King & Spalding LLP > Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile

King & Spalding LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

United Arab Emirates > Investment fund formation and management Tier 1

Highly regarded for its ‘comprehensive advice, especially for offshore structuring and local laws’, King & Spalding LLP works with an enviable list of financial sponsors and asset managers on outbound-focused investment fund structures and innovative transaction structures for a wide array of sector investors. The firm is also reputed for its strong track record in structuring complex, cross-border Shariah-compliant transactions, where the team is able to draw on the firm’s wider financial services regulatory offering. The team also handles a steady flow of instructions from sovereign wealth fund and high-net-worth clients. James Stull is a key relationship partner for many of the firm’s most high-profile real estate funds and REITs and is also a key adviser for regional securities laws. Nabil Issa is a go-to for Saudi Arabian entities and has a far-reaching sector expertise that includes healthcare, fintech, education and food and beverage. Macky O’Sullivan is well-versed in conventional and Shari’ah compliant funds and senior associate Sayf Shuqair has supported on a litany of premium funds work. Counsel Dounia Mansour joined from Dechert LLP in August 2023.

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

King & Spalding LLP advises on a broad array of corporate and commercial matters, with the team active in standout M&A and joint venture deals. The firm often works with top-end clients from a variety of sectors including healthcare, real estate, construction, technology, and financial services, and leverages its large network of practitioners across the region to handle complex deals. Practice head Nabil Issa divides his time between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and assists investment funds and corporates on transactions. James Stull is another funds specialist and excels in advising on the set up of asset managers and regulated entities in the region. Macky O’Sullivan is noted for his technological expertise and is adept in issues concerning blockchain, cryptocurrency and fintech. Simon Fraser and Matt Hartsuyker were new arrivals in late 2023.

United Arab Emirates > Construction Tier 3

Lauded for its ‘commercial application of legal issues’, King & Spalding LLP is especially knowledgeable of major projects, as well as infrastructure and renewable energy developments. Tim Burbury oversees the team and is well-regarded for his power project expertise. Dan Feldman arrived from Shearman & Sterling LLP in January 2023 and has a particular strength in energy transition matters. Sam Munir is often engaged in rail, road, and school projects, while Almiro Clere advises clients on project financing. James Clark left the firm in October 2023 to join Kirkland & Ellis International Law Firm LLPC.

United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) Tier 3

With a number of ‘first of its kind' developments and financing methods comprising its workload, King & Spalding LLP advises some of the world's largest asset managers, sovereign wealth funds and leading industry players on high-value and cross border deals. The group is strong across multiple forms of power and have been retained as counsel from inception through to delivery and completion on market-leading giga-projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The practice is headed up by Tim Burbury, who utilises specialisms in PPP and project finance to advise on premium transactions. Dan Feldman and Brendan Hundt bring further capabilities on the development and financing front; the two joined the firm from Shearman & Sterling LLP in January and March 2023, respectively. Associate Sam Muir combines infrastructure and construction capabilities to advise on utilities, transport and health and education developments. James Clark left the practice in October 2023 to join Kirkland & Ellis International Law Firm LLPC.  

United Arab Emirates > Real estate Tier 3

A key contact for a litany of investment funds and REITs, King & Spalding LLP is noted for its real estate finance capabilities, notably Shari’ah-compliant real estate finance transactions. Nabil Issa oversees the group and handles the structuring of real estate and private equity investments, while Michael Rainey counts family offices, funds, and high net worth individuals on his client roster. James Stull handles capital raising transactions involving real estate assets, and Sayf Shuqair is a further key team member to note. Malek Al Rifai was a new arrival in November 2023.

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

Routinely called upon to advise on large-scale international real estate projects, King & Spalding LLP‘s expertise covers both conventional and Islamic structures, boasting an impressive track record in unique transactions. Beyond this, the group has a strong restructuring offering – often receiving instructions from industry heavyweights – and are adept at acting for asset managers to establish credit funds. Team head Michael Rainey has a broad international practice, regularly advising borrowers and lenders on complex cross-border transactions in the Middle East. James Stull is noted for his extensive work alongside funds engaging in Shariah-compliant financings, while Nabil Issa‘s far-reaching expertise is largely concentrated in investment structures for real estate and private equity investments. Issa often works in tandem with Asal Saghari, noted for their far-reaching capabilities.

United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation Tier 4

King & Spalding LLP leverages its considerable international network to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes, with a specialism in financial services, energy and construction cases. Professional negligence and fraud issues are other key components of the firm's work, and its strong bench of practitioners have a wealth of experience across domestic and international court systems. Ben Williams handles a range of cases for international energy companies and financial institutions. Associate Kateryna Frolova is also highly active, and has considerable experience acting in disputes involving governments and public bodies. Adam Gray relocated to Dubai from the firm's Austin office.

United Arab Emirates > Oil, gas and natural resources

Saudi Arabia > Projects and energy

The corporate, finance and investments team at King & Spalding in Affiliation With the Law Office of Mohammad Al-Ammar is well-equipped to support clients on large energy infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. Some of the practice’s notable clients include NEOM, EDF and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company. Based in Abu Dhabi, Tim Burbury leads the team and is well versed in advising on bids to finance, design and operate both renewable and conventional power projects. At the associate level, Sam Muir, also based in Abu Dhabi, is a name note. In May 2023, James Clark left the firm.