Baker McKenzie LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile
Baker McKenzie LLP Offices

PO BOX 507176
United Arab Emirates
Baker McKenzie LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
Baker McKenzie LLP has an active corporate and commercial practice, and is particularly well regarded in the consumer goods and retail transactions space. The group is co-led by Omar Momany, who focuses on public and private M&A, corporate restructuring and disputes, and joint ventures, alongside Osama Audi, who advises on M&A, venture capital and investment fund matters. Hani Naja has been engaged in various corporate structuring matters and Adnan Doha has broad corporate expertise across a range of sectors. Abeer Jarrar focuses on equity capital markets and M&A transactions.Practice head(s):
Omar Momany; Osama Audi
Other key lawyers:
Hani Naja; Adnan Doha; Abeer Jarrar; Borys Dackiw
Testimonials
‘Adnan Doha gave practical, sensible legal advice that took into account key commercial considerations. The drafting was clear, concise and pitched at precisely the right level for this deal.’
‘Strong knowledge coupled with a pragmatic commercial approach.’
Key clients
Ripples Capital Limited
AirCarbon Pte. Ltd.
Mohamad Bin Salman Foundation
Tawal
Spitaleri Group
Saudi Venture Capital
Tanmiah Food Company
Dar Al Takaful PJSC
Wipro Limited
Al Muqarram Group of Companies
Getz Bros & Co (BVI) Inc.
AP Ventures Limited
Gulf Insurance Group K.S.C.P.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
Allegion Investments (UK) Limited
Gulf Marketing Group
Seddiqi Holding
Taaleem Education
Deliveroo
Emaar Group
Emirates National Oil Company
Sayacorp Capital
UltraTech Cement Limited
Esterad Investment Company BSC
Work highlights
- Advised Ripples Capital Limited, the world’s leading cloud kitchen company, on the USD 415 million Series C venture capital round led by SoftBank, the largest-ever venture financing round in the Middle East and the first investment by SoftBank in a Middle-East based start-up.
- Advised Gulf Marketing Group, a leading family-owned retail company in the Middle East, on the acquisition of the Geant, Monoprix and Franprix franchise from Dubai Holding and Meraas.
- Advising Saudi-listed poultry giant, Tanmiah Food Company, on the sale of a significant interest in two businesses to US-listed global proteins giant, Tyson Foods. In addition to the acquisition and joint venture agreements, the transaction included a suite of commercial agreements relating to the businesses.
United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: compliance and investigations Tier 2
Baker McKenzie LLP handles a wide spectrum of regulatory and corporate investigations, including matters involving fraud, embezzlement, bribery, money laundering, and breaches of international trade sanctions and export controls. It also has experience handling risk assessments and general compliance advisory work. Borys Dackiw heads the group, with specific expertise in compliance-related matters, including anti-bribery policies and programmes. Joanna Matthews-Taylor focuses on employment and immigration-related matters.Practice head(s):
Borys Dackiw
Other key lawyers:
United Arab Emirates > Real estate Tier 2
Baker McKenzie LLP has established a reputation throughout the UAE and wider Middle East for its expertise in transactional real estate matters, including some of the largest master community, complex mixed-use and hotel and leisure developments within the region. Keri Watkins leads the team and has excellent knowledge of data centres, hotel management arrangements and landlord and tenant matters.Practice head(s):
Keri Watkins
Testimonials
‘The depth of knowledge shared by Keri Watkins & her team is updated with industry & domain experience, making mapping out a strategy far easier for clients.’
‘Keri Watkins, who leads the practice, always displays in-depth knowledge and clear communication.’
‘The team feel like they are in-house lawyers and that is what makes them so special.’
‘Keri Watkins is very experienced and takes ownership of key decisions.’
‘The team are always willing to go the extra mile to achieve the outcomes that clients are seeking for their real estate projects.’
‘Keri Watkins always provides reliable, assured and timely advice and support.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
Emaar Properties (P.J.S.C)
Jebel Ali Free Zone FZE
Jumeirah International
Dubai Real Estate Corporation
Omniyat Middle East Real Estate Developments LLC
GEMS Education
Jones Lang LaSalle
AWR Rostamani
Rooya Holding Investments
DP World FZE
Dubai World
Olayan Group
Nakheel PJSC
Taaleem Holdings PSC
KSK Capital LLC
Hilton
Ghassan Aboud Group
Sunrise Hospitality
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Pygmalion Europe Hotel Fund II GP Sarl
Work highlights
- Acted for Topaz Property Management Sole Proprietorship LLC on the sale of the shares of Nurai Island Hotel to Aldar Properties PJSC, valued at AED 600M.
- We advised Taaleem Holdings PSC on the acquisition of the land upon which Jebel Ali School is located on from Emirates REIT.
