Dentons > Muscat, Oman > Firm Profile

Dentons Offices

Dentons
Salam Square - South
Third Floor, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos
PO Box 3552, Muscat, Ruwi PC 112
Oman
Visit website 968 2457 3000 968 2457 3097

Dentons > The Legal 500 Rankings

Oman > Banking and finance Tier 1

Oman > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Dentons‘s commercial and corporate department leverages a ‘good mix of Oman and international law and experience’, and is led by Jamie Gibson, who brings over 20 years of experience in various corporate matters, such as incorporations, acquisitions, capital markets and regulatory matters, including business licenses and registrations. The team is notably proficient in work involving novel business types and structures, and is highly sought after by clients in the oil and gas, energy, logistics, and financial sectors. Senior associate Michael Kneebone is a key member of the team in transactional matters.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Gibson

Other key lawyers:

Michael Kneebone

Testimonials

‘The team has hands on practical approach to solving client’s tasks and assignments. Diverse backgrounds and previous experience add to the value that the team delivers.’

‘Jamie Gibson and Michael Kneebone are key team members that we worked with and should be distinguished for their dedication to clients and high quality work.’

‘Bring a good mix of Oman and international law and experience to their support.’

‘Michael Kneebone – we can rely on Michael to stay on top of the issues and provide practical solution-oriented advice.’

‘Jamie Gibson – solid knowledge ad experience of Oman and international law applied to transaction support.’

‘Knowledgeable about the M&A process in Oman. Committed to ensure client support on a timely basis.’

‘Worked with Jamie Gibson (Partner) and Michael Kneebone (Associate) who both did a very good job on the bayside M&A.’

Key clients

Asyad Ports & Terminals

Huaxin (Hainan) Investment Co., Ltd

Vale International SA

Green Energy Oman Consortium

Golden Sands Hotels Company LLC

Petroleum Development Oman LLC

Sohar Power Company SAOG

Oman Oil Marketing Company SAOG

Ahli Bank SAOG

Citigroup

Work highlights

  • Advised Vale International SA on a joint venture with AP Oryx Holdings LLC, an SPV of NYSE-listed Apollo Asset Management Inc (Apollo), in Vale Oman Distribution Center (VODC).
  • Advised Sohar Power Company SAOG on the consequences of the expiry of the power and water purchase agreement with Oman Power and Water Company SAOG and on the mothballing of the plant and a bilateral electricity sales agreement.
  • Advised Golden Sands Hotels Company LLC on the compulsory acquisition of shares in public listed company Salalah Beach Resort SAOG, in accordance with Oman’s Takeover & Acquisition Regulations.

Oman > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Dentons's dispute resolution department is praised by clients for ‘excellent legal competence with clear and effective communication’, and is a prominent operator in the construction, financial, and oil and gas industries, acting in some of the highest value arbitrations in the sector. The team is broadly experienced in dispute, with expertise in commercial, civil, and criminal disputes. Bringing to the team over 25 years of experience in litigation, including before the Omani Supreme Court, Dali Al Habboub co-heads the team with Yaqdhan Al Busaidi, who advises local and international clients on various commercial and criminal disputes. Yasser Taqi is highly praised by clients for being ‘absolutely top tier for international matters’. Senior associates Wafa Al Shuaibi and Fatma Al Amri are also key members of the team, and are highly regarded for telecommunications, tax, and intellectual property-related disputes.

Practice head(s):

Dali Al Habboub; Yaqdhan Al Busaidi

Other key lawyers:

Yasser Taqi;Wafa Al Shuaibi; Fatma Al Amri

Testimonials

‘Dentons has consistently demonstrated strong client-facing capabilities, combining excellent legal competence with clear and effective communication. Their ability to understand client needs, provide practical solutions, and maintain a high level of professionalism throughout has been commendable. They make complex legal matters accessible, ensuring we are well-informed and supported at every stage.’

‘I have worked with Yasser Taqi for a number of years and is the absolute superstar of the Omani legal profession as well as being absolutely top tier for international matters as well. An excellent communicator, thoroughly professional and very hard working.’

‘Diversity of experience Case management is excellent. Experience in arbitration is highly relevant and well placed.’

‘Yasser Taqi is unique in that he understands the nuances surrounding a dispute due to his experience in Oman and the legal landscape within which we operate. His advice is never coming from a legal vacuum place which makes him very valuable even in discussions with management etc.’

‘The team is amazing, they are available even within short notice with suitable specialized people in the field of discussion.’

‘They are professionals and nice and on time always.’

‘Dentons Oman is recognized as a go-to for complex disputes, making them unique in their specialized focus and proven expertise in handling high-value claims and cases with potential reputational impact.’

‘The Dispute Resolution service at Dentons is first class; with an extremely knowledgeable team.’

