Offering a ‘unique combination of global scale, local insight, and a progressive approach to legal service delivery’, Baker McKenzie LLP advises on the full spectrum of corporate and M&A activity in the UAE, covering public and private transactions, private equity, venture capital and joint ventures. The practice draws on strong regional regulatory knowledge and cross-border capability, with notable activity across the technology, consumer and infrastructure sectors. Osama Audi leads the team, advising Gulf and international funds on a broad range of inbound and outbound transactions. Abeer Jarrar and Adnan Doha are highly active on complex cross-border transactions across the technology, digital infrastructure, healthcare, retail and financial services. Patrick McGregor is noted for his contributions.
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Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Baker McKenzie offers a unique combination of global scale, local insight, and a progressive approach to legal service delivery—making it a trusted partner for clients seeking both innovation and reliability.’
- ‘Across the board, Baker McKenzie’s individuals are collaborative, easy to work with, and bring a calm, solutions-oriented approach to even the most challenging matters. Their professionalism, integrity, and client-first mindset set them apart from peers at other firms.'
- ‘What makes Baker McKenzie's Corporate and M&A team unique is their global reach combined with deep local expertise. They don’t just have offices worldwide; they operate as one seamless, integrated unit. This is a huge advantage for any cross-border deal, as they navigate complex international laws with a level of efficiency and insight other firms can't match.'
- ‘The individuals on Baker McKenzie's Corporate and M&A team stand out for their pragmatism, commercial acumen, and unwavering commitment to client needs. Their ability to combine high-level legal expertise with a genuine understanding of our business objectives is second to none. They don't just provide a legal opinion; they offer strategic, actionable advice that helps us achieve our goals.'
- ‘Baker McKenzie’s Dubai Corporate and M&A team is distinctive for its deep regional fluency paired with international‑grade execution. Having worked alongside them on complex GCC mandates, I have seen lawyers who are equally comfortable with Arabic‑language documentation and Gulf business dynamics as they are with global best practice on cross‑border deals. That blend—local credibility with international standards—consistently delivers reliable outcomes in time‑sensitive matters.
- ‘Partner Abeer Jarrar in the Dubai office has the technical expertise, commercial awareness and is superb in building long term relationships with clients and other colleagues in the market. Throughout our work together on various acquisitions, Abeer led the transaction teams effectively and delivered excellent legal advice while guiding the clients through the business reality of complex corporate transactions.'
Key clients
- Al Khorayef Group
- Ooredoo Group
- Aster DM Healthcare Limited
- Brooge Energy Limited
- Ashmore Group
- Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
- Georg Fischer AG
- Gulf Cement Company PJSC
- Gulf Data Hub FZ Co.
- James L. Williams (JLW) Middle East Limited
- Core42
- Sunset Hospitality Group
Work highlights
Advised Gulf Data Hub (GDH), a leading independent carrier and vendor neutral data center platforms in the Middle East, on the sale of a sizeable stake to global investment firm KKR. Upon completion, KKR and GDH have committed to support over USD 5 billion of total investment to grow GDH's market leading position and support its global expansion strategy.
Advised the Ooredoo Group, a Qatari multinational telecommunications company, on a complex multijurisdictional carve-out of its data centre business and subsequent sale of a significant minority stake in the newly carved-out data centre business to a strategic US based investor, Iron Mountain for USD 1 billion.
Advising Nexus Point, a Hong Kong based fund, on its successful acquisition of Creative Zone, a UAE-based business services platform as part of Nexus Point’s strategy of investing in the Middle Easte and acquiring and rolling up various business service platforms in the region and globally.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Osama Audi
Other key lawyers
Adnan Doha; Abeer Jarrar; Patrick McGregor