Zu'bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants > Manama, Bahrain > Firm Profile
Zu'bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants Offices
16TH FLOOR, GBCORP TOWER, BLDG #1411, ROAD 4626
BLOCK 346, BAHRAIN FINANCIAL HARBOUR DISTRICT
PO BOX 2397, MANAMA
Bahrain
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Zu'bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants > The Legal 500 Rankings
Bahrain > Banking and finance (including Islamic finance) Tier 1
Zu’bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants regularly advises on complex Islamic financings, including sukuk transactions and project finance mandates, as well as syndicated loans and secured commercial loans. Senior partners Qays H. Zu’bi, Hatim Q. Zu’bi, Eman Omar , Dareen Abdul Rahim and Naveen Thakur co-head the team, which is also noted for its expertise in licensing and regulatory issues. Associate Noor Al Taraif has experience of bond and sukuk issuances.Practice head(s):
Qays H. Zu’bi; Hatim Q. Zu’bi; Eman Omar; Dareen Abdul Rahim; Naveen Thakur
Testimonials
‘Great team of lawyers, always willing to step in and resolve the most difficult issues facing clients. Naveen Thakur is strong technically, and gives sound practical advice. He’s not afraid of standing up to clients when he knows that his advice is legally accurate.’
‘Naveen Thaker is solid, knows his stuff.’
Key clients
Investcorp Holdings BSC.
UBS AG
Bahrain LNG W.L.L.
Bahrain Development Bank BSC
Khaleeji Commercial Bank B.S.C.
NATIONAL BANK OF PAKISTAN
GE Capital Aviation Services
JP Morgan Chase Bank
The Oil and Gas Holding Company BSC(c) (nogaholding)
Bahrain Islamic Bank BSC
Work highlights
- Acted as the Bahraini counsel to KHCB (Obligor) on the issuance of sukuk worth $159m and advised on all Bahrain law aspects of the transaction.
- Acted as the Bahraini counsel to Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company in the $600m tender offer to acquire the Trust Certificates due 2021 and advised on all Bahrain law aspects of the transaction.
- Acted as the Bahraini counsel to Bahrain Ministry of Finance and National Economy and the CBB in the issuance of $1bn Trust Certificates and advised on all Bahrain law aspects of the transaction.
Bahrain > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Zu’bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants' team provides the full spectrum of advice on litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Its work spans areas such as banking, real estate and construction, and general commercial matters. Qays Zu’bi is a key contact, as is Eman Omar, who is described as ‘very meticulous’. Mamoon El Tayeb has over two decades of litigation experience.Practice head(s):
Qays H. Zu’bi
Other key lawyers:
Mamoon El Tayeb; Eman Omar
Testimonials
‘What makes this practice unique in dispute resolution is their outstanding knowledge of how the oucrts operate in Bahrain. They are able to anticipate what a judge’s reasonings will be before a judgment is issued. The dispute resolution team is well respected amongst the courts and other lawyers, and we have seen this especially in the case of out of court settlements.’
‘Zu’bi has a good combination of local knowledge and international legal experience. It’s a very professional firm.’
‘Qays Zu’bi – very professional and knowledgeable. Eman Omar – very meticulous. Mamoon Tayeb is very experienced in local litigation.’
Bahrain > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
Zu’bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants, which acts for clients in Bahrain and elsewhere in the Middle East, is sought after for advice on a myriad of commercial agreements, as well as M&A, private equity investments and privatisations. One of the names to note at the firm is Naveen Thakur, who is a 'top lawyer'. He works with Dareen Abdul Rahim, who advises on large-scale capital markets transactions, including IPOs. The firm remains the local counsel of choice for large international law firms. Qays H. Zu’bi manages the group.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Investcorp Holdings BSC.
Bahrain Development Bank BSC
Technip Italy S.p.A.
Batelco
United Cement Company BSC
Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance Limited
Majid Al Futtaim Retail
KPMG Fakhro
The Coca Cola Export Corporation
ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd
Work highlights
- Local adviser to Amable IX Cruz Aguiluz and Amable V Delos Reyes Aguiluz on the sale of AMA International University and Athena Private School for Special Education.
