Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Profile
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP Offices
LEVEL 13
BURJ DAMAN BUILDING
DIFC, P.O. BOX 482017
United Arab Emirates
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
United Arab Emirates > Shipping Tier 1
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP continues to develop ‘its young and energetic team’ which has a ‘strong understanding of the local market and needs of businesses operating in the Middle East.’ The shipping practice is equally adept across contentious, non-contentious and transactional work, with a specialist strength in wet shipping matters that include major pollution incidents, fires, explosions and collisions. Rania Tadros
is ‘well versed with international shipping practice and law’, while Saif Almobideen, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, is a ‘go-to lawyer’ for shipping and commercial disputes in the region. ‘Savvy and skilled operator’ Mark Lakin primarily focuses on complex shipping and commodities disputes; Menelaus Kouzoupis joined the Dubai office from London in April 2023. Mohamed El Hawawy was a new arrival in March 2024. Practice head(s):
Rania Tadros; Mohamed El Hawawy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘What sets Stephenson Harwood’s shipping practice apart from their counterparts is their relentless commitment to excellence. The team at provides clients with comprehensive legal advice and specialized expertise in all areas of maritime law.’
‘One key element that distinguishes Stephenson Harwood’s shipping practice is its solid capabilities in advising on marine insurance related matters (either under Hull & Machinery policies or P&I Policies) under English law and UAE local laws. The marine insurance and local shipping team led by partner, Saif Almobideen, comprises an outstanding group of bilingual lawyers qualified from civil and common law jurisdictions.’
‘Saif is as an impressive individual within the firm. His unique skills and expertise in complex cross-border litigation disputes, particularly in the areas of shipping, insurance and crisis management make him a valuable asset to the team.’
‘They have an experienced team of good lawyers who assist us with maritime disputes, contracts and other legal matters. ’
‘Rania is a very good and experienced lawyer well versed with International shipping and maritime practices and law. It has always been a pleasure working with her. ’
‘Paul Katsouris and Rania Tadros have exceeded our expectations in handling complex cases involving interpretation of contracts and corporate authorities required for ship sale and purchase agreements, advised on joint venture and shareholders agreement in an impressive turnaround time, and continue to advise the company on its trading fleet as well as recycling deals.’
‘Excellent reactivity and knowledge of local practise within the shipping industry.’
‘Mark Lakin is a savvy and skilled operator who combines excellent commercial instincts along with an in depth knowledge of the law.’
Key clients
National Bank of Fujairah
British Marine
Aggregates Manufacturing Trading
FIMBank plc
Sahara Energy Resource Ltd
International Transport Workers’ Federation
Aria Seaway Ltd
First Marine Services
Wan Hai Lines
West of England P&I Club/Owners of the AG Neptune
Hai Xing
TransAsia Private Capital Limited
Ceto Shipping Corporation
Gulf Marine Services (GMS)
ZMI Holdings (ex-name Zakher Marine International)
Global Feeder Shipping Ltd
Global Marketing Systems Inc. (GMS)
TTMS Club
Milaha Integrated Maritime and Logistics
Dubai Express LLC (Freightworks)
General National Maritime Transport Company
Work highlights
- Instructed by the owners and the P&I insurers of the Vessel, MV Flower of Sea in respect of a major oil pollution incident in the port of Aqaba in Jordan, which has been widely reported in the regional and industry press.
- Acting in English High Court, LCIA arbitration, Nigerian Court (Lagos & Abuja) and UAE Court proceedings on behalf of Sahara Energy Resource Ltd in its disputes with UAE based trader Ultimate Oil & Gas DMCC and its Nigerian based parent company Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas DMCC arising from a sale contact.
- Instructed to advise a global commodity trading company on a joint venture with a UAE-based partner in respect of the acquisition and operation of newbuild product oil tankers.
United Arab Emirates > Employment Tier 2
A ‘very cohesive and responsive team’, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP collaborates with the firm’s international network on cross-border business restructurings, incentives arrangements, and employment litigation. Kiersten Lucas is particularly skilled at internal investigations, restrictive covenants, as well as the employment aspects of international data protection and privacy. Emily Aryeetey advises DFSA-regulated employers on financial services regulations, Laura Anderson is well versed in immigration matters, and Youssab Rafla is noted for his wrongful termination capabilities.Practice head(s):
Kiersten Lucas; Emily Aryeetey
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘As in prior years, this continues to be a strongly cohesive and professional team which works in total and complete collaboration with each other – this being a key ingredient to ensure our company (as clients) get the most integrated outcome possible.’
