Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP is internationally recognised for its maritime finance expertise and has been expanding its presence in the renewable energy, agriculture, and financial services sectors. Department head Rustum Shah handles a broad range of mandates, including PPP joint ventures, revolving financing facilities, Murabaha structures, and corporate redomiciliations. Murtaza Hussain adds further depth to the banking and finance practice, with experience in insolvency proceedings and trade finance mandates.
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Key clients
- Al Dahra Global Treasury Excellence Centre Limited
- Yellow Door Energy Limited
- National Bank of Fujairah PJSC
- The Arab Energy Fund
- Sun International FZE
- The Omniyat Group
- Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC
- Emirates NBD Bank PJSC
- ICICI Bank Ltd, Dubai Branch
- Axis Bank Ltd
- Commercial Bank of Dubai
Work highlights
Acted as sponsor's counsel for the landmark PPP joint venture formed by a GCC government owned port operator and a private group that is a world leader in shipping and logistics.
Acted as legal counsel to a Middle Eastern bank on a cross-border distressed debt restructuring and acquisition financing involving syndicated facility transition, covenant releases, and intercreditor arrangements across six jurisdictions.
Advised Al Dahra on a structured trade finance transaction involving flash title transfer, receivables purchase, and multi-jurisdictional assignment mechanics to support regional wheat commodity imports.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Rustum Shah
Other key lawyers
Murtaza Hussain; Chinar Zaidi; Shwini Dsouza