Latham & Watkins LLP ‘stands out as one of the most impressive in the region’, praised for its ‘mastery of complex regulatory frameworks, disclosure obligations, and cross-border structuring challenges’. The firm advises corporates, financial institutions, and sovereign entities on major ECM and DCM mandates across the Middle East, spanning UAE and Saudi IPOs, high-yield bonds, sukuk structures, and liability management. Team head Nomaan Raja advises across a broad range of DCM and ECM transactions, including conventional and Sukuk issuances, equity offerings and restructurings. Basil Al-Jafari is routinely sought out by regional corporates and sovereign-related entities for DCM work. David Hayward and Lois Pickering also come recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The firm’s capital markets team stands out as one of the most impressive in the region. They bring a New York–style sophistication to structuring, documenting, and executing capital markets transactions, whether equity or debt, public or private.'
- 'Their mastery of complex regulatory frameworks, disclosure obligations, and cross-border structuring challenges is matched only by their ability to translate these technical demands into clear, practical guidance for clients. The team demonstrates not just technical excellence but also the agility to anticipate market shifts and craft solutions that stand up to the highest international standards.'
- ‘Basil Al Jafari perfectly embodies the firm’s unique blend of world-class technical excellence and regional cultural fluency. He brings the rigor, clarity, and creativity expected at the very highest levels of international practice.'
- 'Basil’s deep understanding of Middle Eastern business culture, his ability to build trust, and his nuanced approach to relationship management make him an exceptionally effective advisor in the region. He bridges the gap between global best practice and local realities with ease, ensuring clients receive advice that is not only legally impeccable but also commercially and culturally attuned.’
Key clients
- Saudi Aramco
- Investcorp
- FIVE Holdings
- Emirates REIT
- BAPCO Energies
- Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (Etisalat Group) PJSC
- Government of Dubai
- Dana Gas PJSC
- Crescent Petroleum
- Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company
- Public Investment Fund
- Citigroup Global Markets Limited
Work highlights
Advised the underwriters on Alpha Data’s initial public offering (IPO) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). The offer comprised of 400,000,000 ordinary shares sold by pre-existing shareholders Bin Hamoodah Company LLC and Ibbini Investment Company LLC, equivalent to 40% of its total issued share capital.
Advised Emirates REIT on the issuance by Emirates REIT Sukuk III Limited of US$205,000,000 secured trust certificates due 2028, listed on The International Stock Exchange. The proceeds will be used to fully refinance Emirates REIT’s existing sukuk due December 2025. The new Sukuk carries a profit rate of 7.5% in years one-three with a step up to 8.25% in year four and is rated BB+ by Fitch.
Advised Bapco Energies in connection with (i) the updates of its US$3 billion GMTN program and US$3 billion sukuk program; (ii) an issuance of US$1 billion trust certificates under its sukuk program; and (iii) a capped tender offer of its US$1 billion notes due 2027
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Nomaan Raja
Other key lawyers
Basil Al Jafari; David Hayward; Lois Pickering