- Acted for KSK Capital in the negotiation of a franchise agreement for a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending) Tier 3
Baker McKenzie LLP advises on a wide spectrum of domestic and cross-border transactions, acting on both the lender and sponsor side. Key areas of focus include Islamic finance, trade finance, project finance, and acquisition finance. It also advises on financial regulatory projects and banking litigations. Sandeep Puri leads the banking and finance practice, with extensive experience handling both conventional and Islamic finance matters. Mazen Boustany heads the financial regulatory group, specialising in Islamic finance, structured finance, securitisation, and financial restructuring.Practice head(s):
Sandeep Puri; Mazen Boustany
Other key lawyers:
Sabina Passi
Testimonials
‘You can always rely on their expertise and professional views.’
‘Sandeep Puri is extremely knowledgeable and understands the regional dynamics very well. He is collaborative and understands the importance of closely coordinated efforts.’
‘Sandeep Puri’s feedback is practical and constructive, and despite time challenging requests, he addresses them effectively and in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Emirates NBD
Credit Agricole
HSBC
MUFG Bank Ltd
Standard Chartered Bank
Government of Egypt
Agility
Five Holding Limited
Mashreqbank PSC
The National Bank of Egypt S.A.E.
First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC
DBS Bank
Work highlights
- Advised a large syndicate of banks, led by National Bank of Egypt, on the multi-facility financing of a major beet sugar factory project.
United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation Tier 3
Baker McKenzie LLP regularly advises on both regional and cross-border litigation and arbitration matters, and is particularly active in the banking and finance, criminal and white-collar criminal defence, technology and tax spaces. Luka Kristovic-Blazevic leads the practice, specialising in construction disputes.Practice head(s):
Luka Kristovic-Blazevic
Testimonials
‘The litigation and arbitration team provide excellent, client-focused advice and have a deep knowledge of international arbitration and the local market.’
‘One of the top teams in the UAE for dealing with complex commercial arbitration.’
Key clients
Julius Baer
Dubai Refreshments Company
Olio
SPIMACO
Mashreq Bank
Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority
Majid Al Futtaim
Standard Charter Bank
Ekar and Polymath
United Arab Emirates > Employment Tier 3
Baker McKenzie LLP is highly influential across all commercial and contentious employment matters, with team head Joanna Matthews-Taylor advising clients throughout the Gulf on cross-border issues concerning employee transfers, workforce reductions, restructures and compliance projects.Practice head(s):
Joanna Matthews-Taylor
Work highlights
- Advised a large local public joint stock company operating in the education sector on the acquisition of Jebel Ali School.
United Arab Emirates > TMT Tier 3
Headed by strategic IT project specialist Kellie Blyth, the TMT practice at Baker McKenzie LLP has three primary focuses; namely large digital transformation and technology procurement mandates, data protection compliance and investigations, and advisory work for TMT and HLS companies. Osama Audi focuses on M&A and venture capital work within the technology and e-commerce sectors. Blyth was promoted to partner in July 2022.Practice head(s):
Kellie Blyth
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Always, timely fast and direct in responding, helping us with a clear view on the privacy battle field in the entire region from the KSA, Dubai and Jordan. ’
‘Kellie Blyth provides outstanding support.’
Key clients
Solutions (by STC)
Google (Alphabet Inc.)
Dimensions Healthcare LLC, an IQVIA Company
Banque Misr
National Bank of Egypt
Banque Du Caire
Ripples Capital Limited (Kitopi)
AP Ventures Limited
Muller & Phipps (part of Getz Group)
Work highlights
- Advised Ripples Capital Limited (Kitopi), the world’s leading cloud kitchen company on a series of transactions leading up to an anticipated IPO on the NASDAQ in 2023 or 2024.
- Represented Dimensions as a defendant in a USD 380 million DIFC-LCIA arbitration against MedImpact.
- Acting for a consortium of the largest banks in Egypt as lead investors in a newly established fintech and financial inclusion fund.
United Arab Emirates > Construction Tier 4
Baker McKenzie LLP’s team is led by Luka Kristovic-Blazevic, a new arrival from White & Case who hones his focus on construction-related international arbitration.Practice head(s):
Luka Kristovic-Blazevic
Testimonials
‘Responsive, knowledgeable and clear.’
‘The calmness yet air of authority was beneficial in supplier negotiations.’
Baker McKenzie LLP > Firm Profile
Baker McKenzie has been in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for over 40 years and our UAE offices form an integral part of Baker McKenzie’s renowned MENA practice. As with all of our offices, we have deep local roots, offering an integrated global reach to seamlessly assist clients looking to solve complex problems across borders and practice areas.
We have supported our clients on their most sensitive and challenging transactions, helping them to both optimize opportunities and mitigate risk. Our multidisciplinary team of more than 30 lawyers on the ground provides a full-service offering, advising on both onshore, UAE and offshore/free zone matters (including in the DIFC and ADGM), as well as matters of English law.
