White & Case LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile

White & Case LLP
ICD Brookfield Place, Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai
International Financial Centre
PO Box 9705, Dubai
United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending) Tier 1

Leveraging its deep team of highly experienced advisors, White & Case LLP provides comprehensive counsel to financial institutions, corporates, and sovereign-backed entities on a wide range of cross-border transactions, spanning both the Gulf and the African continent. The firm is particularly well-regarded for its project finance expertise,  regularly acting for sponsors and lenders in the oil and gas, power, utilities, and infrastructure sectors. Claire Matheson Kirton heads the practice and has a strong track record in Sharia-compliant transactions. Co-head William Watson is noted for his private credit and direct lending capabilities, while co-head Debashis Dey brings expertise across finance and capital markets. Co-heads Adam Pierson and Antoine Cousin are highly active on projects in Saudi Arabia, while Yasser K. Riad focuses on project financings in the UAE. Sam Manful and Mikaela Nikolausson Toumia are key supporting presences across a number of practice mandates.

Practice head(s):

Claire Matheson Kirton; William Watson; Debashis Dey; Adam Pierson; Antoine Cousin; Yasser Riad

Testimonials

‘W&C team’s ability to handle complex matters is second to none. They can pull together seamlessly knowledge and expertise from different practice groups and different offices to deliver advice that is on point and supports the client’s decision-making process. Their excellent technical skills and great understanding and responsiveness to the client’s needs set this group apart.’

‘Claire Matheson Kirton and her team are brilliant. Claire has a wealth of knowledge, offering pragmatic and well-thought-out solutions to complex legal matters. She is very responsive and commercial. It’s always a pleasure working with her.’

‘W&C have an extensive and experienced PF team that supports the delivery of our projects.’

‘The W&C Abu Dhabi team is one of the most collaborative and unique legal teams I have ever had the chance to work with, due to their comradery and professionalism.’

‘The team’s strengths lie in its outstanding understanding of our sector combined with a practical approach to finance. Often project finance attorneys think the project exists to support the financing. Mark Andrews and his team do not make that mistake and support the commercial objectives of the project through their commercial view of financing.’

Key clients

FIVE Holdings

Mubadala

United Al Saqer

Propertyfinder

Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding

Jumeriah Group

The Red Sea Development Company

Emirates Water and Electricity Company

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

NoSaudi Power Procurement Company

ADES Group

Jubail Island Investment Company

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

First Abu Dhabi Bank

J.P. Morgan

Goldman Sachs International

Emirates NBD

United Arab Emirates > Capital markets Tier 1

Handling multiple IPOs across the Middle East, including pre-IPO restructurings and complex debt transactions, White & Case LLP continues to be sought out by a host of prominent clients on account of to its comprehensive capital markets offering. The team is noted for its capabilities in innovative, first-of-its-kind securitisation transactions, while the firm’s dedicated trusts and agency team provides further support to clients engaging with conventional and Shari’ah-compliant finance and capital markets mandates. Practice head and debt specialist Debashis Dey is valued for both his transactional prowess and regulatory counsel, as well his Islamic financing expertise. Co-head Sami Al-Louzi is a key adviser to multinational banks serving as underwriters and coordinators in equity capital markets transactions, and Roger Gaspard is a ‘highly appreciated solutions orientated lawyer who banks and issuers turn to for advice in complex situations’. Xuan Jin, Marcin Zawadzki and Eren Ayanlar also come recommended. Cassy Raby is a key supporting presence on IPOs. Greg Pospodinis left the firm in 2025.

Practice head(s):

Debashis Dey; Sami Al-Louzi

Testimonials

‘A broad and skilled team able to draw on expertise from within and outside the UAE to deliver for their client.’

‘Roger Gaspard is a highly appreciated solutions orientated lawyer who banks and issuers turn to for advice in complex situations given his ability to distil and articulate sensible solutions for complex situations.’