Key clients

International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund

Shell Development Oman

Shell International

Shell International Pension

Luxury Flowers SPC

Work highlights

  • Represented the Fund in relation to losses arising from the sinking of the Nesa-R3, a tanker carrying 816 tonnes of bitumen off the Port of Sultan Qaboos in Oman in 2013.
  • Acted in a commercial claim filed by Luxury Flowers SPC related to the allegation of trademark infringement and the company’s rights of ownership and use of a registered international trademark.
  • Acted for a client in an employment claim filed by one of the company’s employees, who worked abroad, and the matter being discussed is whether or not an Omani employee can receive retirement benefits and rights while working abroad.

Oman > Projects and energy Tier 1

Dentons's projects and energy offering is highlighted for its ‘good mix of Oman and international law and experience’, and is frequently relied upon to advise on various cross-border matters, including regional GCC projects and complex multi-jurisdictional matters. The team is retained to handle complex and high-value projects-related work, including in the mining, oil and gas, green hydrogen, renewable, solar, and utility provision sectors. Yasser Taqi heads the team, and has operated in various Oman-based projects and is highly experienced in project financing. Warda Tahir is also a key member of the team, and is especially seen in cross-border matters.

Practice head(s):

Yasser Taqi

Other key lawyers:

Warda Tahir

 

Testimonials

‘Attention to detail.’

‘Yasser Taqi has been an invaluable liaison with local stakeholders, providing much context and insight beyond the legals.’

‘Contextual understanding of the various stakeholders involved and how to approach them appropriately.’

‘Dentons’ team are well experienced and knowledgeable in projects and energy practice.’

‘Diligence and care for looking after the client’s interest.’

‘We have found Dentons partners in Oman and the UAE to be intelligent and well prepared. It is clear they understand oil and gas documents well and are also welcome support for negotiations where they make proper and strong points.’

‘Yasser Taqi: we have found ourselves specifically asking for him after we see him perform for a counter-party in a negotiation. His points were proper and well put and we found him to be a disciplined negotiator. His advice to us was just as we expected measured, appropriate and we could see the bigger picture.’

‘Bring a good mix of Oman and international law and experience to their support. ’

Key clients

InterContinental Energy

Sohar Industrial Port Company SAOC

Strategic & Precious Metals Processing Company

Fortescue Future Industries

Petroleum Development Oman

Nama Power and Water Procurement Company

ARA Petroleum LLC

OQ Exploration and Production Company

OQ Alternative Energy

Tabreed Oman SAOC

Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning

Work highlights

  • Advising on ICE’s investments in both Oman and Dubai, legal establishment of project companies, employment of staff, land and regulatory matters, reviewing project agreements, financing, and compliance issues.
  • Advising OQ Exploration & Production on its divestment in blocks 48 and 61.
  • Advising the state-owned power and water procurer on the procurement of the country’s first batch large-scale wind IPPs.

Oman > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Dentons's construction and real estate offering operates in highly technical and high-value matters, advising private clients and government ministries on major real estate developments, PPP projects, commercial complexes, and energy projects, along with contentious matters involving complex civil and commercial claims. Yasser Taqi heads the department and is highly sought after by clients for his work in the energy, projects, real estate, and construction sectors, and has advised on various major project constructions. Yaqdhan Al Busaidi is another key member of the team, and has acted in some of the department’s most consequential mandates in the last year.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Gibson; Yasser Taqi; Dali Al Habboub

Other key lawyers:

Yaqdhan Al Busaidi

Key clients

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning

Duqm Marasi LLC

Muscat National Development and Investment Company SAOC

Work highlights

  • Advised The Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning on the development agreements, construction contracts, and consultancy service contracts in respect of a new affordable housing development.
  • Advised Duqm Marasi LLC on Oman’s first ever scheme to sell residential and commercial units on a usufruct basis (leasehold basis) rather than the conventional free hold basis.
  • Advised Muscat National Development and Investment Company SAOC on a mixed-use development project, which involves the development of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, an edutainment centre, a theme park, aquatic zoo, residential property and commercial and retail components.

Oman > Shipping Tier 2

Yasser Taqi and Dali Al Habboub co-head the maritime and shipping practice at Dentons, and advise port owners, funds, oil companies, fisheries, and other maritime clients on a mixture of contentious and non-contentious work, including answering queries regarding Omani maritime regulation, civil and commercial claims, and port expansions and operations.

Practice head(s):

Yasser Taqi; Dali Al Habboub

Key clients

International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund

Work highlights

  • Represented the Fund in relation to losses arising from the sinking of the Nesa-R3, a tanker carrying 816 tonnes of bitumen off the Port of Sultan Qaboos in Oman in 2013.

Saudi Arabia > Real estate and construction

Able to draw upon support from its international network, the full-service practice at Dentons is proficient in urban developments. Nick Simpson oversees the team and is vastly experienced in the hotel sector, while Paul Prescott is a key port of call for international investors operating in Saudi Arabia. Sairah Narmah-Alqasim and Gabriel Olufemi are also key members of the team.