- Acted as the Bahraini legal counsel to (i) TRU Simulation + Training Canada Inc. and (ii) Textron Financial Corporation in respect of the sale of an A320 full flight simulator to Gulf Aviation Academy BSC(c).
- Local adviser to ABB in the pre-transaction corporate restructuring and subsequent sale of ABB’s Power Grids business worth up to $7.8bn to Hitachi.
Bahrain > Projects and energy Tier 2
The projects and energy group at Zu’bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants advises sponsors and lenders on large project finance transactions across the energy, infrastructure and mining sectors. It also handles joint ventures and project structures (BOT, BOOT, DBFO, DBFM, PPP, 3P, PFI and others). Practice head Qays Zu’bi has experience OF working in the LNG sector. Naveen Thakur is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Qays H. Zu’bi
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The Oil and Gas Holding Company (nogaholding)
Hidd Power Company BSC ©
Energy City Qatar
Tihama Power Generation Co Limited
ACWA Power
Bahrain LNG W.L.L.
Nomac Al Dur Power & Water Services WLL
Marubeni Power Asset Management Ltd (MPAM)
Bahrain Petroleum Company B.S.C.(c)
Al Ezzel Power Company B.S.C.(c)
Bahrain > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Zu’bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants advises public and private sector clients on real estate and construction issues, including contractual matters, financings and property management. Practice head Qays H. Zu’bi, Eman Omar and experienced associate Noor Al Taraif are key members of the team handling large real estate projects and commercial property investment abroad. Real estate disputes are another driver of work.Practice head(s):
Qays H. Zu’bi
Key clients
LK Nine S.P.C.
Eagle Hills Diyar Company WLL
NZD INSAAT
Property finder ae
Nass Contracting
Marina Durrat Al Bahrain Real Estate Co. W.L.L
BAHRAIN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT COMPANY (EDAMAH) B.S.C. ©
Ossis Property Developers
One Eleven Holdings
Zu'bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants > Firm Profile
Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants is Bahrain’s oldest established and leading law firm. Building on the legacy created in 1921 by the late advocate Sharif Ali Zu’bi, the unique law firm was born out of the merger between Hatim S. Zu’bi & Partners and Qays H. Zu’bi.
The Firm is an international Bahraini top-tier legal services provider in the sectors of banking and finance, corporate, civil, commercial, litigation and arbitration services. For the past 102 years, the firm has been providing its clients with the highest quality legal advice including an impressive history of litigation and arbitration successes. The firm has an exceptional reputation for dealing with unconventional issues and providing innovative solutions specifically tailored to meet its local and international clients’ legal and commercial needs. The firm regularly advises and partners with other international law firms on major infrastructure projects and financing.
Our success is reflected in the quality of our client base which we have built over the years. We proudly act for the Government of Bahrain and quasi government bodies, major national, international and multinational corporations, banks and financial institutions, developers, private and public institutions and high-net-worth individuals. In particular we have considerable experience in drafting of legislation and regulations as well as the interpretation of Bahraini legislation including the Bahrain Constitution.
Our team of lawyers is highly regarded. They come from major international law firms and are members of local and international bar associations. Our lawyers are multicultural and multilingual. All our lawyers are able to provide clients with clear, efficient advice based on a real understanding of the issues and the local laws.
