White & Case LLP > Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile
White & Case LLP Offices

16th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square
PO Box # 128616, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
White & Case LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending) Tier 1
White & Case LLP handles a broad range of mandates within project finance, development finance and corporate finance. The firm advises clients in both the private and public sectors including banks, asset managers, brokers, insurers, fintech entrepreneurs and sovereign wealth funds. Claire Matheson Kirton leads the leveraged finance group and works closely with some of the leading banks in the region. Alexander Malahias in Abu Dhabi is a key name to note within the firm’s project finance offering. William Watson was promoted to partner in the debt finance practice in 2021.Practice head(s):
Claire Matheson Kirton; Alexander Malahias; William Watson
Key clients
The Red Sea Development Company
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC)
Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair Co.
Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC)
Gargash Enterprises
Emaar
Metro Jeddah Company (MJC)
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank
HSBC
National Commercial Bank
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Gulf International Bank
J.P. Morgan
Citigroup
Goldman Sachs International
Deutsche Bank
Emirates NBD
Societe Generale
Dubai Islamic Bank
IHS Towers Limited
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants
Work highlights
- Advised The Red Sea Development Company on the signing of key finance documents for Phase One of The Red Sea Project, the revolutionary tourism giga project currently under development on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
- Advised EWEC in connection with the PV2 IPP involving the development of a 2GW solar project, together with a grid station and associated facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Advised Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair Co., a leading diversified fashion, beauty, and food retailer in Saudi Arabia, with international operations across 13 countries, in connection with its $800m refinancing.
United Arab Emirates > Capital markets Tier 1
White & Case LLP has a full-service practice that includes specialists that have ‘fantastic‘ sector knowledge. The firm’s debt capital markets offering covers Islamic finance, project bonds, securitisation, green and sustainable bonds. Debashis Dey has an ‘encyclopaedic‘ knowledge of shariah-compliant structures and is ‘excellent in the sukuk space‘. Sami Al-Louzi specialises in ECM transactions in Saudi Arabia and Abdulwahid Alulama is the team’s UAE regulatory specialist. Claudio Medeossi and Xuan Jin are also noted. Since publication, Ali Shaikley left the firm.Practice head(s):
Debashis Dey; Sami Al-Louzi; Abdulwahid Alulama
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The people are familiar with the sector and our company, making transactions with them easy. Also, their sector knowledge is fantastic, particularly for sukuk.’
‘Debashis Dey is excellent in the sukuk space. His knowledge of sharia-compliant structures is encyclopedic. Xuan Jin is excellent at executing transactions and making himself available.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable of both debt & equity capital markets.’
Key clients
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
J.P. Morgan
Citi
HSBC Saudi Arabia
Goldman Sachs
Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company
DP World
Bank of America
Deutsche Bank
Natixis
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Jefferies
ENBD REIT Plc
BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited
Emirates NBD Capital Limited
Pareto Securities
Investcorp Holdings
Republic of Indonesia
Rothschild & Co.
Arabian Centres Company
Work highlights
- Represented a syndicate of 13 banks on the offering of $1.5bn Regulation S reset subordinated perpetual Sukuk certificates on behalf of DP World PLC (now DP World Ltd.)
- Represented Investment Corporation of Dubai on ICD Funding Ltd.’s issuance of $600m 3.223% notes due 2026 under its $2.5bn euro medium-term note programme, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Investment Corporation of Dubai.
United Arab Emirates > Oil, gas and natural resources Tier 1
White & Case LLP has a broad offering and operates particularly closely in the Saudi Arabian oil, gas and natural resources markets. Michael Watson has relocated to London but remains active in the market and is an expert in all downstream-related transactions. The firm has a sizeable practice that includes project finance specialists Antoine Cousin and Adam Pierson.Practice head(s):
Antoine Cousin; Alexander Malahias; Adam Pierson; Yasser Riad; Michael Turrini; Michael Watson
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Riddle; Claire Janvier
Testimonials
‘White & Case’s oil and gas team in UAE is the preeminent team in the market. Their ability to seamlessly weave together the deal structure for major projects is unmatched.’
‘When your counterparty looks past their attorneys and across the table and to ask your lawyers to develop a solution, you know you’ve chosen wisely. In complicated petrochemical joint ventures, this W&C team is able to cut through the fog and see the commercial target and obstacles.’
‘Michael Watson and Claire Janvier stand head and shoulders above all other attorneys when it comes to petrochemical projects. The maxim “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” does not apply to this duo, for if they have a weakness, it is unknown to me. Claire and Michael seamlessly work together to develop a work product that far exceeds expectations, but do so in a manner that meets all timetables and keeps bills low.’
Key clients
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
Ma’aden
United Arab Chemical Carriers Limited
Work highlights
- Represented Saudi Aramco in its $12.4bn sale of a 49% equity stake in Aramco Oil Pipelines Company to a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners.
- Represented Saudi Arabian Oil Company in its $69.1bn acquisition of a 70% stake in Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), from the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Represented United Arab Chemical Carriers Limited (UACC) in the sale and reverse triangular merger of UACC with United Overseas Group.
