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 > Dispute resolution Tier 1
With a strong track record in both high-stakes litigation and arbitration, the disputes offering at Zu'bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants is jointly led by the vastly experienced team of Qays Zu’bi, Hamid Al Mahmood, Mamoon El Tayeb and Mohamed Salama. Mahmood has consistently handled high-profile cases before all levels of the Bahraini Courts, including the BCDR and GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre. El Tayeb brings extensive experience of corporate and commercial matters, and Salama has a proven track record acting for local and international banks in civil and commercial courts.Practice head(s):
Qays H. Zu’bi; Hamid Al Mahmood; Mamoon El Tayeb; Mohamed Salama
Testimonials
‘Solid litigation team with decades of experience and good knowledge of the judicial system.’
‘Wise, available, deeply experienced and ready to help.’
Work highlights
Bahrain > Banking and finance (including Islamic finance) Tier 3
Zu'bi & Partners, Attorneys & Legal Consultants has a strong track record across a wide array of banking, conventional and Islamic finance mandates in Bahrain. Leading figures in the practice include Qays Zu’bi, Hatim Q Zu’bi, Naveen Thakur and Eman Omar, all offering extensive experience in project finance and investment funds work, as well as broader corporate and commercial issues. Eleanor Livingstone is also a key practitioner; she was promoted from senior associate to partner in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Qays Zu’bi; Hatim Q. Zu’bi; Naveen Thakur; Eman Omar; Eleanor Livingstone
Key clients
Baker and Mckenzie Singapore
Citibank N.A, Hong Kong Branch
BNP Paribas SA
HSBC Middle East Limited
The Oil and Gas Holding Company B.S.C. (c)
Bahrain Ministry of Finance and National Economy
Central Bank of Bahrain
Work highlights
- Acted as local counsel to the Bahrain Ministry of Finance and National Economy and the Central Bank of Bahrain on the Bahrain law aspects of an issuance under the existing Trust Certificate Issuance Programme.
- Acted as Bahraini counsel to the facility agent and lenders in relation to a syndicated facility to the Bahrain branch of a large Indian bank.
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 | Qays H Zu'bi, Chairman | qzubi@zubipartners.com | +97317549605 |
All matters | Hatim Q. Zu'bi, Managing Partner | hqzubi@zubipartners.com | +97317549602 |
Construction; Litigation and Arbitration | Hamid Al Mahmood, Partner | halmahmood@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
Litigation and Arbitration | Mamoon Eltayeb, Partner | mtayeb@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
Labour and Employment; Corporate and Commercial | Eman Omar, Partner | eomar@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
Banking and Finance, M&A; Capital Markets; Construction; Investment Funds; Islamic finance structures; Joint ventures | Naveen Thakur, Partner | nthakur@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
Litigation and Arbitration | Dr. Mohamed Salama, Partner | msalama@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
Corporate and Commercial; Litigation and Arbitration | Daniah Murad, Senior Counsel | dmurad@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
Corporate and Commercial | Omar Manassaki, Senior Associate | omanassaki@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
Corporate and Commercial | Noor Al Taraif, Senior Associate | naltaraif@zubipartners.com | +97317538600 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Hamid Al Mahmood | Partner | View Profile | |
Zahra Al Seba | Advocate | View Profile | |
Zainab Albzour | Trainee Lawyer | View Profile | |
Reem Benshams | Junior Associate | View Profile | |
Mamoon El Tayeb | Partner | View Profile | |
Sama Ghareeb | Junior Associate | View Profile | |
Mr Hashim Juma | Advocate | View Profile | |
Eleanor Livingstone | Junior Partner | View Profile | |
Mr Omar Manassaki | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Daniah Murad | Senior Counsel | View Profile | |
Eman Omar | Partner | View Profile | |
Dr Mohamed Salama | Partner | View Profile | |
Noor Al Taraif | Senior Associate | View Profile | |
Naveen Thakur | Partner | View Profile | |
Hatim Q. Zu'bi | Managing Partner and Private Notary | View Profile | |
Mr Qays H. Zu'bi | Chairman | View Profile | |
Hatim S. Zu'bi Hon. G.B.E. | Founder | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Partners : 8 Seniors Counsel & Associates : 3 Juniors Associates : 2 Advocates : 3 Trainees : 1Languages
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, Chairman
Chairman Qays Zu’bi anticipates clients’ needs by staying ahead of the changeWhat do you see as the main points that differentiate Zu’bi & Partners from your competitors?
Experience is invaluable, and providing high-quality legal services is the Firm’s forte. Zu’bi & Partners has 102 years of experience in the legal field starting in 1921; our client retention, our quality of services achieved through extensive knowledge of the law and the markets around us, as well as our practical expertise is evident from the recognition and numerous accolades received by the law firm on an annual basis.
The Firm’s constant effort to upgrade itself and its ability to handle a variety of legal practice areas in various languages, advise on, execute, then close or litigate transactions successfully by specialized teams of qualified multinational lawyers with different qualification backgrounds, handling very complex cases covering many practice areas, makes Zu’bi & Partners a provider of first-class comprehensive legal support for its clients.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
Intellectual Property, especially Technology Telecommunication related, Blockchain, Fintech, and Online Business practices will show marked growth in the next 12 months. Intellectual Property will boom because of Artificial Intelligence technologies like chatbots and marketing automation creating a need for a more acute understanding of infringement in the digital space. Blockchain, fintech, and online businesses are being driven by the emerging ease of accessibility.
Having a sound legal and judicial system is definitely a drive as it provides confidence. The ability to litigate in a language different than Arabic before the law courts is a plus. The enactment of new laws and regulations mirroring best international practices is also a driver towards boosting the economy and providing confidence to international investors.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
The primary change made benefiting the Firm’s client base is the commitment to the roadmap expansion of the service offering. Zu’bi & Partners has grown the team to focus on widening the practice areas to include new trends like cryptocurrency. Furthermore, a focus on training lawyers to become private execution officers in response to the new Execution Law privatizing the procedures for executing court judgments has been a forward-moving change benefiting clients. Key to the firm’s growth is its constant effort in updating its cloud systems, enabling it to provide regional legal services within the Arabian Gulf including providing services through its offices in Dubai and Jordan.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
While technology is rapidly evolving in Bahrain and around the world, the firm is on top of such evolution. While the Firm prides itself on a tete-a-tete experience, Zu’bi & Partners in partnering with its clients is making strides to enable clients to directly access their own files including
providing documentation for use in submissions. Keeping in line with efforts applied, implemented, and executed by the Government of Bahrain to streamline the Judicial system, government entities like courts and ministries have been enabled to receive electronic filings of documents and process the same including issuance of judicial awards and judgements.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
We value our relationships with clients. We regard our clients as our partners, supporting them in their growth and protecting them when needed. We feed our clients with the latest information relevant to new laws and regulations which would impact their business. In certain cases, we engage experts to support matters to ensure that they would succeed.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
Yes, clients are looking for both stability and strategic direction from their law firms. Though most would consider stability more important as it is a direct measure of the Firm’s ability to facilitate strategic direction, retain its lawyers and succeed where needed, giving the firm the ability to provide the most efficient, logical, and accurate legal advice to a broader, more technically driven client pool including SME’s.
- Dispute resolution
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Banking and finance (including Islamic finance)