One of the strengths of the firm is its ability to provide strategic legal advice and the firm welcomes the opportunity to assist clients at the business planning stage. We are a one stop law firm capable of providing Bahrain law advice as well as advice on the laws of other jurisdictions to which many of our foreign lawyers belong.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All matters; Chairman | Qays H Zu'bi | qzubi@zubipartners.com | +97317549605 |
| All matters; Partner | Hatim Q. Zu'bi | hqzubi@zubipartners.com | +97317549602 |
| Banking and finance, M& Capital Markets; Construction; Investment Funds; Islamic finance structures; Joint ventures | Naveen Thakur | nthakur@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
| Corporate and Commercial | Omar Manassaki | omanassaki@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
| Construction; Litigation and Arbitration | Hamid Al Mahmood | halmahmood@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
| Labour and Employment; Corporate and Commercial | Eman Omar | Eomar@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
| Litigation and Arbitration | Mamoon Eltayeb | mtayeb@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
| Litigation and Arbitration | Dr Mohamed Salama | msalama@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
| Corporate and Commercial | Noor Al Taraif | naltaraif@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
| Corporate and Commercial | Eleanor Livingstone | elivingstone@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
| Corporate and Commercial; Litigation and Arbitration | Daniah Murad | dmurad@zubipartners.com | +97339607056 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Mr Hamid Al Mahmood | Partner Principal practice areas: Litigation; Commercial; Banking; Labour | View Profile |
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Zahra Al Seba | Advocate Practice Areas: Litigation (Labour, Civil, Commercial and Execution Courts) | View Profile |
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Miss Anwaar Almutawa | Position: Advocate Principal Practice Areas: Litigation – Labour, Civil, Criminal; Property. | View Profile |
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Mr Mamoon El Tayeb | Position: Partner; Principal Practice Areas: Litigation; Cross Border Litigation; Arbitration; Corporate &… | View Profile |
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Mr Hashim Juma | Position: Advocate Principal Practice Areas: Civil; Criminal; Labour; Sharia Law; Commercial | View Profile |
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Eleanor Livingstone | Consultant Solicitor Practice Areas: Civil, Criminal, Environmental, Labour and Commercial | View Profile |
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Mr Omar Manassaki | Position: Senior Associate Principal Practice Areas: Corporate; Commercial; Restructuring; Mergers & Acquisitions;… | View Profile |
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Mrs Eman Omar | Partner Principal Practice Areas: Corporate & Commercial; Banking & Financial Services Regulations;… | View Profile |
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Dr Mohamed Salama | Position: Counsel; Principal Practice Areas: Litigation; Corporate & Commercial; Banking; Labour; Bankruptcy. | View Profile |
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Noor Al Taraif | Senior Associate | View Profile |
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Mr Naveen Thakur | Position: Partner Principal Practice Areas: Investment Funds; Islamic Finance; Corporate and Commercial;… | View Profile |
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Mr Hatim Q Zu'bi | Position: Partner and Private Notary Principal Practice Areas: Corporate, Commercial, Litigation &… | View Profile |
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Mr Qays H Zu'bi | Chairman, Zu’bi & Partners Attorneys & Legal Consultants Honorary Consul for Canada… | View Profile |
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Mr Hatim Sharif Zu'bi Hon. G.B.E. | Position: Chairman Practice Areas: Banking; Corporate; Commercial; Construction; International Arbitration; Maritime; Labour;… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 21Languages
Arabic English French HindiMemberships
Licensed advocates before the Court of Cassation in Bahrain English Bar New York Bar GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre Indian Bar International Bar Association Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in England Law Society of England and Wales (international division) Licensed Legal Consultant in DubaiOther
Other offices : DubaiDiversity/Community
We thrive on diversity at Zu’bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants. Our team of lawyers are as diverse as our clients. They come from major international law firms and are members of local and international bar associations. Our lawyers are multicultural and multilingual. They understand the needs of our clients, and act not only as legal representatives but as trusted business advisors. All our lawyers are able to provide clients with clear, efficient advice based on a real understanding of the issues and the local laws in more than one language.
Our firm strives to cultivate a workplace where inclusiveness, mutual respect and professionalism are standard. It is our mission to build upon our 100 years old family history and commitment to law to diversity to foster an environment where people of all races, genders, religious affiliations and cultural heritage are equal and encouraged and inspired to fulfil their potential to grow within the firm and partner with clients. Half of our lawyers are women, and we have a good mix of local and non-Bahraini lawyers. As well as having many highly experienced Associates, we have historically nurtured local young lawyers, training them to international standards and giving them international exposure.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Ms. Rasha Belbaisi
COMPANY/FIRM: Bahrain Islamic Bank
TESTIMONIAL: “Our experience with Zu’bi and Partners has been outstanding. We approached the law firm in 2019 to advise on the acquisition of 87% of our shares by the National Bank of Bahrain. Mr. Naveen Thakur (Partner) and Mrs. Noor Al Taraif (Associate) gave this transaction all the time and attention needed to be successfully concluded. They reviewed, drafted, negotiated and advised on all relevant documentation, highlighted the red flags within, liaised with external financial advisors and board members and assisted in obtaining regulatory approvals to ensure that all the requirements under the Take Over, Merger and Acquisitions Module are met.
