Al Tamimi & Company‘s dispute practice has been praised for ’balancing robust advocacy with commercial settlement strategies’ and has acted in landmark judgements in commercial, banking, and construction litigation. The firm can count national utilities companies, real estate developers, and international financial services firms as clients. With a deep and broad team that integrates international experience, the practice is led in Dubai by Naief Yahia, who is particularly renowned for his work in construction disputes including both litigation and arbitration. Mohamed El Dessouky has experience in banking and financial litigation. Essam Al Tamimi, Mohamed Al Marzouqi and Ahmed Allouz are all active in major commercial disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team has a proven track record in retail, construction, commercial agency, and employment-related disputes, giving it a practical understanding of the business pressures clients face. Clients benefit from seamless representation in local courts, DIFC/ADGM, and international arbitral forums (ICC, LCIA, DIAC, QICCA, BCDR), reducing the need to split instructions across multiple firms. The team is praised for balancing robust advocacy with commercial settlement strategies, ensuring disputes are managed efficiently without unnecessary escalation. A key strength is the team’s responsiveness; clients highlight the ability to obtain clear, business-focused advice on urgent disputes at short notice.’
- Clients consistently note the team’s ability to provide immediate, practical advice when disputes arise—qualities often missing in larger, less agile competitor firms. The individuals work seamlessly as a unit. Rather than operating in silos, partners and associates share strategy and responsibilities, creating a cohesive and integrated team approach. Each individual approaches disputes with a business mindset, recognising that litigation and arbitration are not ends in themselves but tools for protecting client value.'
- ‘The practice combines deep regional expertise with an international outlook, making it a trusted advisor on complex, high-value matters. Clients value the team’s responsiveness, commercial approach, and ability to deliver clear, practical solutions. What sets it apart is the seamless collaboration between partners and associates, ensuring both strategic insight and detailed execution. The firm has also embraced innovation through flexible billing, advanced legal technology, and strong diversity and inclusion initiatives. This mix of legal excellence, client focus, and innovation distinguishes the team from peers in the market.’
- ‘In the case of Al Tamimi size works to their clients' advantage.’
- ‘Deep knowledge, commitment and, above all, integrity.'
Key clients
- China Construction Eighth Engineering Division (Dubai)
- Accenture
- Minor Hotel Group MEA DMCC.
- Dubai Taxi Company P.J.S.C
- Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE
- Victoria Commercial Bank PLC.
- Stefano Ricci S.P.A
- NMC
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
- China Harbour
- China Railway
- Burford Capital
Work highlights
Involved in the recent decision from the Dubai Court of Cassation regarding the interpretation of Article 101(1) of the Commercial Companies Law, focusing on capital increase resolutions in Limited Liability Companies.
Successfully won a judgment from the Dubai Court of Appeal in a case concerning bankruptcy proceedings. Represented the creditors in an appeal against a Court of First Instance judgment which accepted a debtor’s request to initiate bankruptcy proceedings.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Essam Al Tamimi; Mohamed Al Marzouqi; Ahmed Allouz; Naief Yahia
Other key lawyers
Mohamed El Dessouky