King & Spalding LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile

King & Spalding LLP
AL FATTAN CURRENCY HOUSE, TOWER 2, LEVEL 24
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE
PO BOX 506547, DUBAI
United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates > Investment fund formation and management Tier 1

Lauded as one of the ‘best funds teams in the GCC’, King & Spalding LLP‘s full-service practice is highly regarded for its fund formation expertise, advising marquee sponsors and asset managers on diverse structures, including real estate funds, REITs, and venture capital funds. James Stull is active across the full range of the firm’s sponsor-side fund formation matters and is noted for his knowledge of regional securities laws. Nabil Issa is chiefly recognised for his work in Saudi Arabia, with his in-depth understanding of the Capital Market Authority’s regulatory framework making him a sought-after advisor for both domestically domiciled funds and foreign funds. Macky O’Sullivan is valued by clients for his complementary venture capital funds and venture capital transactional practice. Dounia Mansour, who covers a broad range of funds work, has a strong track record in Shari’ah compliant structures. Sayf Shuqair‘s experience in the Kingdom allows him to comprehensively advise on Saudi Arabian fund structures.    

Practice head(s):

Nabil Issa; James Stull

Other key lawyers:

Mack O’Sullivan; Dounia Mansour; Sayf Shuqair

Testimonials

‘Work quickly and efficiently.’

‘Nabil Issa and James Stull.’

‘The team is the best funds team in the GCC, they are very knowledgeable and produce the best quality legal fund documents.’

‘James Stull is the most knowledgeable funds lawyer I have worked with in the region, in addition to Dounia Mansour who is helping him on these subjects.’

‘The knowledge base is very deep and people are highly competent and responsive.’

‘Prompt response, genuine solutions to problems and a very practical attitude that can only come from experience.’

‘Very smart, knowledgeable, and responsive.’

Key clients

Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC

SAB Invest

Gemcorp Capital

Antler

Dubai Future District Fund

Iliad Partners

Al Jazira Capital

Artal Capital Company

Franklin Templeton

Oman Investment Authority

Jadwa Investment Company

BSF Capital

GFH Financial Group

Arcapita

Mubadala Capital

Shorooq Partners

Gulf Islamic Investments

Global Ventures

Ashmore Investment Management Limited

Riyad Capital

Alkhabeer Capital

Ninety-One UK Limited

Al Rajhi Capital

Impact46

Waha Capital

KFH Capital

Saudi Venture Capital Company

Social Development Bank

Sidra Capital

Merak Capital

GIB Capital

ADS Investment Solutions

NeoVision Wealth Management

Seedra Investment Company

Derayah Financial

Greenstone Equity Partners

Sadu Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Franklin Templeton on the establishment of two public umbrella protected cell companies in the DIFC. One public fund operates on a conventional basis and the other on a Shari’ah compliant basis.
  • Advised Arcapita Capital Company on the establishment of a Saudi Arabian private closed ended real estate fund with a target size of SAR 1.8 billion that will invest in the Saudi Arabian logistics sector – in both income-generating and development assets.
  • Advising BSF Capital on establishing a Saudi Arabian domiciled private real estate investment fund that will develop a phase of King Salman Park, one of the proposed giga projects being developed in Saudi Arabia.

United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) Tier 2

A firm praised for its ‘depth of experience and knowledge in the market‘, King & Spalding LLP‘s ascendant projects team has been strengthened further through the arrival of ex-Ashurst duo Simon Fraser and Matt Hartsuyker in December 2023, who are well-placed to advise on M&A, joint ventures and investments within the energy, natural resources and infrastructure spaces. Named as Global Head of Energy in February 2024, Dan Feldman is active on marquee projects across the region, particularly cutting-edge hydrogen ventures. Co-head Tim Burbury is a key figure for gigaprojects and a go-to for many industry players and state-owned entities, while Brendan Hundt is highlighted for his extensive work on decarbonisation and energy transition mandates.

Practice head(s):

Tim Burbury; Dan Feldman

Testimonials

‘The firm has depth of experience and knowledge in the market. They also exhibited good contacts in the UAE government which helps move the issues forward.’

‘Dan Feldman and Brendan Hundt are responsive, and they managed to impress with their wealth of knowledge and experience on the subject matter.’

Key clients

City Cool

Consortium of City Cool and ADC Energy

Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company

NEOM

Oxagon

ENOWA

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company

Electricity de France

KEPCO

EDF

Work highlights

United Arab Emirates > Oil, gas and natural resources Tier 2

King & Spalding LLP has made a significant impact on the UAE oil and gas market since its recruitment of Simon Fraser and Matt Hartsuyker, alongside the appointment of team head Dan Feldman as the firm’s Global Head of Energy in January 2024. Fraser brings prolific sector knowledge and M&A capabilities and is a key driver behind the firm’s growing body of mining and minerals work, often working closely with Hartsuyker who has a similarly M&A-focused practice. Feldman, together with co-head Tim Burbury, a construction and infrastructure specialist, leads the team on both conventional oil and gas and energy transition ventures, including first-of-its kind hydrogen projects, significant joint ventures, investments, carve-outs, and large-scale co-generation facilities. Brendan Hundt is also notable for his active involvement in hydrogen-related deals.