We highly recommend this firm for its knowledgeable, responsive and diverse team”.
CLIENT: confidential
COMPANY/FIRM: Confidential
TESTIMONIAL: Eman Omar at Zubi & Partners consistently provides excellent, practical legal advice on corporate and commercial matters in Bahrain. She is very responsive, friendly and a pleasure to work with.
CLIENT: Bashar Bazian, Managing Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Crestbridge
TESTIMONIAL: “We at Crestbridge Fiduciary Services have been working with Zu’bi and Partners for many years. We worked on Trusts, Fund administration, REITs, Employment law, Corporate Structures and have always found them to be at the highest level of professionalism. They promptly attend to their clients’ needs and they’ve always been innovative and solution driven. The team enjoys a detailed knowledge of Bahrain laws and good relations with governmental authorities.
Zu’bi and partners certainly set the standard and benchmark the bar with their quality advice and professional approach.”
CLIENT: Legal counsel
COMPANY/FIRM: Bahraini listed company
TESTIMONIAL: Naveen Thakur is an outstanding lawyer. I have worked closely with him on several transactions, and have always found him to be both proactive and responsive. He will always come up with a practical solution to solve any issue that comes up on deals.
CLIENT: Mehran Eftekhar FCA FIoD,CDir Group Corporate Services Director
COMPANY/FIRM: Nest Investments Holdings Limited.
TESTIMONIAL: We have been cooperating with the firm of Zu’bi and Partners in Bahrain for almost 2 years. We find them to be very friendly professional, timely, proactive, and knowledgeable in Bahrain laws and regulations. They are always available even at short notice to discuss our requirements. Their guidance and advise is an integral part of our decision making of complex issues and we look forward to our continued and future cooperation.
CLIENT: General Counsel
COMPANY/FIRM: Confidential
TESTIMONIAL: I have worked very closely with Zubi during the past few years as GC leading the legal function in one of the prominent group of companies in Bahrain. Zubi has consistently supported us with high standard local legal advices and litigation case management. Ms Eman Omar and Mamoon Tayeb are notable contributors to much of the excellent legal deliverables for my group and, I recommend them unequivocally. They excel in commercial litigation and are always punctual and absolutely result-driven. Their legal work is a must-have in Bahrain for any prudent and sensible commercial entity. Highly recommended.
CLIENT: Chief Legal Officer
COMPANY/FIRM: Financial Institution
TESTIMONIAL: Having worked with Zu’bi & Partners for many years and on a variety of different engagements ranging from advising on transaction structures to litigation to providing legal opinions, I can say without a doubt that they are experts in their field. The entire team, without exception, is professional, amicable and reliable. I look forward to continue working with them in the future.
Interviews
Qays H. Zu’bi, Senior Partner
Senior Partner Qays H. Zu’bi explains how the firm is adapting to clients’ changing need What do you see as the main points that differentiate [law firm name] from your competitors?
The main point that differentiates Zu’bi and Partners from our competitors is the heritage of 100 years of lawyering. Zu’bi and Partners is a fourth generation family law firm established in 1921.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technologies are the practices that I see growing in the next 12 months. The main drivers being covid-19 and the changes brought about on the world today.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
The main change made in the Firm is adopting to the current circumstances, being able to provide our legal services online, be it through courts or with clients.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Technology has changed the way we interact with clients, not only that, but requirements for KYC and compliance has become more cumbersome but necessary.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
We regard our clients as our partners and therefore we help them beyond the law practice as we look as well into commercial opportunities by informing them of various projects of interest to them and changes to the law that might help enhance their business including manner of protecting their business.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
Stability is of most importance and with our celebration of 100 years of lawyering, we have enough anti-bodies in us to bring stability and direction to our clients.
The Firm has to grow in areas involving technology as this has become part of our daily exercise.
- Banking and finance (including Islamic finance)
- Dispute resolution