Dentons > Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile

‘Dentons are one of the very top firms for construction, engineering, energy, and infrastructure in the Middle East.’

‘The Dentons team clearly have their clients’ best interests at heart and are extremely capable in both strategic and legal matters.’

‘The team is very responsive and demonstrates a deep understanding of clients’ needs and the workings of the construction sector.’

‘A really collaborative team with strength at every level from associate through to partner.’

‘Dean Ryburn is a first-rate construction litigator. His capacity to digest and distil huge amounts of information is phenomenal.’

‘Suzannah Fairbairn was brilliant and stayed involved in all levels of details of a complex dispute.’

‘Ahmed El-Bayouk is standout. He understands how experts work and where support is needed.’

‘Meghan Devine consistently ensured that all aspects of the case were handled efficiently, and her attention to detail and commitment to delivering results made her an invaluable asset to the team.’

‘We had the pleasure of working with Stephen Knight as sponsor advisor on a complex project financing for a multi-billion cross-border venture. His in-depth knowledge of project financing was crucial in guiding us through the intricacies of the transaction. He provided strategic and timely advice, enabling us to secure financial close within a reasonable timeframe, despite the complexities inherent to cross-border finance.’

‘Understanding of the sector and relevant laws and regulations. Cover all risks for the client.’

‘Committed to meeting timelines, have a strong understanding of our sector, and work with all stakeholders to resolve pending issues.’

‘A good team with depth of experience in Middle Eastern arbitration.’

‘Faris Shehabi is a solid senior associate well versed in arbitration procedures.’

‘Zahra Rose Khawaja: One of the best senior associates in the region. On track for partner. Intelligent, very hard working, excellent client manner.’

‘I have worked with the Dentons team on a number of complex matters over the last few years. The team has excellent lawyers from top to bottom and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for any commercial dispute.’

‘Zahra Rose Khawaja is a star of the future. She is one of the best associates I have worked with in any jurisdiction and is more than a match for the partners of law firms on the opposing side.’

‘Faris Shehabi is extremely knowledgeable and full of interesting ideas on how to improve the client’s position.’

‘Dean Ryburn is a fantastic litigator. He’s cool under pressure and a great strategist.’

‘Recently strengthened team, experienced in regulatory litigation – not a field in the ME where there is a lot of experience.’

‘Chris Brennan is a standout partner: huge experience in dealing with regulators in many jurisdictions.’

‘Chris Brennan is one of the best in the business, we would never use anyone else. The rest of the team is also of the highest possible quality.’

‘Their practical approach, bench strength, subject matter expertise, and global outlook stand them apart. ’

‘Shiraz Sethi, Chris Brenan, and Ian Fox have been outstanding in their respective domain.’

‘Dentons provides excellent service to its clients, from taking the time to understand their needs, to the high quality of service provided, and the great local market knowledge and intelligence they possess.’

‘Dentons has been a trusted legal partner for us globally and offers consistent, high-value advice and support across a number of areas, including employment and project-based work. Shiraz Sethi, in particular, remains a steadfast and highly responsive partner whom we are grateful to have as a resource.’

‘The Dentons employment team has specialised expertise that not all firms can offer, such as the ability to handle labour disputes within the UAE courts as well as internationally. They are one of the few firms that can offer the full service of employment law needs that clients often have. Dentons takes a client-centric approach and tailors its services to ensure effective legal solutions.’

‘Whilst providing all the trimmings of a professional top-tier law firm, what distinguishes the lawyers at Dentons is their willingness to invest in their clients. The senior partners remain humble and approachable, fostering trusting relationships with their clients.’

‘Ali Al Assaad is very strong and provides consistently good feedback. Shiraz Sethi is also incredibly responsive and helpful.’

‘Under the leadership of Shiraz Sethi, the Dentons employment team has been exceptional, elevating their support on recent matters with strategic and commercial guidance. Shiraz has the ability to go the extra mile with client relationships and focuses on building long-term relationships with clients. Shiraz is always available to provide ongoing support and advice, which we value.’

‘Shiraz Sethi has the ability to immediately answer about any question put to him.’

‘Shiraz Sethi has in-depth knowledge, coupled with years of experience.’

‘Dentons projects team team has a deep understanding of our business and the intricacies of our sector. On major transactions they work closely with other Dentons team including corporate to provide seamless, tailored advice and are able to drive negotiations to a successful conclusion.’

‘Jon Nash is an excellent advisor with deep knowledge of the sector. He is a real asset to have on board on these transactions. We have also worked closely with Kanishka Singh who is excellent and Nisha Gupta who is also excellent.’

‘The team stands out for their industry knowledge and the effort they put into understanding the techno-commercial aspects of the project. The team particularly has a reputation for its deep understanding of district cooling, waste sector, and PV projects.

‘Jon Nash with his years of experience and being a voice of authority, is a trusted advisor. You know you’re in safe hands when you have Jon on your team.’

‘Dentons Corporate M&A team has a deep understanding of our business. They dovetail strongly with Dentons projects to provide seamless, tailored advice and are able to drive negotiations to a successful conclusion.’

‘Iain Black is very experienced and knowledgeable which enables him to assist clients with decision making.’

‘Hazel Shakur Quinn provides really strong advice. The wider support team are also personable and make doing business together a pleasure.’

‘Hazel Shakur Quinn has provided consistent support and guidance tailored to the client or landlord at hand. Having concluded several successful deals, her approach is always communicative and engaged, whether offering quick advice or facilitating introductions to key individuals who can support the deal. Her strong network and profile in the region have been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals.’

‘Tania Afrin has recently been very supportive and engaging on several requirements we have been working on.’

‘Hazel Shakur Quinn is an extraordinary lawyer. Almost a force of nature. Her dedication to deadlines and quality is second-to-none in the market. The only lawyer I know who has never asked for an extension. Magnificently empathetic, extraordinarily detailed. Just a huge talent and a credit to Dentons.’

‘Very knowledgeable and experienced team in the shipping and offshore finance space (Islamic and conventional).’

‘Nathaniel Armstrong is and always has been a critical individual when negotiating documentation with clients/banks – his attitude and deep knowledge (representing client and bank sides) help him to navigate difficult negotiations and find commercial solutions that fit all parties.’

‘For me, it’s definitely the people that are their greatest strength. Deep industry knowledge, exceptional communication and great rapport with all the stakeholders.’

‘Nathaniel Armstrong is brilliant at what he does. He is easily approachable/accessible, has incredible knowledge in regards to the industry and builds great relationships. ’