in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Randall Walker is the go-to contact for energy-related commercial disputes. Since publication, Dan Feldman joined the firm.

Practice head(s):

Tim Burbury

Other key lawyers:

Robin Bayley; Randall Walker; Evelina Petraviciute; Dan Feldman

Key clients

NEOM

Mubadala Investment Company

ENGIE

Electricity de France (EDF)

Sadara Chemical Company

Vision Invest

Veolia

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company

JERA

Miahona

Misk Foundation

ADQ

Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)

Miral

Work highlights

  • Advising Masdar in its role as the local shareholder on all aspects of the development and financing of the 2GW Al Dhafra solar PV project in Abu Dhabi.
  • Advising the consortium of power developers, Masdar, Vision Invest, ENGIE, on the concession, EPC and O&M and associated project finance agreements with PowerChina for 14 renewable energy plants in one sitting.
  • Advised the EDF and JERA consortium on its bid for the 2.4 GW Fujairah 3 IPP in the UAE.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP's team is led by Villiers Terblanche, who specialises in advising sponsors, investors and host governments on complex multi-sourced financings. Chirag Sanghrajka is another project finance expert with expertise advising clients in the energy, infrastructure and natural resources space. Craig Nethercott and Derek McKinley are other key individuals.

Practice head(s):

Villiers Terblanche

Other key lawyers:

Chirag Sanghrajka; Craig Nethercott; Derek McKinley

Testimonials

‘The Latham & Watkins team has been outstanding regarding a number of large industrial projects (many of which were project financed), especially in the US, Middle East and Asia. They know all the players and enjoy a stellar reputation in the geographies in which we have worked with them.’

‘Every L&W team we worked with, regardless of geography, were always well prepared and incredibly responsive. For any project in the Middle East, the first attorney we call is Villiers Terblanche, a partner in L&W’s Dubai office.’

‘The team are first class in all respects. They know the law back to front, are fully commercial and very engaging. They have a deep bench of talent and are always forward thinking.’

‘Chirag Sanghrajka is the best lawyer I have worked with. He has an unlimited legal and commercial skill-set which is invaluable in the cutting edge renewable projects he has assisted me with. The wider team, led by Craig Nethercott is also excellent. I always feel they make time for me.’

Key clients

Public Investment Fund

Global Infrastructure Partners

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

OPEC Fund for International Development

African Development Bank (AfDB)

Arab Bank

The Oil & Gas Holding Company B.S.C. (c) (nogaholding)

Saudi Ports Authority

Air Products

EIG

Work highlights

  • Advised the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Saudi Arabia, in relation to the development and project financing of the 1.5-GW Sudair Solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised the consortium on the bridge financing in connection with a minority investment agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the state-owned oil company of the UAE, for the consortium to invest in select ADNOC gas pipeline assets valued at $20.7bn.
  • Advised the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Arab Bank on a $114m financing package, also involving financing from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), for the construction of ACWA Power Kom Ombo solar power plant.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright has an ‘experienced‘ projects and energy offering. The firm’s project finance practice is led by Angela Croker who has a particular focus on power, water and infrastructure projects. Nicholas Kramer experience advising governments, developers, contractors and lenders. Paul Mansouri  relocated to the firm's London office.

Practice head(s):

Angela Croker; Nicholas Kramer

Testimonials

‘NRF team is well experienced with PF scheme projects where legal advisory has to deal with both client and lenders. In this regard, I am very satisfied with their performance. They always prepare in advance with visibility to what comes next from procurer and the lenders.’

‘The team provides practical and sensible solutions that address our issues . Always timely delivery of work and cost competitive .’

‘Great commercial and negotiation skills, following and protecting lenders’ requests’

Key clients

ACWA Power

Vision Invest

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

International Finance Corporation

Natixis

MUFG Bank

Standard Chartered Bank

Veolia

Marafiq

National Commercial Bank

Al Rajhi Bank

Abu Dhabi Investment Bank

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Emirates NBD

Korea Development Bank

KfW

Saudi Tabreed

Arab National Bank

Boubyan Bank

KAPP

Norinchukin Bank

Mizuho Bank

Siemens Bank

SMBC

Engie

JBIC

Electricite de France

KEPCO

Work highlights

  • Advised the lenders to a consortium comprising ACWA Power, Mubadala Investment Company PJSC and the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) on the Umm Al Quwain 150 MG IWP project in the UAE.
  • Advised the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Mizuho Bank Ltd, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Limited, BNP Paribas Fortis SA/NV and Standard Chartered Bank on the $957m financing of the Fujairah F3 Independent Power Producer project in the UAE.
  • Advised the senior lenders and equity lenders on the development and financing (both conventional and Islamic) related aspects of the 900MW photovoltaic fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP has an established presence in the PPP, renewables and infrastructure space. Tim Armsby has advised on large scale infrastructure projects from Saudi Arabia to Jordan. Gurmeet Kaur and regional managing partner Catherine Workman have a broad PPP and construction practice. Mark Raymont is another key individual to mention and heads the construction disputes offering. George Booth left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Tim Armsby; Mark Raymont

Other key lawyers:

Gurmeet Kaur; Catherine Workman

Key clients

Shanghai Electric Group

Bouygues Batiment International

Larsen & Toubro Group

CNIM Construction LLC

Emaar Development PJSC

Eagle Hills

Acciona Agua

Cobra Group

National Centre for Privatization

Advanced Technology Development

Tamasuk Holding Co

International Water Distribution company (Tawzea)

Work highlights

  • Advised the consortium of Cobra and Tawzea, the winning bidder for the Taif ISTP Project.
  • Advised the financiers on all aspects of the project financing provided to the winning consortium of Marubeni and Al Jomaih in respect of the 300MW solar power plant to be built and operated at Rabigh, Saudi Arabia being procured as part of the “REPDO Round II” strategic procurement process.
  • Advised CNIM on the first waste-to-energy project in Sharjah, UAE developed by the Masdar –Beah joint venture, setting up of their entities in Sharjah, on the DBO arrangements with the joint venture, advised on the subcontracts for the civil and other works and negotiating with their subcontractors and providing ongoing project support work.

