Bird & Bird continues to expand its UAE corporate and commercial practice, bolstered by the relocation of seasoned practitioner Simon Shooter from its London office in 2024 and the addition of Raya AlKhatib from an in-house role at American Express in 2023. Alongside a steady flow of complex M&A mandates, the firm is recognised for its comprehensive commercial expertise, advising marquee public and private sector clients across the Gulf on a wide range of commercial contracts. Leading the practice alongside Shooter is Anders Nilsson, who focuses on domestic and cross-border M&A, and Melissa Murray, whose far-reaching commercial practice is particularly specialised in franchising, distribution and supply agreements. Surabhi Singhi provides additional support on Gulf-wide M&A and joint venture transactions.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Anders Nilson is an outstanding lawyer and partner. He is always able to provide timely and accurate advice in a complex and challenging environment.’
‘The practice provides advice in a market and legal system completely different from our continental jurisdictions. The team is readily available and knows how to translate local requirements into our legal understanding.’
‘Surabhi Singhi and Anders Nilsson are highly efficient lawyers that act with a good focus on client needs and the main drivers in a transaction.’
‘Surabhi Singhi is proactive and helpful.’
Key clients
- Gulf Islamic Investments
- ATPI Limited
- Florin Court Capital
- JSW Infrastructure
- Archer Aviation Inc.
- Stratasys Solutions Limited
- Serenity
- NEOM Company
- Tonomus
- Dubai Cultiv8
Work highlights
- Continuing to assist JSW Infrastructure on their USD187 million acquisition of Marine Oil Terminal Corporation.
- Advising Archer Aviation Inc. on their memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Investment Office regarding multi-hundred-million dollar investments to accelerate Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE
- Continuing to advise NEOM Company on the full range of their commercial contracting and especially those relating to or involving technology.
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Anders Nilsson; Melissa Murray; Simon Shooter
Other key lawyers
Raya AlKhatib; Surabhi Singhi