Trowers & Hamlins LLP > Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile
Trowers & Hamlins LLP Offices
FLOOR P 1, TOWER C 1, AL BATEEN TOWERS
BAINUNA STREET, PO BOX 45628
ABU DHABI
United Arab Emirates
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Trowers & Hamlins LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation Tier 2
Trowers & Hamlins LLP fields a versatile and dedicated commercial disputes practice with notable strength in shareholder, insurance, contractual and banking and finance cases. Recently, the firm has been involved in a diverse body of work, including complex, high-profile cases of regional significance. Helming the practice is Matthew Showler, a seasoned litigator and arbitrator who is frequently instructed by corporates, financial institutions, and prominent high net-worth individuals. Cheryl Cairns is a go-to for infrastructure-related disputes. Nikita Patel, who joined from Clyde & Co LLP in March 2024, is building a strong reputation for her growing portfolio of cross-border work.Practice head(s):
Matthew Showler
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A very strong and experienced team with real expertise in litigating disputes in the Middle East.’
‘Nikita Patel is a very impressive lawyer who is fantastic with clients and is a real team player. She also has a very good commercial and tactical approach to cases.’
‘Matthew Showler is an absolute treat to work with. Daniel Smith is very diligent.’
‘Matt Showler and his team are very practical in their approach, with a sense of commerciality alongside their technical advice.’
‘The team has a great depth of experience in DAC arbitration, and arbitration generally in ME disputes. ’
‘Cheryl Cairns was magnificent throughout both from a strategic position but perhaps more importantly never appearing flustered (even when timings got tense) and exudes an air of calmness which certainly served to calm nerves from our end at times. Her manner with clients is to be commended, particularly when the going gets tough.’
‘Impressive team at the partner and senior associate level, good mix between foreign and local talent’
‘Matthew Showler is a real asset and great to work with.’
Key clients
Shell
Sandra Holdings Limited
The Administrators of the International Banking Corporation
SpaceCom International LLC
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
Pearl Petroleum Co Ltd
Sayacorp B.S.C.
Power and Integrated Projects Company
First Energy Bank
GEMS Education Limited
Coffee Planet Group/ William Allan Jones
John Cockerill Group
Export – Import Bank Of Malaysia Berhad
Yousif Alkooheji & Bros
AAL Group Limited
Jonathan Ing
Moon Iron & Steel Co SAOC
His Excellency Sadiq Marafi
NEBA Financial Solutions
Accuracy Middle East Advisory Ltd
Miclyn Midad Marine company Limited
Indus International FZC
Dantar Technology Consultancies Company W.L.L
Trade X ME LLC
Petromin Corporation
Partners Group
Hyundai
Dalma Capital Management Limited
Saudi Selevision Company
Permodalan Nasional Berhad
I2 Capital Markets
Virgin Mobile Middle East
ACWA Power
Al Waha Capital
Asian Cricket Council
Rayad Emrit
Batelco
Bahrain Cinema Company
Kanoo Travel Group
Mohammed Bakhtiari
Redington FZE
Currie & Brown
ICL 5 Air Italy
Knight Frank
Malayan Banking Berhad
Mukhsen Mokhammad
Orea Mining Corporation
Farshad Rezaie
Standard Chartered Bank
Screen GP Europe BV
WPVM Limited
Twofour 54
Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations
Tanmay Saxena
Steven Ivankovich
Geneire Management Consultancy W.L.L.
SyndiGate Media Inc.
Global Champions Tour BV
Marcin Piatkowski
Graham Halsall
Theramex HQ UK Ltd
Screen GP Europe B.V.
Work highlights
- Advised the Administrator of The International Banking Corporation in its claims against Ahmed Hamad Algosaibi Brothers Company worth USD 2.5 billion and involving highly complex multi-jurisdictional proceedings with claims in the DIFC, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Switzerland, the USA and other jurisdictions.
- Advised Sandra Holdings Ltd in highly complex proceedings before the DIFC Courts. This case was worth in excess of USD 200 million and involved proceedings in the DIFC, onshore UAE, England, France, Switzerland, Kuwait, Cayman Islands, BVI and the USA.