‘The employment team at SH is a very cohesive and responsive.’
‘Kiersten Lucas and her team are highly competent, experts in their field, professional, and they have the unique ability to ensure there is a practical and reasonable approach to the work they do.’
‘Kiersten Lucas stands out due to her tailored approach. In our case, she not only focused and delivered on the scope of work as requested but also proactively proposed long-term practical solutions and considerations to our HR team. This wholesome approach is very much appreciated from an in-house perspective.’
Key clients
A. T. Kearney
VEOLIA Water Technologies and Solutions
Western Bulk Middle East DMCC
Access Hire
Accord Healthcare MENA DMCC
Adenza Group Inc
ADNOC Group
AES International
Al Tayer Group
Amplify Marketing Agency DMCC
Arcus Infrastructure Partners
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP.
Atlas Mara Banking Group
Bank of China
Cleartrip Inc
Edenhurst Capital Limited
Fun Fashion FZCO
Galderma International SAS / Galderma Middle East FZ LLC
Hamburg Sud
Hanover Communications Middle East
Inspired Education Group
Interoperability Middle East Technology LLC
Kaya Skin Clinic
LGT Group
Loro Piana SpA
M&C Saatchi
Maviga DMCC (part of ED&F Man Group)
Mizuho Group
National Oilwell Varco
Peacock Group Holdings
Robert Walters
Sentinel Commodities DMCC
Shalina Resources
Simcorp Limited
TMF Group
Trident Trust (I.O.M) Limited
TSA Group
Uberbinder, Inc / Uberbinder Limited
United Insurance Brokers (UIB) (DIFC) Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising Al Tayer Group on Middle East employment law and litigation.
- Advised VEOLIA Water Technologies and Solutions on UAE employment matters.
- Advised SimCorp on employment and employment-linked matters arising in the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation Tier 3
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP fields a sizeable team of experienced partners on the ground in Dubai that provide an ‘effective and efficient service’. Clients include international and domestic corporates, state-owned entities, and governmental institutions, and it is particularly strong in financial services, energy and tech disputes. Practice head Rania Tadros is well regarded for complex and high-value cases, especially for maritime and construction clients, and Mark Lakin specialises in sensitive cases with fraud and sanctions elements, with clients praising him for his ‘excellent knowledge of the market and considerable experience of shipping and commodities disputes’. Saif Almobideen lends expertise to a number of cross-border cases, and is another key maritime advisor. Managing associate Magda Kofluk provides additional support. Mohamed El Hawawy, Khurram Ali, Mehtab Kassam and Mahmoud El Sayed joined the firm in March 2024 from Ince & Co. John Lewis was a new arrival in March 2024 from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP; he heads the firm's Middle East general commercial litigation and international arbitration practice. Nick Sharratt left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Rania Tadros; John Lewis
Other key lawyers:
Mark Lakin; Saif Almobideen; Magda Kofluk; Sam Martin; Mohamed El Hawawy; Mehtab Kassam; Mahmoud El Sayed; Khurram Ali
Testimonials
‘The team is competent. Providing the expected legal advice in a timely fashion. Mark provided us with great support in several cases, and they give us also out of the box solutions.’
‘Highly professional with vast pool of resources, makes them unique which is quite comforting.’
‘Experience working with Saif Almobideen and his associates was very good. His helping nature, positive attitude and pleasing personality greatly assisted in decision making and problem solving.’
‘Great diverse team to work with.’
‘Magda Kofluk & Sam Martin are great to work with and full of energy. ’
‘The team is approachable, rightly prides itself on excellent client care and provides an effective and efficient service.’
‘Mark is an absolute pleasure to work with. He is a shrewd litigator with excellent knowledge of the market and considerable experience of shipping and commodities disputes.’
Key clients
Samsung SDS ME & Africa
ICICI Bank Limited
TA Private Capital Limited
Primal Capital and Housing Finance Limited
MOG Holding Limited
Sahara Energy Resource Ltd
Grant Thornton
Cancrie Investments
SPL Guernsey ICC Limited
Aggregates Manufacturing Trading
Svitzer Salvage BV.