‘Cassy Raby is a very strong associate who is a real asset to the White & Case team in the UAE. Skilled and diligent, she is able to manage clients well and deliver an outstanding outcome for the firm.’

Key clients

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

J.P. Morgan

Citi

HSBC Saudi Arabia

Goldman Sachs

Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company

DP World

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

Deutsche Bank

Empower

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Mubadala

Bank of America

Emirates NBD Capital Limited

BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited

Investcorp Holdings and Investcorp S.A.

Republic of Indonesia

Taaleem

Al Rajhi Capital Company

ENBD REIT PLC

Investcorp

Moove B.V.

Commercial Bank of Dubai

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

White & Case LLP’s broad, multi-specialist practice advises an impressive roster of market-leading clients, including state-owned entities, domestic industry leaders, and multinational corporates. Renowned for its ‘excellence in industry knowledge, client focus, and innovation’, the team is particularly well-positioned to handle cross-border M&A and private equity transactions across the Gulf, underpinned by its deep transactional expertise. Regional head of the Middle East practice Abdulwahid Alulama co-leads the team and is highly regarded for his proficiency in M&A, corporate governance, and commercial matters. Co-head Steven Worthington is active for sovereign wealth funds and private equity houses on M&A, joint ventures, and leveraged buyouts. Co-head Marcus Booth is another key name for private equity transactions, while co-head Sami Al-Louzi handles M&A, PE and capital markets deals across the Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Co-head Sonia Abdul-Rahman has recently been active on complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions in the energy, maritime, infrastructure and pharma sectors. Stefan Mrozinski offers a strong combination of transactional and regulatory expertise.

Practice head(s):

Abdulwahid Alulama; Marcus Booth; Steven Worthington; Sami Al-Louzi;

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Sonia Abdulrahman is one of the most experience and effective lawyers I have ever worked with.’

‘White & Case is a highly-professional, highly-skilled legal practice and one of the very top law firms in the Middle East. They have a long track record in advising on strategic transactions in the region and we always highly recommend them.’

‘The individuals from W&C, from associate all the way up to partner, provide high-value advice to the clients and transactions they are involved in, and always manage to bring in specialist legal advice coupled with a commercial/transactional view.’

‘W&C are the number one firm in the EMEA, and our first call for any significant or complex transaction in the region. Their excellence in industry knowledge, client focus, and innovation make them truly unique.

‘The firm has quality across the board. That being said, a standout partner for us is Stefan Mrozinski. There is simply no one better for high stakes M&A/commercial work in the region.’

‘Stefan Mrozinski’s deep understanding of the M&A landscape combined with his strategic thinking means he has a workable solution for even the most complex matters. We have experienced this a number of times on cross border deals. He is our top recommend to our international clients looking for representation in the region.’

‘ White & Case has a truly global platform, and I have witnessed them being able to bring that to bare on complex cross-border transactions in a seamless manner.’

‘Steve Worthington is deeply technically proficient, but importantly he is able to apply that knowledge in a practical way. In a negotiation, he understands when he needs to be conciliatory, and when it is best to be a little more assertive.’

Key clients

Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners

CVC Capital Partners

Blue Water Energy

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company

e&

International Holdings Company PJSC

Kent Corporate Holdings Limited

Mubadala Investment Company

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Bridgepoint

Yellow Door Energy

ZMI Holdings

HEA Investment

OMV Group

Work highlights

United Arab Emirates > Construction Tier 1

Often advising public sector entities on giga-projects, White & Case LLP is lauded for its ‘in depth knowledge of commercial and legal matters.’ Michael Turrini oversees the team and is skilled at airport, highway, as well as hotel projects. Aimy Roshan is experienced in construction arbitration, while Habeeb Rahman is knowledgeable of financing. Ibaad Hakim left the firm in 2025.

Practice head(s):

Michael Turrini

 

 

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Michael Turrini is impressive.’

‘The White & Case team is one of the best legal teams I have had the privilege of working with.’

‘We realised their in-depth knowledge of commercial and legal matters was a great asset. They not only understood the problems faced by the business teams but also explained intricate legal concepts with simplicity and clarity.’

