Dentons‘ disputes practice in the UAE stands out for its expertise across commercial, regulatory, construction, and banking sectors, complemented by deep UAE legal knowledge and experience in arbitration and DIFC Court capabilities. Spearheading the practice is Dean Ryburn who covers a wide range of commercial and construction disputes, acting for a number of financial institutions, project companies, and financial sponsors. Christopher Brennan oversees compliance and investigation matters, while Suzannah Fairbairn is another key name for construction and engineering-related matters. Faris Shehabi ’is a solid senior associate well versed in arbitration procedures’. Zahra Rose Khawaja has a wealth of experience litigating in the DIFC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A good team with depth of experience in Middle Eastern arbitration.’
‘Faris Shehabi is a solid senior associate well versed in arbitration procedures.'
- 'Zahra Rose Khawaja: One of the best senior associates in the region. On track for partner. Intelligent, very hard working, excellent client manner.’
‘I have worked with the Dentons team on a number of complex matters over the last few years. The team has excellent lawyers from top to bottom and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for any commercial dispute.’
‘Zahra Rose Khawaja is a star of the future. She is one of the best associates I have worked with in any jurisdiction and is more than a match for the partners of law firms on the opposing side.'
- 'Faris Shehabi is extremely knowledgeable and full of interesting ideas on how to improve the client's position.'
- 'Dean Ryburn is a fantastic litigator. He's cool under pressure and a great strategist.’
Key clients
- The State Bank of Mauritius
- Haulotte Middle East FZE
Work highlights
Successfully obtained an immediate judgment against the Defendants for US$30m in debt in May 2021, followed by a finding in fraud before the DIFC Court in December 2021. The Defendants appealed the fraud finding, and the appeal hearing took place in September 2023. The DIFC Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in March 2024 and dismissed the appeal.
Acting for a syndicate of leading Middle Eastern banks in an LCIA arbitration seeking recovery of more than AED2.5 billion under the Financing Documents for a landmark Middle East infrastructure project.
Acting for a global hospitality operator in relation to several disputes including an ICC arbitration in relation to allegations of fraud, bribery and gross negligence as well as claims for breach of intellectual property rights and recovery of sums owing following termination of the hotel management agreement.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Dean Ryburn
Other key lawyers
Christopher Brennan; Suzannah Fairbairn; Faris Shehabi; Zahra Rose Khawaja