Work highlights
- Representing a provider of testing, inspection and certification services in bringing criminal proceedings against a company and the individual representing the company, among others as a result of a cybercrime incident in which the client lost the amount of US$5,000,000.
- Acting for the main contractor in a construction dispute against the employer, which has arisen under a turnkey EPC contract.
- Representing ICICI Bank Limited in relation to its claim against Mr Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty.
United Arab Emirates > TMT Tier 3
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP‘s TMT practice offers ‘in-depth industry knowledge‘ and significant breadth of expertise in delivering cross-border digital transformation projects, major technology business sales and acquisitions, and resolving high profile technology disputes. The ‘excellent‘ Melissa Forbes-Miranda leads the group and is renowned for her expertise in the technology sector, encompassing data, software licensing, fintech and cryptocurrencies. Philip Clarke offers substantial expertise in virtual assets, while Sandeep Dhama is a specialist in corporate matters in the technology sector. Diwakar Agarwal is also a key presence, especially in regards to emerging technologies such as blockchain.Practice head(s):
Melissa Forbes-Miranda
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Melissa is always a pleasure to work with , she has excellent communication and interpersonal skills allied with an analytical mind which has benefitted greatly over the years . I would highly recommend Melissa to any of my network requiring legal assistance.’
‘SH is very professional with in depth industry knowledge and provide accurate advice on relevant subject matters ’
‘Timely response is very important for us, this is what we get from SH Availability of Associates & Partners. They are exceptional.’
Key clients
Lexim Trading DMCC
Fenix Networks Limited
eMedvertise N.V.
Al Dahra Agriculture SP LLC
ComTech Global
Esyasoft Holding Ltd
FanFixApp LLC
Interoperability Middle East Technology
Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC
Co-founders and executive management of Somo Global Limited
Samsung SDS Europe ME & Africa
Work highlights
- Advising Lexim Trading, a non-manufactured precious metal, specifically gold, trader in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, in relation to the establishment and development of their revolutionary gold backed digital asset platform, which includes minting crypto tokens that are collateralised against gold held by its sister company for proprietary trading.
- Advising FanFixApp, LLC , an online subscription platform on the prospects and practicalities of setting up an entity in the UAE to operate local aspects of the FanFix platform.
United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending) Tier 4
Active on the borrower and lender side of a wide array of transactions including project finance, acquisition finance and refinancing and restructuring Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP demonstrates notable sector experience in real estate, energy, shipping and aviation. The team are regularly called upon by major regional banks to advise on complex, cross border transactions in areas such as the Caribbean, central and southern America, Asia and Europe, and demonstrate a strong competence across Islamic financing, boasting a portfolio of novel transactions in this space. Rustum Shah joined the practice from Hogan Lovells (United Arab Emirates) LLP in February 2022, seamlessly taking the mantle of team head and leading a wealth of mandates that involve high-value restructurings and acquisition financings. Philip Clarke handles financial services regulatory issues. Associates Chinar Zaidi and Murtaza Hussain are active across the full range of client instructions.Practice head(s):
Rustum Shah
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘SH has handled many complex transactions for us in the last few years. We like their speed and efficiency while handling complex trades, in particular.’
Key clients
Yellow Door Energy Limited
National Bank of Fujairah PJSC
Commercial Bank of Dubai PSC
Emirates NBD Bank PJSC
China Construction Bank
ICICI Bank Ltd
Axis Bank Ltd
FIM Bank (Malta)
Bank of Baroda
Jumbo Electronics
Omniyat Group
Tufton Oceanic
Allana International
Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC
Work highlights
- Advising Yellow Door Energy Limited on a multi-million-dirham debt refinancing with the National Bank of Fujairah for a portfolio of solar projects in the United Arab Emirates.
- Advising National Bank of Fujairah who provided a facility of AED 62 million to CleanMax Alpha LeaseCo FZCO.
- Acting as lead lender’s counsel to one of the largest Islamic Banks in the UAE in respect of the term murabaha facilities – one of first transactions for the lender to enter into which was structured under Shari’a Standard Number 59 regarding the Sale of Debt (Standard 59) by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) – provided to the subsidiary of a corporate group.