‘The team demonstrates an excellent level of quality control and staff capability.’  

Work highlights

United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) Tier 1

Praised for its ‘outstanding‘ legal acumen and commercial understanding, White & Case LLP is frequently engaged by corporates and sovereign-backed entities on complex mandates across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where it advises prominent clients such as NEOM, Saudi Aramco, and the Public Investment Fund on greenfield projects in energy transition and social infrastructure. Adam Pierson leads the team, serving as a principal advisor to Saudi Aramco, with projects and PPP specialist Antoine Cousin also providing extensive support across project portfolios. Co-head Yasser Riad is recognised for his work with EWEC on both new ventures and existing assets. Mark Andrews and Claire Patrick joined from the London office in 2024, adding further expertise. Jennifer Riddle left the firm in March 2025.

Practice head(s):

Adam Pierson; Yasser Riad; Antoine Cousin

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Delivery team focused on locally experienced support to get complex projects over the line.’

‘Amazing team, amazing professionals, and an amazing work product.’

‘The entire team is amazing.’

‘The White and Case’s projects team in the UAE is absolutely second to none. Their legal acumen and commercial understanding is simply outstanding. The team works seamlessly from associate to partner, across geographies, and across verticals.’

 

Key clients

Emirates Water and Electricity Company

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy

NEOM Company

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

The Red Sea Development Company

Saudi Power Procurement Company

Saudi Water Partnership Company

Public Investment Fund

USAID / Ministry of Water and Irrigation of Jordan

Water and Electricity Holding Company

Saline Water Conversion Corporation

DP World

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company

United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Financial services regulation Tier 2

White & Case LLP has a strong focus on fintech, advising global tech companies and investment firms on regulation, cryptocurrency, and NFTs. The firm is also a key port of call for corporates and sovereign-backed entities on M&A and private equity transactions, leveraging its extensive Middle East platform. Practice head Stefan Mrozinski, known for his tech expertise, is a key contact for regulatory, commercial, and transactional matters. Arnold Krutilins is highly regarded for his regulatory insights and connections with key regulators, as well as his expertise in funds. Gabrielle Margerison is recommended for her contentious and non-contentious work across onshore and offshore UAE zones, as well as in Saudi Arabia.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Mrozinski

Testimonials

‘Always quick to revert to any query and instruction. Their legal skillset and commercial mindset are an invaluable combination to any firm seeking their advice.’

‘Their turnaround time to respond is unmatched compared to other law practices in the region which is an asset for any client who need advice in a short matter of time.’

‘The individuals we worked with were very professional, allocated the time and efforts needed for the task we delegated to White & Case. They were reliable, friendly, and very nice to work with them. Their knowledge about the regional market was very helpful.’

‘Stefan Mrozinski, the regulatory partner, and his team have an unrivalled level of regulatory experience and expertise specific to the matter they were dealing with. Their ability to accommodate my requests at short notice as priority, was commendable.’

‘Arnold Krutilins and Stefan Mrozinksi both have been very responsive and put in the extra effort to meet deadlines.’

‘We have been working with Stefan Mrozinski who is supported by Arnold Krutilins. They have an excellent relationship with regulators which has helped us to formulate a high-quality regulatory business plan. The team’s knowledge and navigation of the DFSA rules is unique and stronger than other firms in the region.’

‘The team has a broad range of expertise and an approach of personal engagement with clients. It is clear that White & Case wins their clients’ trust and forge good relationships with them, allowing for the best personalised legal services to be provided.’

‘Arnold Krutilins and Stefan Mrozinski have been instrumental in the legal elements around several of our mutual clients. Working with them has been great, with proactive responses and efficient communication allowing legal matters to progress timeously and to the satisfaction of clients. Their legal work has been outstanding and has assisted us greatly with overall requirements.’