Hadef & Partners LLC

Hadef & Partners has a 'very experienced' projects and infrastructure practice and has particular experience of the water treatment and power sectors. The team advises on acquisition finance, property development, asset finance and corporate restructuring. James Farn heads the banking and finance practice and represents both lenders and borrowers. Alan Rodgers is also noted and has a strong background in Islamic finance and project finance.

Practice head(s):

James Farn; Alan Rodgers

Testimonials

‘Very experienced energy and infrastructure practitioners with deep bench depth.’

‘Alan Rodgers has been ever present in the market for decades and is a go to expert for projects in the UAE.’

Key clients

KBBO Group

Drake & Scull International P.J.S.C.

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADEX)

Reed Smith

The projects and infrastructure practice at Reed Smith advises sponsors, banks, contractors, engineering firms and government entities across the Middle East. Simon Harvey is a key point of contact for projects and construction work and has a strong background in PPP projects. Managing partner Sachin Kerur has extensive expertise in construction projects and has notable experience advising on oil and gas facilities.

Practice head(s):

Simon Harvey; Sachin Kerur

Shearman & Sterling LLP

Shearman & Sterling LLP has a ‘solid project financing team‘ and is ‘well regarded‘ in the Middle East for energy and infrastructure work. Iain Elder acts for key sponsors and lenders in the region. Since publication, Dan Feldman and Renad Younes left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Iain Elder

Testimonials

‘Shearman & Sterling have a well regarded, solid project financing team, especially in the Middle East where you get the sense that they have made a real effort to grow the practice group and presence on the ground.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)

NEOM Company

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc (ICE)

The Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur)

The Dow Chemical Company

Bahrain Petroleum Company

SACE S.p.A.

Emirates Global Aluminium

The Royal Commission for Al-Ula

Masdar

Mubadala

Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank

Chevron Saudi Arabia

Export-Import Bank of Korea (K-EXIM)

Squire Patton Boggs

Government advisory and regulatory work is a key area of focus for the UAE projects and infrastructure team at Squire Patton Boggs. In addition to his projects work, managing partner Thomas Wilson also heads the firm's construction and arbitration offerings. Shibeer Ahmed focuses on project finance particularly on financings in the real estate and oil and gas sectors. Shane Wilson is another individual to note and specialises in international projects and project finance.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Wilson

Other key lawyers:

Shibeer Ahmed; Shane Wilson

Key clients

Veolia

DP World

International Finance Corporation

Arab Petroleum Investment Corporation

Sumitomo Corporation

Sojitz Corporation

Siemens

Doosan

Standard Chartered Bank

KDB

KFW

SMTB

MUFG

Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)

The Department of Finance, Dubai

Maersk

UIDC

Mizuho Bank

Work highlights

  • Advising the UAE Federal Ministry of Infrastructure Development. alongside PwC Dubai, on a review of the current PPP legislative and regulatory framework and engaging with stakeholders on how this framework might change.
  • Advised the government of Dubai on the structuring, procurement and implementation of a major waste-to-energy project in Dubai, UAE.
  • Advised DP World on the project financing of the Sokhna Port Basin 2 Project, Egypt.

Stephenson Harwood

With banking expert Nijoe Joseph at the helm, Stephenson Harwood is well placed to advise sponsors, borrowers and lenders on a wide range of project financings. Senior associate Toufic Safie is another key contact for such matters. The firm also has a strong reputation for handling contentious work with a nexus to the infrastructure sector; Nicholas Sharratt is the name to note for arbitration proceedings involving leading developers and contractors in the Middle East market.

Practice head(s):

Nijoe Joseph

Other key lawyers:

Nicholas Sharratt; Toufic Safie

Testimonials

‘We were very pleased with their partners and team’s performance. Key qualities: very business minded/embracing a strong positive commercial mindset, they had a clear understanding of our business needs and worked around the clock to make the transactions happen. Great knowledge of local (UAE) and English law. Overall, a pleasure working with them.’

‘Nijoe Joseph: very knowledgeable, strongly business minded, always there to help.’

Key clients

Yellow Door Energy

Rania International Co. LLC

West Hydrocarbon Commercial Investment LLC

Oman State General Reserve Fund and their subsidiary Oman Energy Development LLC

Somagec Investments

RF Real Estate (ME) Consultancy LLC

Hua Zhang Environmental Resources Investment Limited

Sahara Energy

Work highlights

  • Advising Yellow Door Energy on the project financing of five solar power plants in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, led by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development.
  • Advising a UAE based developer on the development of a 200MW coal fired power station in the Nacala region in Mozambique.
  • Advising Power Finance Corporation, REC and Yes Bank – as lenders to SB Energy – on a large wind farm project in India.