United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 4
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP is well positioned to act on stellar cross-border deals in the Middle East and beyond, receiving instructions from longstanding clients as well as a growing list of new connections. Diwakar Agarwal is a private equity and venture capital-focused adviser with multi-jurisdictional expertise and Sandeep Dhama has expertise in capital markets and corporate restructuring. Melissa Forbes-Miranda is also noted. Managing associate Toufic Safie advises on M&A, joint ventures and large-scale projects, particularly in the tech sector.Practice head(s):
Diwakar Agarwal; Sandeep Dhama; Melissa Forbes-Miranda
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Melissa Forbes‑Miranda. She shows genuine interest in the business model and the commercial aims of our deals. She worked hard to come up with a de-risked but commercial solution to our R&D agreements around joint ownership of IP.’
‘The team understood the corporate M&A aspects of the deal well, but added value with their understanding of the underlying asset.’
‘Melissa Forbes-Miranda was the corporate lead on the transaction and negotiated very well with the other side on the all parties’ calls which took place on the documents.’
‘Toufic Safie has good knowledge of international law, local law, and the various free zones and how the different requirements interface. He is able to perform challenging mental gymnastics and find a solution for a multifaceted problem that will work within a patchwork of applicable laws and concerns.’
‘They have a diverse team with a mix of experienced and junior members. They are always approachable with short notice to attend to our urgent requirements.’
‘Diwakar Agarwal has a strong understanding of our structure and history, which makes it easy for us. He is always available with short notice whenever we have urgent requirements. He is very quick in understanding the subject matter and accordingly gives us the solutions. The agreements drafted by him are comprehensive and always protect our interests to the maximum.’
‘Clear, concise and responsive team.’
‘Sandeep Dhama is excellent.’
Key clients
Al Dahra Group
EMAAR Properties
Chart Industries
Inspired Education
FENIX Networks
KIMSHEALTH
GradeOne
Ardonagh Specialty
Madison Pacific Trust Limited
S&P Global Platts
Lexim Trading DMCC
ComTech FZCO
UltraTech Cement Middle East Investments
Physicswallah Pvt Ltd
Cotecna Inspection SA
Badia Al Sahra Agricultural L.L.C (Badia Farms)
Work highlights
- Advising NYSE-listed Chart Industries Inc on its acquisition of UK-based industrial equipment maker Howden for US$4.4 billion from private equity firm KPS Capital Partners through a combination of cash and preferred stock.
- Advising UltraTech Cement Middle East Investments Ltd. (“UltraTech Cement”) on its 70% equity share acquisition of Duqm Cement Project International (“Duqm Cement”) from Seven Seas Group, Oman.
- Advising Physicswallah Pvt Ltd on its acquisition of Knowledge Planet Centre Group, Dubai.
United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) Tier 4
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP pulls together a strong offering in the projects space, drawing on the contentious expertise of team head Rania Tadros, the extensive financing capabilities of co-lead Rustum Shah, and transactional prowess of partner Diwakar Agarwal. Acting for domestic and international clients alike, the team bring their experience to bear on a range of strategically significant cross-border ventures, particularly in the renewables and agricultural space, where the embedded technological expertise of the group is greatly valued. Managing associate Toufic Safie and associate Murtaza Hussain continue to be highly active. Former practice lead Nijoe Joseph left the firm in November 2023 to join Milavous Group.
Practice head(s):
Rustum Shah; Rania Tadros
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very solid team with outstanding technical skills and commercial mindset.’
‘The team are technically solid and commercially driven with outstanding negotiation skills. Pleasant to work with them.’
‘SH’s strengths include a strong reputation, specialized expertise and a dedicated team that is committed to client services.’
‘Murtaza Hussain has a growth mindset and is so passionate about his job and is committed to the highest of standards. he has great communication and listening skills and is very knowledgeable of the laws.’
Key clients
Yellow Door Energy
Al Dahra Holding SP LLC
Samsung SDS ME & Africa
UltraTech Cement Ltd
Axis Bank Ltd .
The Helicopter Company
National Bank of Fujairah
ICICI Bank Limited
Badia Farms
Falcon Aviation Services LLC
Chart Industries
Inspired Education
GradeOne
UltraTech Cement Middle East Investments
Work highlights
- Advising National Bank of Fujairah on a long-term credit facility to CleanMax to refinance CleanMax’s rooftop solar portfolio in the UAE.