United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Financial services regulation Tier 2
White & Case LLP has an experienced financial regulatory practice that covers both advisory and contentious matters. The practice also advises a number of local regulators, funds and private equity clients. Key changes to the team in 2021 included Dubai-based Stefan Mrozinski‘s promotion to counsel; he has since departed. Former practice head Adrianus Schoorl left in May 2022 to join fintech company Wizz Finanancial as general counsel.Key clients
Goldman Sachs / European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
White & Case LLP displays extensive cross-border expertise and is able to seamlessly advise on transactions with UK, US and UAE legal elements. Regional sovereign wealth funds, governmental and blue-chip UAE corporate clients make up the firm’s client base. Sami Al-Louzi advises on a broad range of cross-border M&A and equity capital markets transactions, particularly in Saudi Arabia where the latter has an established presence. Marcus Booth heads the firm’s private equity offering and UAE-qualified lawyer Abdulwahid Alulama has a broad commercial law and M&A practice. Steven Worthington is also noted. Since publication, Ali Shaikley left the firm.Practice head(s):
Sami E. Al-Louzi; Abdulwahid Alulama; Marcus Booth; Steven Worthington
Other key lawyers:
Vasi Papadopoulos
Testimonials
‘The team combines the best of London skills with the flexibility and innovative approach that you would typically find in a smaller Law firm. You are getting a high calibre team with all the commercial experience you would need.’
‘Marcus Booth is outstanding – you know you are in the hands of a trusted adviser. The fact that the law is right is a given – he combines this with charm and a cut through no-nonsense approach to reach commercial decisions that everyone can live by.’
‘Marcus Booth does not create needless deal friction (and therefore costs) that you find some partners create in their wake. A top professional that is liked by clients and opposing counsel and their clients too.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable and diverse. They are always available and try to come up with commercial solutions to problems. Also, the international network of the firm means that global solutions are offered.’
‘The team has been incredibly responsive, very professional and extremely competent. They are also business minded and creative with solutions to get the deal done.’
Key clients
Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners
Abu Dhabi Financial Group
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority
ADES International Holding Limited
Agthia Group PJSC
AlKhabeer Capital
Alpha Bank S.A.
Amazon
Arabian Contracting Services Company JSC
Basalt Infrastructure Partners
CI Capital Holding S.A.E
DP World
EFG-Hermes
Emirates NBD Capital
ENBD REIT Plc
Etisalat
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
GFH Financial Group
Goldman Sachs
GSO Capital Partners
International Holdings Company PJSC
J.P. Morgan Securities plc
Kentech Corporate Holdings Limited
Kuwait Food Company (Americana)
Ma’arif Holding Company for Education and Training
Majid Al Futtaim Holding
Mubadala Investment Company
Mumzworld
National Bonds Corporation
Oak Hill Advisors
Paradise Capital
Ports Customs and Free Zones Corporation
RIMCO Investments
Rothschild & Co.
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
SHUAA Capital
Strategic Value Partners
United Arab Chemical Carriers Limited
UTICO FZC
York Capital Management
Work highlights
- Advised J.P. Morgan Securities plc, financial advisor to Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (“TAQA”), on its $20bn acquisition of a majority stake in the water and electricity generation, transmission, and distribution assets of Abu Dhabi Power Corporation PJSC (ADPower).
- Advised Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) on its $69.1bn acquisition of a 70% stake in Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC).
- Advised Saudi Aramco on its $12.4bn sale of a 49% equity stake in Aramco Oil Pipelines Company to a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners.
United Arab Emirates > Construction Tier 2
White & Case LLP has a broad contentious and non-contentious construction offering with expertise across all major sectors including transport infrastructure, power, oil and gas, metals and mining and petrochemicals. Michael Turrini heads the practice and has extensive experience working in the UAE and wider Middle East region. Ibaad Hakim has a strong focus on the oil and gas, infrastructure and power sectors. Counsel Habeeb Rahman is also noted and has a strong focus on transactional construction, procurement and technology licensing work.Practice head(s):
Michael Turrini
Other key lawyers:
Ibaad Hakim; Habeeb Rahman; Sarah Hudson
Testimonials
‘Extremely reliable and efficient in their work. Team members were always available at short notice to help us. The W&C team members took an interest and showed care when working with us with translates to a good working relationship.’
‘Able to mobilise strong teams to manage some of the regions largest disputes on some of the regions largest projects.‘
‘Habeeb Rahman worked closely with us and was of tremendous help. Habeeb prepares diligently for all meetings and is willing to negotiate tooth and nail when required while also giving sound and realistic advise to us. His dedication to work and general approachability are key strengths.’
‘White & Case has demonstrated a strong experience in construction disputes and international arbitration, has a good solid team and a surprising know-how of the construction business. They do their work very efficiently, they review all correspondences and not just depend on our in-house claims. etc.. in conclusion very pleased with their works.’
‘What separates this practice from the others is simple – Michael Turrini. Mr. Turrini’s practical and thorough.’
‘I got the job done within the timeframe and budget and with high quality.’