- Act for a senior member of a royal family from a country in the Gulf in a dispute regarding commercial and family assets. The proceedings are taking place in the Courts located in the Gulf, Caribbean, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The value of the dispute is c. USD 1bn.
United Arab Emirates > Construction Tier 3
A key contact for EPC contractors, public sector entities, and real estate developers, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is praised as having an ‘outstanding construction team.’ Cheryl Cairns leads the team and is active in the engineering sector, while Hasan Rahman often handles infrastructure matters. Karie Akeelah is noted for her strength in contentious construction matters and Yuen Phing Choo is another key team member.Practice head(s):
Cheryl Cairns
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are strong in UAE and regional construction disputes. They offer huge expertise and unparalleled dedication to their clients at a reasonable price.’
‘The UAE team at Trowers are an absolute pleasure to work with. No problem is too much, and the team just crack on with things and provide a great service.’
‘They have a core team of senior construction lawyers who actually understand construction, not just contracts and the law.’
‘They have an outstanding construction team in Dubai. Karie Akeelah and Cheryl Cairns are strong lawyers.’
‘Cheryl Cairns is a superb lawyer, she is very commercially minded. I can’t recommend her more.’
‘Cheryl Cairns always remains client-focused, calm, and adept at keeping the team on course during any case management crisis. Clients can rely on Cheryl to diffuse, deflect, or counter-attack without breaking a sweat, taking the team enthusiastically with her.’
‘Cheryl Cairns is just so easy to work with. Cheryl approaches every issue or problem with grace and calm and really understands the nuts and bolts of the issues very quickly. Cheryl is a seasoned and cool head and provides a world-class service.’
‘Karie Akeelah is an outstanding lawyer, she is very astute and commercially minded. Cheryl Cairns is also brilliant.’
Key clients
Shuaibah Water and Electricity Co
Shuaibah Expansion Project Company
Shuqaiq Water and Electricity Co
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company PJSC
Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC
Al Kifah Precast Company
Petrofac
Dubai Aviation Corporation
Salalah Port Services Company SAOG
ADNOC Distribution
Bahrain Development Bank
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Work highlights
- Advised Abu Dhabi National Oil Company PJSC (ADNOC Gas) on a multi-location and multi-scope brownfield project comprising three dependant and interlinked component projects.
- Advised Emirates Global Aluminium on its capital projects.
- Advised Shuaibah Water and Electricity Company (SWEC) and the Shuaibah Expansion Project Company (SEPCO) on all of the construction and operational aspects of their expanded plant.
United Arab Emirates > TMT Tier 3
Recently handling AI, compliance, and data matters, the TMT practice at Trowers & Hamlins LLP is jointly headed by Saleem Adam and Stephen Sullivan. Adam is noted for his knowledge of data privacy, intellectual property, outsourcing transactions, and regulatory telecommunications matters, while Sullivan is skilled at TMT transactions.Practice head(s):
Saleem Adam; Stephen Sullivan
Other key lawyers:
Alex Ford-Cox: Bryce Siu
Testimonials
‘The practice is very diverse with people from different parts of the world all collaborating across offices to deliver value to clients. The team is responsive and down to earth.’
‘I particularly appreciate their ability to find creative drafting and commercial solutions to problems that arise during negotiations.’
‘Saleem Adam is personable, responsive, keeps to deadlines and has a can-do attitude.’
Work highlights
- Assisted a GCC bank in updating their payment processing agreements.
- Advised a UAE-based energy company on refreshing their IT templates.
- Advising a GCC based company on the acquisition and restructuring of a premier digital platform.
United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) Tier 4
Trowers & Hamlins LLP advises on major energy projects across the GCC, with particular strength in power and water developments, as well as key infrastructure initiatives including ports and transport ventures. Thomas Wigley heads the team from Oman and is a sought after advisor to a variety of multinationals and public bodies. Co-head Hasan Rahman has extensive experience handling project development and commercial instructions. Brad Sandford joined from Ashurst in June 2024 and provides further project finance expertise.Practice head(s):
Thomas Wigley; Hasan Rahman
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I’ve worked with Brad Sandford, Partner, for a couple of years in infrastructure project finance such as railway sector. He has always given our team appropriate advices in a timely manner. He has shown us some possible options with precise, coherent and logical description and also given us his thoughts on which one to choose that has always helped our team to consider advantages and disadvantages of each option and make right decisions. His personality is exceptional too.’