Our clients include some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, global and regional financial institutions, private equity funds and asset managers, leading conglomerates, family offices and many of the world’s largest companies.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Borys Dackiw (Managing Partner) | borys.dackiw@bakermckenzie.com | 97145421900 |
Legal Briefings
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Enforcement of court judgments and arbitral awards in Saudi Arabia
Court judgments and arbitral awards are enforced in Saudi Arabia in accordance with the new Enforcement Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/53, dated 13 Shaban 1433H (corresponding to 3 July 2012) (the Enforcement Law); and the Implementing Regulations for the Enforcement Law issued by Ministerial Resolution No. 9892 dated 17 Rabi Thani 1434H (corresponding … -
Doing business in Colombia
Baker McKenzie reorganisations partner Clare Montgomery discusses the challenges and issues businesses face operating in the third-largest economy in Latin America -
Canada's evolving response to fraud and white-collar crime
As in most jurisdictions the pandemic has caused widespread disruption in Canada. The historic level of disruption has expedited reliance on technology and e-commerce across all sectors, setting the stage for a perfect storm when it comes to fraud and white-collar crime risks. Canada has long been considered a nation soft on white-collar crime, with … -
Prevention of corporate crimes as a compliance standard for Mexican companies
Since the inception of corporate criminal liability in Mexico in 2016, federal and state prosecutors have been increasingly active in pursuing both national and foreign-owned businesses for crimes as varied as money laundering, tax evasion and bribery. The legislation that was initially vague and challenging to interpret has, in the hands of regulators and by … -
Switzerland: increasing exposure of international businesses to criminal enforcement
Perception is not everything – general counsel should re-consider the risk exposure to criminal prosecution in Switzerland When it comes to the exposure of international business to criminal enforcement in Switzerland perception is not everything. In the past, Switzerland has not had a reputation as a tough environment. However, in recent years, the Federal Prosecutor … -
The opportunity for strategic corporate measures through compliance programmes in Colombia
In its economic report about Colombia, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recognised efforts made by recent governments in the fight against corruption1. However, the perception on corruption being on the rise is still high: about 62% of Colombians believe that corruption levels have increased2. -
Doing business in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s largest economy, offers a wide range of economic prospects as a result of its Vision 2030, an ambitious plan that aims to diversify the nation’s economy and open its doors wider to international investors. Understanding sector-specific criteria and potential constraints is critical to those considering doing business in the Kingdom. …
Comparative Guides
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Canada: Bribery & Corruption
Published: June 2023
Authors: John PirieJulia WebsterAhmed ShafeyBen Sakamoto
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Bribery & Corruption laws and regulations applicable in Canada.
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Brazil: Litigation
Published: June 2023
Authors: Marcio PoltoAndrea BrickGledson Marques de CamposFernanda Haddad
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Brazil.
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Switzerland: Pharmaceutical Advertising
Published: November 2022
Authors: Peter ReinertJulia Schieber
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Pharmaceutical Advertising laws and regulations applicable in Switzerland.
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Canada: Class Actions
Published: May 2023
Authors: David GadsdenBrendan O’GradyAnton Rizor
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Class Actions laws and regulations applicable in Canada.
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Philippines: Pharmaceutical Advertising
Published: November 2022
Authors: Maria Christina Macasaet-AcabanMichael MacapagalLara LeeDanielle Joanna Gaite
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Pharmaceutical Advertising laws and regulations applicable in Philippines.
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United States: Private Equity
Published: January 2023
Authors: Ye (Cecilia) HongDarcy DownAiri Hammalov
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Private Equity laws and regulations applicable in United States.
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Brazil: Employee Incentives
Published: January 2023
Authors: Leticia RibeiroClarissa Lehmen
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employee Incentives laws and regulations applicable in Brazil.
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Colombia: Employee Incentives
Published: January 2023
Authors: Tatiana Garcés Maria Cecilia Reyes
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employee Incentives laws and regulations applicable in Colombia.
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United States: TMT
Published: July 2023
Authors: Samuel G. Kramer
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of TMT laws and regulations applicable in United States.
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Venezuela: Employee Incentives
Published: January 2023
Authors: Carlos FelceSebastián Nastari
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employee Incentives laws and regulations applicable in Venezuela.
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Colombia: Tax
Published: September 2023
Authors: Ciro MezaLaura Durán
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Tax laws and regulations applicable in Colombia.
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Colombia: Doing Business In
Published: April 2023
Authors: Jaime Trujillo Carolina PardoJuliana GomezDavid Mayorga
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Doing Business In laws and regulations applicable in Colombia.
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Saudi Arabia: International Arbitration
Published: November 2023
Authors: Abdulrahman AlajlanAnton MikelRami Bou Raad
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of International Arbitration laws and regulations applicable in Saudi Arabia.
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The Netherlands: Securitisation
Published: March 2023
Authors: Philippe SteffensJot van SuijlenPuck van der Harst
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Securitisation laws and regulations applicable in The Netherlands.