Practice head(s):

Tim Burbury; Dan Feldman

Key clients

NEOM

Everwind Fuels

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company

Korea Electric Power Company

Work highlights

  • Advising ADNOC, the largest company in the UAE, acquiring a significant interest from ExxonMobil in project companies that will produce low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia in ExxonMobil’s Baytown refining and petrochemical complex in Texas.
  • Advising NEOM, from project inception to financial close on all aspects of the world’s largest green hydrogen and green ammonia production facility, a $8.4bn megaproject in Oxagon, Saudi Arabia.
  • Advising ADNOC on the structuring and implementation of the carve out, consolidation and operationalisation of its previously directly held gas businesses.

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

Noted for its ‘dedication, client engagement and sector knowledge‘, King & Spalding LLP works with a broad client base that includes sovereign wealth funds, state-backed entities, family offices and multinational corporates on M&A, private equity, venture capital and joint venture transactions. Team co-lead Nabil Issa has a wide remit across the Gulf and works closely with the firm’s roster of government-related clients. Co-head Simon Fraser, who joined from Ashurst LLP in December 2023, is particularly active on M&A in the oil and gas sector, often working closely with Matt Hartsuyker who made the move with him. James Stull is chiefly recognised for his investment funds practice, while Macky O’Sullivan has a prolific track record on venture capital deals.

Practice head(s):

Nabil Issa; Simon Fraser

Other key lawyers:

James Stull; Matt Hartsuyker; Macky O’Sullivan

Testimonials

‘Dedication, client engagement and sector knowledge.’

‘The professional background support from their HQ offices is immediate and responsive. The key K&S partners travel often from the UAE to support the local staffs in the rest of ME Region and they build strong relationships with each of the firm’s clients.’

‘The individual lawyers all have excellent professional experiences to draw on, along with extensive Middle East knowledge.’

‘The level of sheer expertise among the lawyers my company has dealt with far exceeds any other legal practice we have used over the past seven years.’

‘There is always a specialist legal resource that can be called on and we have used K&S lawyers from the UAE through to Singapore and they have collectively added demonstrable fire power to our business and in turn helped us achieve bottom line results that had previously seemed elusive.’

‘Simon Fraser’s M&A expertise is outstanding and his years in the UAE has given him a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience that has had a material and positive impact on my company through our negotiations with counter parties in Dubai and elsewhere.’

Key clients

Al Nahdi

Merak Capital

Loro Piana

RIMOWA

The Giving Movement

Lucid Motors

ADNOC Gas plc

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company P.J.S.C.

Access USA Shipping, LLC

Al Dabbagh Group Holding Company

Al Thiqa Al Shamlah For Real Estate Company

Alsulaiman Group

Baker Hughes

Cerberus

Elm Company

Emirates Global Aluminium

eWTP Capital Arabia

E&

Franklin Templeton

GLD Partners

Gleeds

Global Ventures Ltd

Gulf Islamic Investments

Impact Capital Company

Kaykroo

Multiplex

Korea Electric Power Company

Christian Dior

Nazer Group Company and Affidea

Netizen Limited / Kooora.com

Pfizer

Riyad Capital

Sadu VC Fund LLP

Shawcor Limited

Solb Steel

Western Union

Egis SA

Venice Energy

Work highlights

  • Advised Jadwa Investment on its 100% acquisition of a portfolio of restaurant chains currently in the UAE with structuring to bring such brands including the well-known Allo Beirut brand, to Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised Gulf Islamic Investments on the acquisition of 100% of SaudiMed Investment Company from BankMed.
  • Alpha Dhabi on its circa $60 million acquisition of a majority stake in global oil and gas services company NTS Amega Global from ADQ.

United Arab Emirates > Construction Tier 3

Noted for its strength in infrastructure and petrochemical disputes, Tim Burbury leads the construction practice at King & Spalding LLP. Burbury’s recent caseload encompasses renewable and conventional power projects. Adam Gray is experienced in commercial disputes and Sam Muir is knowledgeable of construction contracts. Ben Williams and Almiro Clere are other key team members.