Key clients
Emirates Water & Electricity Company
Saudi Aramco
Etihad Rail
The Red Sea Development Company
Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC)
USAID / the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation
Work highlights
- Advised EWEC in connection with the Fujairah F3 IPP involving the development of the Fujairah F3 power generation plant having a net capacity of 2400MW together with a grid station and associated facilities.
- Advised EWEC in connection with the PV2 IPP involving the development of a 2GW solar project, the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, together with a grid station and associated facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Advised The Red Sea Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, The Public Investment Fund, on the construction aspects of the Phase One of The Red Sea Project, the revolutionary tourism giga project currently under development on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) Tier 2
White & Case LLP‘s Antoine Cousin specialises in advising sponsors, lenders and governments on energy and infrastructure projects, PPPs and joint ventures. Adam Pierson has a strong background advising Saudi clients and Yasser Riad in the project development and finance group has a particular focus on water desalination and renewable energy work. Alexander Malahias is praised for his ‘unprecedented client engagement‘. At the associate level, Jennifer Riddle‘s support on deals has been ‘instrumental‘.Practice head(s):
Antoine Cousin; Alexander Malahias; Adam Pierson; Yasser Riad
Other key lawyers:
Jenny Riddle; Khawla Alatiyat
Testimonials
‘W&C have the best team on the ground in Abu Dhabi and probably the UAE for infrastructure and project finance.’
‘They are well geared and as far as I can see have been the most successful law firm in developing local talent.’
‘Yasser Riad on projects and all round for his relaxed style, sector knowledge and ability to consistently deliver.’
‘Jenny Riddle for PF, her practical approach is appreciated.’
‘Jennifer Riddle’s role in the deal was instrumental. Jenny had great knowledge in the field of project finance with the greatest drafting skills we have seen in the market.’
Khawla Alatiyat for projects, Khawla is not only an excellent transaction lawyer but a problem solver, she has been indispensable to the sector in recent years. A leader for the future.’
‘The W&C infrastructure team is my go-to team of fixers.’
‘Adam Pierson’s ability to understand a complicated scenario and craft a nuanced, commercially-oriented solution is unparalleled. I don’t know what Adam advertises as his area of expertise, however, if I were to name one it would be “fixer.”’
Key clients
The Red Sea Development Company
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)
Abu Dhabi Department of Energy
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA)
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)
Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC)
Water & Electricity Company of Saudi Arabia (WEC)
National Water Company (NWC)
Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC)
Metro Jeddah Company (MJC)
USAID / Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan
Work highlights
- Represented The Red Sea Development Company on the signing of key finance documents for Phase One of The Red Sea Project, the revolutionary tourism giga project currently under development on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
- Advised EWEC on the PV2 IPP involving the development of a 2GW solar project, together with a grid station and associated facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Advised EWEC on the Fujairah F3 IPP involving the development of the Fujairah F3 power generation plant having a net capacity of 2400MW together with a grid station and associated facilities.
United Arab Emirates > Real estate Tier 3
White & Case LLP's Louise Vun specialises in real estate and hospitality and acts for government entities, international and domestic corporates, hotel and resort owners and private equity firms. Recent work includes advice on mixed-use developments, jointly owned property developments and gated communities.Practice head(s):
Louise Vun
Key clients
The Red Sea Development Company
Work highlights
- Represented The Red Sea Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, The Public Investment Fund, on the signing of key finance documents for Phase One of The Red Sea Project.
Saudi Arabia > Projects and energy
The Law Office of Megren M. Al-Shaalan in cooperation with White & Case continues to be instructed on major deals in the Saudi energy market for leading clients including Saudi Aramco. The team advises on multimillion-dollar matters and has strength in the mining, power, and oil and gas sectors. Adam Pierson co-leads the team, as do Riyadh-based Ivan Paskal and Alec Johnson.Practice head(s):
Adam Pierson; Antoine Cousin; Ivan Paskal; Alec Johnson; Ibrahim Bakhurji; Din Eshanov
Key clients
Saudi Arabian Oil Company
Saudi Arabian Mining Company
Saudi Power Procurement Company
Saudi Water Partnership Company
National Water Company
Water & Electricity Company
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
National Commercial Bank
Saline Water Conversion Corporation
USAID / Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan
Matarat Holding
Work highlights
- Acted for The Red Sea Development Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, The Public Investment Fund, on the signing of key finance documents for Phase One of The Red Sea Project, the revolutionary tourism giga project currently under development on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.
- Advised Saudi Aramco in its US$12.4 billion sale of a 49% equity stake in Aramco Oil Pipelines Company to a consortium led by EIG Global Energy Partners.
- Advising Saudi Aramco on the $12bn Jazan Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) project.
Saudi Arabia > Banking and finance
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Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Abdulwahid Alulama | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Antoine Cousin | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Ibaad Hakim | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Hudson | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Rimma Izmaylova | Counsel | View Profile |
![]() | Alexander Malahias | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Adam Pierson | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Habeeb Rahman | Counsel | View Profile |
![]() | Yasser K. Riad | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Jennifer Riddle | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Louise Vun | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Steven Worthington | Partner | View Profile |
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