
Praised for its ‘expertise, high quality of work and excellent communication’, Al Tamimi & Company's arbitration and and international litigation practice leads across the banking, construction, real estate, and utilities sectors. Recent instructions include landmark shareholder disputes, cross-border restructurings, worldwide freezing orders, as well as sanctions and enforcement matters. With a large team, Rita Jaballah heads the firm’s international litigation group, particularly skilled in financial disputes. Naief Yahia leads on local law matters from Dubai, Paul Taylor acts on litigation and arbitrations in the construction and commercial sector, Essam Al Tamimi is an experienced arbitrator, and David Holloway is a specialist in international trade law. Richard Bell and Khushboo Shahdadpuri are further key contacts in the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Jonathan Brooks - always available. David Holloway - very knowledgeable. ’
- ‘Expertise, high quality of work and excellent communication of advice to in house legal teams.'
- ‘Richard Bell. Expertise, high quality advisory and excellent communication with in house legal teams.'
- ‘Al Tamimi Dispute Resolution practice provides specialized Construction Law expertise, specifically in the Transportation Sector. Their presence in the Middle East allows our Country Directors to liaise directly with the Country Al Tamimi Lawyers. Execution of services once a SoW has been agreed is prompt and delivery of services is always on time within the deadlines.'
- ‘Paul Taylor - Al Tamimi's Middle East Arbitration Lead Based in UAE is outstanding on all dispute matters giving clear advice and strategies.'
- ‘Naief Yahia - very confident and knowledgeable and fully involved in the case. his communication of instructions and decision making very timely and clear. Khushboo Shahdadpuri - very knowledgeable and involved every step of the case and understands the importance of good experts and alignment of the case. Justin Jie Zhang - very knowledgeable and fully aware of the facts and was able to engage in technical discussions of delay matters. Very communicable and invested a lot of time on the case to prepare the case.'
Key clients
- Walch & Schurti Attorneys at Law
- Oman Insurance Company
- Mashreq Bank
- LG Electronics
- Credit Suisse
- FAB Securities
- El Seif Engineering
- KT & G
- Mediclinic
- beIN Sports
- HSBC
- Majid Al Futtaim
Work highlights
Acted on behalf of Sapura Energy Berhad in a landmark application to the DIFC Courts for the recognition of a sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Malaysian law, pursuant to Schedule 4 of the DIFC Insolvency Law (DIFC Law No. 1 of 2019).
Instructed by GTC Trading SA in relation to enforcement and asset tracing claims, including matters involving freezing orders, the appointment of receivers, and complex international enforcement issues.
Instructed by Nexus Financial Services in two related claims before the QFC Commercial Court. Successfully defended the client against claims exceeding US$10 million, involving alleged breaches of contract and violations of QFC regulatory provisions related to the marketing of investments.
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
Essam Al Tamimi; Rita Jaballah; Paul Taylor; Naief Yahia; David Holloway; Richard Bell; Khushboo Shahdadpuri
Other key lawyers
Justin Jie Zhang; Tarek Shrayh; Jonathan Brooks; Kareem Bessisso

