Norton Rose Fulbright has a strong track record in multi-billion-dollar cross-border transactions, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and is a leading choice for lenders and borrowers across the Middle East. The firm is highly regarded for its expertise in Islamic finance, having recently advised on cutting-edge Sukuk issuances, Murabaha facilities, and Shariah-compliant trade finance platforms. Practice head Mohammed Paracha is the main driver behind the firm’s Islamic finance offering and is notably active in the real estate sector. Hamed Afzal is recommended for his work in Islamic finance and debt capital markets, and Seya Rahnema and Shyam Kotadia provide key support across various mandates. Nicholas Robinson left the practice in 2025.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is well organised and their advice is always well thought out.
‘Mohammed Paracha is a master tactician. He focuses on solutions rather than conflict for the sake of the transaction.'
‘Collaboration with NRF is always easy and the Dubai team seems to be an extension of our legal in-house team. As English and Islamic law qualified, the Partner managed to help us in very unusual situations and is always available. Collaboration is really good and the network of NRF in other juridictions helped us tremendously in solving hurdles.
Key clients
- HSBC
- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
- Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation
- ABC International Bank
- SMBC International Bank
- National Bank of Egypt
- Emirates NBD
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
- Société Générale
- BNP Paribas
Work highlights
Advising Bank of America DAC, as mandated lead arranger, global coordinator, sustainability coordinator and lender, on a USD1.5 billion sustainability-linked loan facility to Emirates NBD PJSC.
Advising a syndicate of lenders on a US$1 billion senior unsecured term loan facility to the National Bank of Egypt.
Advising IsDB in relation to a ground-breaking cash Waqf Sukuk to be issued for social finance purposes
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Mohammed Paracha
Other key lawyers
Hamed Afzal; Seya Rahnema; Shyam Kotadia