Latham & Watkins LLP maintains a strong position in UAE M&A, advising on heavyweight inbound and outbound transactions. The team combines deep local insight with global execution capability, frequently acting for sovereign wealth funds, government-related entities, and private equity houses on complex deals across energy, technology, and private capital. Team head Eyad Latif has a broad practice that is particularly noted for its focus on venture capital and start-up focus. Omar Maayeh, another venture capital specialist, combines finance and M&A expertise to comprehensively advise his strong client base.
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.
- ‘Eyad Latif invests heavily in the development of his associates and takes a hands-on approach when requested by clients. His transaction teams remain focused on the issues most relevant to each client’s specific risk profile.’
- ‘The team is highly commercial and pragmatic in its approach to mitigating legal risk. They remain accessible and responsive even under tight deadlines, ensuring matters are handled efficiently. Billing is also flexible and aligned with the client’s timeline—for example, upon funding in the case of a capital raise.’
Key clients
- Tabby
- Sary Technologies Holding Ltd
- SpiderSilk Inc.
- Arzan Investment Management
- Madouie Holdings Company
- Salla
- Aliph Capital
- PJT Partners
- ADNOC
- SadaPay Technologies Ltd
- Jawaker
- Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA)
Work highlights
Advised Sary, the leading B2B marketplace and services platform in the Gulf, on its merger with ShopUp, Bangladesh’s largest B2B commerce platform, to form SILQ Group. SILQ Group is backed by US$110 million in funding, including an equity investment and a financing facility for SILQ Financial, the group’s financial services arm.
Advised SpiderSilk, a pioneering cyber-AI product company renowned for its proprietary AI-powered defensive technologies, including the flagship exposure management platform, Resonance, on its acquisition by CPX Holding, a leading provider of cutting-edge cyber and physical security solutions and services.
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
Eyad Latif
Other key lawyers
Omar Maayeh