Linklaters > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile

Linklaters > The Legal 500 Rankings

United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending) Tier 1

Linklaters is capable across a wide range of cross-border financing and refinancing work - notably in relation to real estate and infrastructure projects – with key expertise in Islamic financing underpinning the firm’s offering. Practice head Kieron Zaman is a formidable adviser who is well versed in all manner of financing deals, particularly structured and restructured syndicated financings. Fellow team-head Reem Al Sayegh – noted for his regulatory expertise – is a frequent port of call for many clients interested in real estate and infrastructure lending. Recommended for his proficiency in cross-border debt finance transactions, Valery Nformba provides key support on a number of the team’s key engagements. Senior consulant Christian Saunders joined the team in April 2023.

United Arab Emirates > Capital markets Tier 1

Linklaters's expertise ensures that the team is sought out by numerous established corporates and financial institutions for blockbuster transactions in the region. The firm has been active in a variety of complex IPOs, including first-of-its-kind transactions in the ADX and overseas listings, while on the debt side the team has been notably active on a range of sukuk issuances. Jonathan Fried works with a global portfolio of banks and corporates on an array of instructions and Scott Campbell is a leading figure in the public M&A and equities space. Dalia Nammari, who is well versed across Islamic finance transactions, is regularly supported by counsel Peter Cullen. Sergey Shiposha is active on a growing volume of ESG transactions.

United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) Tier 1

Linklaters has further strengthened its dominant projects practice with the hire of David Miles, who joined from Covington & Burling LLP in September 2022; Miles brings with him a wealth of capabilities in both the conventional and Islamic financing space. The firm is well placed to advise on a host regional mandates, including energy transition and NEOM-related ventures in Saudi Arabia, social infrastructure PPPs in Jordan, and large-scale renewable energy builds in the UAE. The team is also noted for its work on innovative transactions, spanning novel sustainability-linked loans in Bahrain, ESG dual tranche conventional and Islamic financing facilities, and hydrogen and ammonia builds in Oman. Matthew Keats draws on both financing and development expertise to advise on projects from the inception stage through to completion. Leila Amos is particularly noted for her ESG-related expertise, while Jack Allen-Fitt‘s practice is increasingly concentrated on energy transition and renewables matters. Jonathan Vick's broad remit includes large-scale PPP programs.

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Linklaters handles work for clients including sovereign wealth funds, financial sponsors and premium corporates and the team regularly handles standout M&A transactions and top-quality commercial advisory work. The firm has seen a recent uptick in energy and infrastructure deals, as well as outbound investment by key clients. Scott Campbell has a well-established practice assisting top-end clients with complex cross-border transactions. Nicholas Edwards is active in private M&A and joint ventures and is a key port of call for domestic and international clients as they look to form partnerships. Patrick Sutton-Mattocks stand outs within a team of talented juniors for his high level of activity, supporting on a range of M&A, equity raisings and joint venture deals. Waleed Rasromani and Amro Bakhaidar are key names for deals with a nexus to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia > Banking and finance

Linklaters, recently granted a licence to practice law from a new office in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia by the Ministry of Justice, caters to a well-established clientele comprising governmental bodies, major corporations, and investment banks. Omar El Sayed has a prominent presence in syndicated loans and Islamic financings in the Gulf region. Matthew Keats stands out as another key practitioner; he has over twenty-five years of experience in advising on large scale project development and financing. Additionally, David Miles brings a wealth of experience in energy and infrastructure financings in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia > Commercial, corporate and M&A

The Linklaters corporate team opened its Riyadh office in May 2023. Waleed Rasromani leads the practice with strong experience in advising on the sale-and-leaseback of large telecoms portfolios and digital infrastructure. Amro Bakhaidar is also noted. Scott Campbell and Nicholas Edwards support the team from the firm's Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, respectively.