‘Dubai team has great collaboration with the Muscat team.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
Petroleum Development Oman
Electricity and Water Authority of Bahrain
Mafraq Energy
Khair Inorganic Chemical Industries, Saudi Arabia
Palestinian Electricity Transmission Company Limited
Sembcorp
ACWA Power
Minerals Development Oman
Oman Environmental Services Company
Galfar SAOG
BEEAH Group
Work highlights
- Advising ADNOC on its offshore project to increase oil production at the Lower Zakum offshore hydrocarbon concession.
- Advising BEEAH Group on the development of the Jawaher Boston Medical District in Sharjah.
- Advising the Electricity and Water Authority in Bahrain on the Hidd IWP and Sitra IPP.
United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 5
Trowers & Hamlins LLP 'stands out for its deep industry knowledge and ability to provide tailored solutions across complex transactions' and is highly active for a number of funds operational in the UAE, overseeing fund establishment, management and transactions. Team head Bill Jefferies handles buy-side and sell side M&A, PE and venture capital deals. Nick Green is a go-to for funds work and regulatory. Stephen Sullivan is praised for his 'strong local market knowledge'. Ethan Chye also comes recommended.Practice head(s):
Bill Jefferies
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Commercially orientated and always deliver on time.’
‘Stephen Sullivan is very hands on and possesses strong local market knowledge.’
‘Nick Green has knowledge on regional culture, stays up to date to the latest regulatory changes, and has created friendly relationships with various FIs and Family Offices in the region which gives him good inside insight of investors’ appetite and trends.’
‘Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s Commercial, Corporate and M&A practice stands out for its deep industry knowledge and ability to provide tailored solutions across complex transactions. The team balances technical expertise with a client-centric approach, ensuring that business needs are met precisely and efficiently. Their collaboration between departments is seamless and highly responsive, which makes working with them a streamlined process compared to other firms.’
‘The individuals at Trowers & Hamlins LLP distinguish themselves through a combination of deep legal expertise and a genuine commitment to client service. Partners like Stephen Sullivan are particularly notable for their strategic insight and ability to anticipate potential issues before they arise, significantly enhancing the deal process. Their leadership and pragmatic approach inspires confidence throughout negotiations.’
‘Partners have an ability to think commercially as well as legally and can advise clients holistically.’
‘The team is highly knowledgeable with a detailed technical know-how. They are able to succinctly advise on complex matters.’
‘They are excellent at guiding and supporting their clients through complete and challenging situations.’
Key clients
Al Ashram Investments LLC
Al Waha Fund of Funds
Emirates Advertising Limited and other individual sellers
Al Masaood Group
Arquitectonica
TessPay Inc.
Planters Horticulture LLC
Apex Capital
Caprice Holdings
MIAG ME
Work highlights
- Advised Emirates Advertising Limited and other individual sellers in relation to their 100% disposal of Backlite Media to Multiply Group, a tech focused holding company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
- Acting for Planters Horticulture LLC and its majority founder shareholder in relation to its restructuring, the rationalisation of its constitution and shareholder structure, and an ambitious growth plan involving expansion into new product lines and markets.
- Advised Kuwaiti-owned Apex Capital on all aspects of their strategic expansion into the UK, including the structuring and set up of their group entities in the UK and intermediate holding jurisdictions.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Trowers & Hamlins is an international firm providing clear, practical advice to help clients achieve their objectives. The firm’s clients include banks, pension funds, institutional investors, private equity funds, developers, property companies, care home operators, public and private companies, local and central government departments, NHS trusts, registered providers (RPs), charities and individuals.
Types of work undertaken: Through its UK and overseas offices, the firm has developed a dynamic corporate, commercial and litigation practice with particular strengths in real estate, care, education, energy, leisure, finance (including Islamic finance) and project work. The firm has built its reputation on helping government and businesses of all sizes improve the built environment all around us.