Key clients

Meta

Mubadala Investment Company

Amazon Payment Services

Morgan Stanley

Credit Agricole

Global Fintech Investments Holding AG / Prism Group

Brookfield Asset Management

Qatar Investment Authority

Rothschild

Bank of America

JTC PLC

I Squared Capital

HAYVN

Work highlights

United Arab Emirates > Investment fund formation and management Tier 2

White & Case LLP significantly bolstered its UAE offering with the hire of ex-Dechert LLP duo Phillip Sacks and Yannick Whorms in December 2023, with the former now leading the practice. Sacks is widely regarded for his ‘breadth and depth of knowledge that is near-unparalleled in the region’, advising an extensive roster of financial institutions, fund managers and sovereign wealth funds on onshore and offshore conventional and Shari’ah-compliant investment funds. Whorms acts on the formation of funds across a variety of asset classes, while Julien Bensaid primarily focuses on LP-side instructions. Marie-Sophie Bandeira Vieira and Jack Meegan also come recommended.

Practice head(s):

Phillip Sacks

Testimonials

‘The White & Case team in Dubai has more depth than the majority of firms, which means that we can run multiple investments in parallel with the team and still be confident that they will be responsive. To date, we have been impressed with the consistent quality across the team.’

‘Phillip Sacks and Yannick Whorms are the primary contacts in the team and are both very impressive and user-friendly, able to distill the key points and respond promptly to questions from our commercial team who can be demanding.’

‘The team is led by hands-on partner Phillip Sacks. The team has a deep bench with support provided not only by the UAE-based team but by team members in the UK and the US.’

‘Phillip Sacks has a breadth and depth of knowledge that is near-unparalleled in the region, having been based in the UAE for many years. He is particularly strong when it comes to regulatory initiatives in the region and their potential impact on clients.’

‘Strong team led by Phil Sacks who is a market leader in the Funds industry. Very active in new fund formations, particularly DIFC domiciled. ’

‘Yannick Whorms is exceptionally hard working.’

Work highlights

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

Regularly advising on the sale and purchase of assets, company acquisitions and investments, and project development and financing, White & Case LLP is a popular choice for major oil and gas companies across the Middle East. Team head Adam Pierson helms the practice and takes the lead on both transactions and project development instructions. Michael Watson, who relocated from London, heads the firm’s EMEA Project Development and Finance Group and is highly active on energy transition matters. Antoine Cousin is another name for project finance and development acumen. Claire Patrick has been a key advisor to Saudi Aramco on petrochemical and hydrogen mandates, while Mark Andrews is also highly active on projects in Saudi Arabia.

Practice head(s):

Adam Pierson; Michael Watson; Antoine Cousin; Claire Patrick; Mark Andrews

Testimonials

‘Amazing team!’

‘Claire Patrick’s team in Abu Dhabi is becoming a powerhouse of its own, with a growing number of excellent lawyers at different levels of experience, and the fire-power needed to deal efficiently and effectively with the most complex and challenging matters. They particularly excel with the structuring and negotiation of commercial contracts for the sale, supply and offtake of hydrocarbons across products and value chains.’

‘Claire Patrick is an absolute star. She made an easy shift from associate to partner and can deal with the most complex matters within the most challenging timelines without losing a beat and always providing excellent support and the highest quality of product.’

Key clients

NEOM Company

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Proman AG

QatarEnergy

Zakher Marine International

Nova Chemicals

OQ

Mubadala Investment Company

United Arab Emirates > TMT Tier 2

White & Case LLP’s recent caseload encompasses data privacy, digital platform content, and fintech matters, as well as the TMT aspects of M&A transactions. Practice head Stefan Mrozinski is a key port of call for big tech, corporate, and public sector entities on cloud computing and government-led transformation projects. Gabrielle Margerison is noted for her expertise in financial services licensing, while Arnold Krutillins often advises technology companies on regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Mrozinski

Testimonials

‘The White & Case TMT practice is truly innovative.’

‘White & Case is home to outstanding legal professionals.’

‘They combine a deep focus on clients’ needs with commitment, responsiveness, and high-quality legal services.’