Practice head(s):

Nick Simpson

Other key lawyers:

Paul Prescott; Sairah Narmah-Alqasim; Gabriel Olufemi

Key clients

Saudi Cinema Company

Saudi Downtown Company

Wyndham Hotel Group

Al Woroud Real Estate investments

Majid Al Futtaim

Honeywell

Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority

Veolia

Aldar Properties PJSC

Dar Al Arkan Properties

Work highlights

  • Advised TEC on all aspects of its luxury serviced office business in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.
  • Advised Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreqbank and Emirates NBD, on an AED10bn syndicated financing to Lulu International.
  • Acting for the Oman Investment Authority on the sale of Riyadh Avenue Mall.

United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A

Dentons remains active in multiple sectors and is frequently instructed by local, regional and local clients on complex, multijurisdictional M&A, joint ventures, and commercial instructions. The practice has recently been strengthened through the arrival of Ross Barfoot and Stephen McKenna from Clyde & Co in February 2024, who both have a deep background in M&A and PE transactions, and the relocation of Nick Simpson from the firm’s Riyadh office in May 2024, who now leads the practice and brings strong capabilities in the real estate sector. Iain Black comes recommended for his corporate expertise.

Practice head(s):

Nick Simpson

Other key lawyers:

Ross Barfoot; Stephen McKenna; Nick Simpson; Iain Black

Testimonials

‘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.’

Key clients

National Central Cooling Company

Gulf Capital

MENA Infrastructure Fund

Snam

Dulsco

Ryse Energy Holdings Limited

A.T Kearney Middle East

Cordis Medical

Bayer US

Hertz Europe

APICORP

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

International Finance Corporation

Karen Wazen

Zero & One Holding Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Voyager Interest on a cross-border transaction involving the acquisition by Voyager Interests of Aegion Coating Service LLC’s subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia and the UAE and its assets in other jurisdictions.
  • Advised Maqta Gateway LLC, AD Ports Group’s digital arm, in relation to its strategic acquisition of a majority stake in Dubai Technologies, a trade and transportation solutions developer headquartered in Dubai.
  • Advising Veolia on its co-investment as part of a consortium with ADQ and Vision Invest to acquire two waste management plants in Ruwais, Abu Dhabi from ADNOC Refining.

Dentons > Firm Profile

Dentons is the world’s largest law firm. Our global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of all sizes all over the world. We are the first truly polycentric global law firm and our structure affords flexibility in responding to client business needs wherever in the world they arise.

Our presence in the Middle East is among the largest of any international law firm and spans the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt and our offices collaborate closely both across the region and internationally. With over 50 years of experience in these markets, our long-standing relationships with government officials, financial institutions and other intermediaries provide a strategic advantage for our clients.

Established in 1981, Dentons was one of the earliest international firms to open its doors in Oman and has steadily grown to become the largest international law firm operating in the Sultanate. We are truly in and of the community, with long-standing relationships with local business communities, governments and regulatory authorities.

We provide local and international clients with a full range of Oman and English law advice, combining local knowledge with our formidable global presence and multi-jurisdictional capabilities. Our clients include Oman government entities (both ministries and commercial companies), many of Oman’s best-known public and private companies and international companies.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Office Managing Partner Andrew Figgins [email protected] +968 2457 3044

Lawyer Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Sheikha Al Ajmie photo Sheikha Al Ajmie Sheikha Al Ajmie is a senior associate in the Litigation and Dispute… View Profile
Fatma Al Amri photo Fatma Al Amri Fatma Al Amri is a senior associate in the Litigation and Dispute… View Profile
Dali Al Habboub photo Dali Al Habboub Dali Al Habboub is a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution… View Profile
Fatima Al Sabahi photo Fatima Al Sabahi Fatima Al Sabahi is a senior associate in the Tier One ranked… View Profile
Wafa Al Shuaibi photo Wafa Al Shuaibi Wafa Al Shuaibi is a senior associate in the Litigation and Dispute… View Profile
Yaqdhan Al-Busaidi photo Yaqdhan Al-Busaidi Yaqdhan Al Busaidi is a Partner in Yaqdhan Al Busaidi Law Firm… View Profile
Sadaf Buchanan photo Sadaf Buchanan Sadaf Buchanan heads up the tier 1 ranked Banking and Finance team… View Profile
Jamie Gibson photo Jamie Gibson Jamie Gibson is the Managing Partner of Dentons’ Muscat office and heads… View Profile
Michael Kneebone photo Michael Kneebone Michael Kneebone is a senior associate in the Tier 1 ranked Corporate… View Profile
Yasser Taqi photo Yasser Taqi Yasser Taqi is a partner in the Energy Transport and Infrastructure practice… View Profile
Simon Topping photo Simon Topping Simon specialises in Telecoms, IT, E-Commerce, Technology and Intellectual Property Law and… View Profile

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