The firm’s real estate experts advise on every stage of the lifetime of a real estate asset or development, including investment, planning, development, construction, asset management (including environmental advice) and funding. Built on a reputation for innovation and working at the forefront of changing legislation and market trends, the teams help institutional investors, developers, housebuilders, REITs, property companies, RPs, local authorities and private individuals to buy, sell, develop and manage their assets successfully. The firm has particular strength in advising on large-scale regeneration and development schemes, as well as student accommodation, care, healthcare, education and leisure projects. The firm’s projects and construction experts advise UK and global clients in a variety of sectors, spanning innovative PFI/PPP/DBFO project structures and joint venture/partnering initiatives.
As leading lawyers to the housing sector, advising government bodies, local authorities, 250 RPs, developers, contractors, lenders and institutional investors, the firm plays a central and innovative role in policy making and the evolution of housing in the UK and around the world.
The firm’s market-leading reputation for public sector expertise is built on helping government and private sector partners to create new and innovative ways to deliver public services, having advised on a substantial number of pathfinder private finance initiative (PFI) and innovative PPP schemes. Increasingly the firm advises on how to find new sources of income from the use of public land and assets. Particular areas of expertise include advising on stock transfer, housing market renewal, ALMOs, mutuals, education, strategic partnerships and outsourcing schemes, construction and partnering, care homes, leisure facilities, maintenance, administration and IT services.
The corporate department is a substantial team with a strong reputation for advising public and private companies, both in the UK and overseas, entrepreneurs and individuals operating in the financial, property, industrial and commercial sectors.
The litigation department helps clients to manage risk and to protect their business interests in the UK and internationally across commercial civil litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and adjudication. The firm has particular strengths in public law, judicial review, banking, real estate, construction, insolvency, employment, travel insurance and personal injury work.
The employment and pensions team helps organisations and businesses manage change, head off issues and tackle problems with pragmatic advice and progressive thinking. The team has the breadth and depth of employment, pensions and immigration law. Its clients are varied across corporate businesses and charities and third sector, but they all benefit from the firm’s diverse public and private sector experience, specialist technical expertise and sector knowledge.
The private wealth department provides legal advice to individuals with industrial or commercial wealth, invested assets and landed estates. Key areas of work include tax planning, trusts, wills, probate, charities, the administration of trusts and estates, as well as the management of substantial real estate portfolios.
The firm has a strong international practice, particularly in the Middle East, with offices in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and Oman. It is especially well-known for its work in real estate, construction, energy and infrastructure, and hotel and leisure, as well as its corporate expertise. The firm’s offices in Malaysia and Singapore supports a growing Far East client base.
Trowers & Hamlins is a member of Interlaw, an international association of independent law firms with lawyers in more than 125 cities worldwide. As a member of Interlaw, it is able to quickly draw on the legal expertise and knowledge of this global network to support clients.
Trowers & Hamlins is a member firm of the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Legal Services Framework, which is a means for contracting authorities to access legal services.
Other offices: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Birmingham, Dubai, Exeter, Malaysia, Manchester, Oman, Singapore
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Partner | Sara Bailey | ||
| Banking and Finance | Helen Fysh | ||
| Construction | Stephanie Canham | ||
| Corporate/Corporate Finance | Tim Nye | ||
| Employment | Rebecca McGuirk | ||
| Energy and Sustainability | Chris Paul | ||
| Environment | Amanda Stubbs | ||
| Housing | Suzanne Benson | ||
| International | Jeremy Ingham | ||
| Litigation | Nicholas Levy | ||
| Litigation | Lucy James | ||
| Pensions | Martin McFall | ||
| Planning | Jacqueline Backhaus | ||
| Private Wealth | Richard Jordan | ||
| Public Sector | Amardeep Gill | ||
| Real Estate | Suzanne Benson | ||
| Real Estate Finance | Adrian Carter | ||
| Tax | Andrew Sneddon |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 151 Number of other UK fee-earners : 412Trowers & Hamlins LLP > Firm Profile
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Corporate | Saleem Adam | ||
| International Infrastructure and Real Estate | Shaun Hardiman | ||
| International Construction | Hasan Rahman | ||
| International Corporate | Stephen Sullivan | ||
| International Corporate | Youssef Boulos | ||
| International Corporate | Debby Burton-Shaw | ||
| International Corporate | Michelle Wu |