Latham & Watkins LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile

Latham & Watkins LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

United Arab Emirates > Capital markets Tier 1

Latham & Watkins LLP adeptly handles complex capital market transactions, acting for a mix of corporates, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies on ECM, DCM and general advisory mandates. In the UAE, recent work includes advising bookrunners on the high-profile Investcorp IPO, while the team remains active across Saudi Arabia, advising industry players and sovereign-backed entities on a range of transactions. Helming the practice is Nomaan Raja, a highly experienced practitioner who has expertise in conventional and Sukuk issuances, equity offerings and debt restructurings. The ‘excellent‘ Basil Al-Jafari is highly regarded for his expertise in equity capital markets, while David Hayward is involved in transactions across the Gulf.

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

Latham & Watkins LLP offers a comprehensive corporate practice, handling buy-side and sell-side M&A, cross-border acquisitions and investments, joint ventures, and venture capital and capital raising transactions. Team head Chris Lester has strong ties to prominent sovereign wealth funds and investment firms, including Mubadala and Chimera Capital, providing advice on both domestic and outbound acquisitions. Eyad Latif is the main driver behind the firm’s extensive work in the start-up and venture capital market and is highly active in the tech space. Omar Maayeh has a far-reaching practice that covers M&A, venture capital and funds work and was promoted to partner in 2025.

United Arab Emirates > TMT Tier 2

Noted for its capabilities in cross-border data protection, regulatory issues, and transactional work, the team at Latham & Watkins LLP is headed up by Brian Meenagh. Meenagh regularly advises on cybersecurity, fintech, outsourcing, and telecommunications issues, while Ksenia Koroleva is a key port of call for various entities in the Middle East, particularly tech sector and public sector actors. Lucy Tucker is proficient in data privacy and cybersecurity matters.

United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending) Tier 3

Latham & Watkins LLP offers a comprehensive range of banking and finance services, including acquisition finance, project finance, restructurings, and refinancings. It also boasts a strong Islamic finance practice and is notably active in the growth-stage start-up sector, handling innovative debt financings. Practice head Christian Adams is recognised for his wide-reaching international expertise, leveraging his knowledge of the Middle East regulatory environment to advise on complex cross-border transactions across various sectors. Villiers Terblanche plays a key role in civil aviation, transportation, and power deals, while Mustafa Darwich provides support across the full spectrum of mandates. Chirag Sanghrajka departed to Clifford Chance in September 2023.

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

Working across the full spectrum of project counsel from a lenders, sponsors and borrowers focus, Latham & Watkins LLP advises on energy and infrastructure builds across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider Gulf region. The group’s far-reaching expertise includes M&A and investments, financing, procurement, and capital markets work. Team lead Villiers Terblanche is a key contact to marquee clients in Saudi Arabia and has deep experience in the oil and gas sector.

Saudi Arabia > Projects and energy

With a strong international presence and an expanding footprint in Riyadh, Latham & Watkins LLC is well-positioned to advise on both domestic and cross-border transactions, across sectors such as energy, transport, construction, and digital infrastructure. The team is sought after by major clients to advise on foreign investments, joint ventures, and privatisation matters. The team is co-led by Derek McKinley, a specialist in project acquisitions, privatisation, and operations; Marc Makary, who brings extensive experience in guiding clients through project financing and development ventures; and the ‘exceptional’ Harj Rai.

Saudi Arabia > Real estate and construction

Commended as ‘extremely knowledgeable,’ Latham & Watkins LLC’s key strengths lie in real estate acquisitions, construction, developments, and leasing. Derek McKinley co-leads the team and is often engaged in hospitality, infrastructure, petrochemical, and transportation matters. Marc Makary is well-versed in international project financing, and often advises financial institutions and public sector entities on real estate developments.