‘The team is extremely responsive, and there is an ease about working with them.’

‘They always care about your needs as a client and provide tailored legal advice. Their commitment is exceptional.’

‘The team is attentive to clients’ needs and takes the time to consider the resources required to service transactions in a manner that acknowledges clients’ fee and timing objectives.’

‘Stefan Mrozinski and Gabrielle Margerison bring exceptional industry knowledge, particularly in financial regulatory matters. They have the ability to provide strategic and practical advice on complex legal issues that align with their clients’ priorities, whilst carefully managing risks and compliance.’

‘Stefan Mrozinski and Gabrielle Margerison are excellent to work with.’

Key clients

NEOM Company

Meta

Amazon

Khazna Data Centers

STC

Mubadala Investment Company

Stryker

Global Fintech Investments Holding AG

Prism Group

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

HAYVN

Safegold

Geidea Technology Group

Telegram

Snapchat

Work highlights

United Arab Emirates > Real estate Tier 3

Frequently engaged on megaprojects, White & Case LLP is geared to handle high-value real estate financings, leasings, and investment transactions. Practice head Louise Vun is noted for her strength in debt finance transactions, joint-owned property development, and strata scheme developments. Daria Plotnikova is a key port of call for developers and investors, both domestic and international.

Practice head(s):

Louise Vun

 

Other key lawyers:

Key clients

The Red Sea Development Company

Al-Ula Development Company

Al Qudra Holdings

Aldar Properties

Rua Al Madinah Holding Company

Mubadala Investment Company

Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company PJSC

Dubai Maritime City

Arcapita Investment Partners Limited

FIVE Holdings (BVI) Limited

Work highlights

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

White & Case LLP’s disputes team provides comprehensive support to regional and international clients, covering construction and commercial disputes, as well as investigations. The practice is adept at handling matters involving commercial agreements, cybersecurity and data protection, intellectual property, and employment issues. Group lead Michael Turrini is active on energy and infrastructure disputes. Julia Zagonek is a 'brilliant strategist' who is strong in arbitration. Aimy Roshan's practice spans commercial and construction matters. Oleg Todua has a solid background in investment treaty cases.

Practice head(s):

Michael Turrini

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The international arbitration team led by Julia Zagonek and Oleg Todua is one of the best teams on the market. They provide 24/7 support and constantly deliver. The team has a wide international litigation and arbitration expertise. In their work on a matter they leave no stone unturned – there is basically nothing they cannot do. They are best suited for handling the most complex and sophisticated matters and are able to go where no one has gone before and win.’

‘Julia Zagonek is a brilliant strategist. She is extremely sophisticated and delivers excellent client service.’

‘Oleg Todua is an excellent lawyer able to get to the bottom of the most complex issues and provide a solution.’

‘The team have significant depth and breadth of skills in international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution, able to bring years of experience to bear on each project.’

‘Stand out individuals are Michael Turrini and Aimy Roshan. Both partners I have found to be heavily engaged in client management and day to day proceedings.’

Work highlights

Saudi Arabia > Capital markets Tier 1

The White & Case team comprises three divisions: equity capital markets, corporate agency and trusts, and debt capital markets. The full-service team boasts specialities in IPOs, rights issues, Islamic Finance, project bonds, securitisations and green bonds. The team recently served as issuer counsel for Saudi Aramco’s secondary public offering, marking the largest such offering in EMEA since 2000. Leading the team is Debashis Dey, a specialist in complex issuance programmes and Islamic finance, and Sami Al-Louzi, a leading figure in ECM and IPOs.