- Advising a leading GCC real estate development company in relation to two separate real estate financing facilities from a UAE bank, with an approximate total aggregate value of AED1 billion, for the construction of a real estate project consisting of luxury residential apartments and mansions on Palm Jumeirah.
United Arab Emirates > Insurance
United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Financial services regulation
Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP advises a wide range of clients in the fintech and crypto space on establishing operations in the UAE, and also assists guide asset managers with the private equity and the novel fund management side. Leveraging experience as a senior legal counsel at the Dubai Financial Services Authority, regulatory specialist Philip Clarke is well placed to advise banks and financial institutions on defending allegations and in investigations by regulatory bodies, as well as aiding businesses through their regulatory concerns, with particular expertise in digital assets.Practice head(s):
Philip Clarke
Testimonials
‘Attention to detail and close working relationships.’
Key clients
ICICI Bank Limited, DIFC Branch
MOG Holding Limited
ComTech Global
Lexim Trading DMCC
Craig price and Piero Politeo
Former senior manager of the Abraaj Group
Ardonagh Specialty
Grant Thornton
Deutsche Bank
TransAsia Private Capital Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for one of the former senior executives of the Abraaj Group who was censured and fined by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) following the collapse of Abraaj.
- Advising Ardonagh Specialty on the acquisition of Oxford Insurance Group Limited.
- Advising Lexim on the set-up and development of its gold-backed digital asset platform, which includes minting crypto tokens that are collateralised against gold held by its sister company to be traded on a proprietary basis.
India > Foreign firms
Stephenson Harwood routinely advises India-based corporations, banks, high-net-worth individuals, and families on the full range of matters. The team, based primarily in London and Dubai, particularly stands out for its significant experience advising clients in India-related disputes, handling both international arbitrations and general commercial litigation. Kamal Shah, based in London, heads the practice and is a key name for contentious mandates. Diwakar Agarwal, in Dubai, takes point on complex M&A, private equity, and general corporate matters for clients in India.Practice head(s):
Kamal Shah
Other key lawyers:
Diwakar Agarwal; Gregory Xu
Key clients
ICICI Bank
Axis Bank
Yes Bank
HDFC Bank Limited
State Bank of India, Hong Kong branch
Adani Group
Cleartrip
Acron Hotel Group, South India
Aditya Birla Finance Limited
Power Finance Corporation Limited
Knowcross Limited
REC Limited
KIMS Healthcare
Eastern Condiments Limited
India Oil and Gas Company
Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited
Work highlights
- Assisting an Asian oil & gas company in relation to a dispute against another Asian oil & gas company with European links as a result of the sanctions imposed by Russia following the Ukraine war.
- Currently advising Cotecna Inspection in relation to its multi-jurisdictional acquisition of Geo Chem Middle East Group.
- Acted for Golden Equator Capital Pte. Ltd. and other investors in connection with documenting its US$60,000,000 facility agreement made between, amongst others, the lenders stipulated therein as lenders, Golden Equator Capital Pte. Ltd. as agent and as security agent and Agritrade Resources Limited as borrower.
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Emily Aryeetey | View Profile | |
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Kiersten Lucas | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Diwakar Agarwal | Partner | View Profile |
|
Saif Almobideen | Partner | View Profile |
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Philip Clarke | Partner | View Profile |
|
Sandeep Dhama | Partner | View Profile |
|
Melissa Forbes-Miranda | Partner | View Profile |
|
Mark Lakin | Partner | View Profile |
|
Rustum Shah | Partner | View Profile |
|
Rania Tadros | Partner | View Profile |
Comparative Guides
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United Arab Emirates: Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters
Published: September 2023
Authors: Rania TadrosCaroline HibberdRanna MusaMayss Akasheh
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters laws and regulations applicable in United Arab Emirates.
-
United Kingdom: Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters
Published: September 2023
Authors: Dan SmithDonna NewmanChris Pettett
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
- Shipping
Top Tier Firm Rankings
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Firm Rankings
- Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending)
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Infrastructure and projects (including project finance)
- Banking and finance: Financial services regulation
Firm Rankings
- India > Foreign firms