Practice head(s):

Tim Burbury

Work highlights

United Arab Emirates > Real estate Tier 3

A key contact for hospitality sector clients, King & Spalding LLP  is also often engaged for its capabilities in data centre transactions, mixed-use developments, and real estate finance. The practice is jointly led by Tim Burbury and Malek Al Rifai; Burbury in particular is noted for his expertise in infrastructure and utility projects. Michael Rainey is a key port of call for funds, high net-worth individuals, and investment companies on Shariah compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Malek Al Rifai; Tim Burbury

Other key lawyers:

Michael Rainey; Alex Barker

Testimonials

‘This practice stands out for its deep expertise, exceptional responsiveness, and client-centered approach. Potential clients should know that the team excels in delivering clear, practical legal advice swiftly, making them highly reliable in time-sensitive matters.’

‘Their key strengths include the ability to manage complex cases with precision, leveraging both their legal knowledge and a collaborative team dynamic to ensure the best outcomes.’

‘Alex Barker and Malek Al Rifai both stand out for their exceptional professionalism and commitment. Alexander is highly skilled, bringing a thoughtful approach to complex legal documents and contracts. Malek is equally impressive, consistently providing clear and practical advice with a sharp focus on detail.’

‘Malek Al Rifai and Tim Burbury have shown remarkable responsiveness and reliability, making them trusted partners. Their collaborative nature and dedication to delivering high-quality service have made a significant impact, and these qualities are what I value most in working with them.’

 

Key clients

Axiom Telecom

Palladium Hotel Group

Muraba Properties

Lamar Capital LLC

National Bank of Fujairah

Work highlights

  • Advised National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) on the terms of its appointment as an escrow bank by the Real Estate Registration Agency in Dubai (RERA).
  • Advised an affiliate of Lamar Capital on the sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of a mixed-use development plot from Shamal in Business Bay, Dubai for c. AED 650 million.

United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending) Tier 4

King & Spalding LLP’s banking and finance team primarily focuses on Saudi Arabia, advising corporates, financial institutions, and sovereign entities. The firm is highly active in financing, fund, and restructuring transactions, often incorporating Shari’ah-compliant elements, with significant work in the energy, infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Team head Michael Rainey maintains a broad practice, advising both borrowers and lenders on conventional and Islamic finance matters. Zaid Al-Farisi, based in the Riyadh office, draws on nearly three decades of experience in the Kingdom to provide expert counsel, while Asal Saghari also comes highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Michael Rainey

Other key lawyers:

Zaid Al-Farisi; Asal Saghar

Testimonials

‘When it comes to Sharia financings and structurings, I’ve always trusted K&S to deliver and close in a timely manner.’

‘Michael Rainey and Asal Saghari are always available and responsive. The knowledge they have makes our deals close very successful and straightforward.’

Key clients

Jeddah Economic Company

KFH Capital Investment Company

Saudi Awwal Bank

Banque Saudi Fransi

Azmeel Contracting Company

Shorooq Partners Limited

Arkad Engineering & Construction Company

United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation Tier 5

King & Spalding LLP focuses on cases across the energy, real estate, construction, and infrastructure sectors, as well as handling a growing body of work pertaining to banking and finance disputes and investigations. Ben Williams is instructed by prominent state-backed entities, corporates and financial institutions on a mix of construction and commercial matters. Adam Gray relocated from Austin in May 2023 and brings further construction expertise to the fore. Kateryna Frolova and Sophia Cafoor-Camps come recommended.

Testimonials

‘The K&S Dispute Resolution team has a very diverse group of lawyers to draw on both locally in the ME Region & globally, which they do for their clients. They have a very good litigation group that prepares the client for responses to the various legal responses and actual trial interactions with the judge and opposing lawyers.’

‘The lawyers that are directly involved and even those that only assist are very personable to work with, yet very professional and demanding at the same time.’

‘King & Spalding are extremely experienced, have a massive track record and precedents, are truly multi-jurisdictional, and uniquely highlight the strength and weaknesses and provide clear cut recommendations.’

Key clients

Hexagon Holdings  Limited

International Airfinance Corporation

Bateel

Sanitek

Abdullah Mubarak Al Suwaiket & Sons

Calvin E. Jungquist

Work highlights

  • Representing Calvin E. Jungquist in a one-week trial in the DIFC Courts in July 2023 in a claim for breach of contract and tort against Michael H. Corbin and Navistar Defense LLC.
  • Representing Lebanese claimants Sanitek S.a.r.l., Sari Haddad and Elias Doumet in an ICSID arbitration against the Republic of Armenia. The dispute arises out of continuing breaches of the Lebanon-Armenia BIT and the Canada-Armenia BIT by the Government of Armenia and the Municipality of Yerevan in relation to Sanitek’s investments in the waste management system of the city of Yerevan.
  • Representing Bateel in UAE and US court proceedings relating to a dispute involving franchises in Michigan and Texas. The breach of contract claim involved the franchisee’s failure to comply with brand and store expansion requirements, against the backdrop of Covid-19.