Practice head(s):

Debashis Dey; Sami E. Al-Louzi

Other key lawyers:

Roger Gaspard; Cassy Raby

Testimonials

‘The team is very capable – from junior to senior lawyers, with good connections. Junior team members are given quite a bit of autonomy which is refreshing’

‘Individuals are all personable as well as being competent lawyers, so you enjoy engaging with them. Specific mentions to Roger Gaspard & Cassy Raby’

 

Key clients

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC

Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)

J.P. Morgan

Citi

HSBC Saudi Arabia

Goldman Sachs

Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company

DP World

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

Deutsche Bank

Empower

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Mubadala

Bank of America

Emirates NBD Capital Limited

BNY Mellon Corporate Trustee Services Limited

Investcorp Holdings and Investcorp S.A.

Republic of Indonesia

Taaleem NoAl Rajhi Capital Company

ENBD REIT PLC

Investcorp

Moove B.V.

Commercial Bank of Dubai

Work highlights

Qatar > Dispute resolution

Qatar > Projects, real estate and construction

White & Case LLP's projects, real estate and construction department has 'significant depth and breadth of skills', and leverages its vast experience in matters with international components, including the development, financing and due diligence of multi-jurisdictional energy projects and construction companies. The team is particularly skilled in energy-related work, and is additionally experienced in major real estate, construction and public redevelopment projects for private investors. Based in Doha, Payvand Vahdat and recent hire Joshua Cohen co-lead the team with Michael Turrini, Gareth Hodder and Philip Stopford. Noted as an 'extremely motivated individual with intense attention to detail', Verena Gross is recommended by clients for her international arbitration expertise in construction and commercial matters.

Practice head(s):

Payvand Vahdat; Michael Turrini; Philip Stopford; Gareth Hodder; Joshua Cohen

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Highly motivated, knowledgeable and efficient.’

‘Verena Gross is an extremely motivated individual with intense attention to detail.’

‘Ability to provide heavy support for Qatar-based clients combining local client-focussed practitioners who can lead corporate projects and be supported by their teams wherever located. The physical presence really matters.’

‘Joshua Cohen is a young, up and coming local partner. Very effective working with our organization.’

‘The team have significant depth and breadth of skills in projects and construction, able to bring years of experience to bear on each project.’

‘Stand out individuals are Payvand Vahdat and Verena Gross, both of whom have years of experience of the construction and project life cycle including dispute resolution, and are always prepared to get stuck into the detail of the project to really understand the complexities that are needed for the most successful outcomes.’

Work highlights

Oman > Dispute resolution

Noted by clients for its ‘significant depth and breadth of skills in international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution‘, the dispute resolution practice at White & Case LLP is well-situated to pursue local and international debt and delay claims, especially those pertaining to projects and public infrastructure. Construction and arbitration specialist Mohammed Al Bahr co-heads the team alongside Michael Turrini, who is highly active in cross-border arbitrations.

Practice head(s):

Michael Turrini; Mohammed Al Bahr

Testimonials

‘Good mix of expertise across the team.’

‘The team have significant depth and breadth of skills in international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution, able to bring years of experience to bear on each project.’

‘Mohammad Al Bahr is a stand out partner based in Oman, creating close and effective client relationships which really helps to get business done in Oman.’

Work highlights

Saudi Arabia > Commercial, corporate and M&A

White & Case has an impressive track record acting for key players in the Kingdom, advising on high-end complex M&A, joint ventures and commercial agreements. The firm works closely with Saudi Aramco on mandates across the Gulf, as well as state-backed entities and their subsidiaries. Waad Alkurini leads the team and is well-placed to advise on matters in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Co-head Anwaar Alshammari has a broad corporate and commercial practice and leverages previous in-house government ministry experience to comprehensively advise on domestic and inbound transactions. Sami Al-Louzi, Sonia Abdul-Rahman and Marcus Booth provide further support from the UAE.  

Practice head(s):

Waad Alkurini; Anwaar Alshammari

Key clients

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Saudi Telecom Company

SNB Capital

The Industrialization and Energy Services Company

Naturepak Limited and Evergreen Packaging International

National Security Services Company

Al-Ula Development Company

Work highlights

White & Case is an international law firm that serves companies, governments and financial institutions. Our long history as a global firm means we are uniquely placed to help our clients resolve their most complex legal challenges wherever they are.

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