Saudi Arabia > Banking and finance

King & Spalding’s banking and financing team has been praised for its ‘innovative capabilities’ in financing restructuring and cross-border transactions, particularly in the manufacturing, construction and energy sectors. The team showcases extensive expertise in both conventional and Shari’ah-compliant financing transactions, earning major Saudi and international banks as clients, as well as key players in the private credit market.. The practice is headed by Zaid Al-Farisi, whose extensive experience and ‘cultural fluency’ make him a go-to adviser for lenders, borrowers, sponsors, debtors and creditors. Dubai-based Michael Rainy is another key asset, bringing nearly 20 years of experience covering conventional and Shari’ah-complaint equity, loan and bond financings to deliver transactions successfully.

Practice head(s):

Zaid Al-Farisi

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Highly competent in KSA Bankruptcy Law with many successful records. Possesses innovative capabilities in developing alternative solutions for concluding debt-restructuring transactions. Excellent in responsiveness, maintaining consistent high quality work. Possesses in-depth knowledge of legal matter related to commercial and banking disputes. Very cost effective. Demonstrated an interest in our company and an understanding of our needs and objectives. Finally, delivered exceptional results which make them our first choice in future for such complicated commercial/banking disputes. ’

‘I worked with lawyers Michael Rainey and Zaid Hadir Al-Farisi, who supported us in defining innovative strategy, drafting and negotiating the terms for concluding the debt settlement agreements with four commercial banks. They were very supportive to us in concluding agreements that effectively protected our interests and delivered extremely valuable results.’

‘King & Spalding in Riyadh distinguishes itself through a combination of deep legal expertise and a client-centric approach. They have a strong emphasis on understanding clients’ unique needs. Also, their ability to provide tailored solutions sets them apart from other firms.

‘The team is composed of highly skilled lawyers with specialized knowledge across a broad range of legal sectors, including Banking & Finance.’

‘King & Spalding in Riyadh combines deep legal expertise with a client-centric approach, emphasizing understanding clients’ unique needs. Their ability to provide tailored solutions sets them apart from other firms. The team consists of highly skilled lawyers with specialized knowledge in various legal sectors, including Banking & Finance.’

‘The team members at King & Spalding Riyadh’s office are distinguished by their depth of expertise, problem-solving abilities, and unwavering dedication to their clients’ success. They are not only skilled in their respective fields but also possess a keen sense of business acumen, enabling them to offer pragmatic and strategic legal advice. They ensure that clients receive undivided attention and tailor their strategies to the specific needs of each case.’

‘The team is always available, ensuring that any urgent legal matter is addressed promptly. This level of commitment and availability is a quality that I have greatly valued.’

‘Zaid Al-Farsi: is an outstanding lawyer specializing in Banking, Finance, and Restructuring. With a deep understanding of both local and international markets, Zaid consistently delivers exceptional legal strategies that not only align with but also enhance business goals. Fluent in both Arabic and English, he has the ability to navigate complex financial transactions with precision, making him an invaluable asset to his clients. His legal acumen is matched by his cultural fluency, which allows him to effectively bridge the gap between diverse client needs and legal requirements. You can always tell when Zaid is involved in a project—his commitment to excellence and thoroughness shines through, ensuring successful outcomes for clients across the board.’

Key clients

Jeddah Economic Company

Arab National Bank

Saudi Awwal Bank

Banque Saudi Fransi

Azmeel Contracting Company

Arkad Engineering and Construction Company

JPMorgan

Vision International Investment Company

Riyad Capital

Work highlights

  • Acted as restructuring counsel for Azmeel Contracting Company, one of Saudi Arabia’s top five construction firms, and facilitated a Financial Restructuring Procedure under Saudi Bankruptcy Law, culminating in a 2022 creditor-approved plan to convert over USD 2 billion in claims into Shari’ah-compliant financing instruments.
  • Assisting Arkad with its Financial Reorganisation Procedure, including restructuring debt into Shari’ah-compliant instruments.

Saudi Arabia > Commercial, corporate and M&A

The firm: Celebrating more than 130 years of service, King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with 1,300 lawyers in 23 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm also represents hundreds of clients with new ventures and mid-sized companies in emerging industries.

The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognised for the results it obtains, its uncompromising commitment to quality and its dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients.

Department Name Email Telephone
Middle East and Islamic finance and investment
Projects and infrastructure
Intellectual property
Patent, trademark and copyright litigation
International arbitration and litigation
Mergers and acquisitions
Financial restructuring
Global disputes
Government investigations
Photo Name Position Profile
Martin Hunt photo Mr Martin Hunt Martin Hunt focuses on mergers, acquisitions and joint venture transactions in the…
Dounia Mansour photo Ms Dounia Mansour Dounia’s practice focuses on issues related to the structuring, establishment and distribution…
Number of lawyers : 1300+ firmwide
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Contact : Jawad Ali (office managing partner)
Other offices : Abu Dhabi
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