Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP draws on its integrated regional practice to advise across the full lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects, spanning M&A, finance, development, and disputes. The practice is jointly led by Rustum Shah, a recognised name in project finance for financial institutions, Ron Nobbs, who brings extensive expertise in contentious and non-contentious construction and engineering matters, and Iwan Walters, who provides comprehensive support throughout the entire project lifecycle. Diwakar Agarwal continues to act in cross-sector M&A transactions, while Toufic Safie remains active in social infrastructure mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Stephenson Harwood team is absolutely outstanding, with fantastic lawyers, dedicated and with superb commercial acumen.'
- ‘Ron Nobbs is absolutely fantastic – extremely bright and an outstanding lawyer, immensely experienced and a superb strategist who is brilliant with clients and a real pleasure to work with.'
- ‘Ryan Whelan is very knowledgeable on the Middle East infrastructure market.’
- ‘The Stephenson Harwood team is excellent, particularly Ryan Whelan. They have recruited a few heavyweight partners and I expect them to make a serious impact moving forward.’
- ‘Ryan Whelan is excellent and a pleasure to work with. His attention to detail is hugely impressive and he is particularly strong in difficult situations where he has proven time and again to be unflappable.’
- ‘The team has a real in-depth construction knowledge.'
Key clients
- Abu Dhabi Ports Group
- CMA Terminals
- 44.01
- Drydocks World - Dubai LLC
- Esyasoft Holding Ltd,
- Yellow Door Energy
- Al Dahra
- Emirates NBD Bank PJSC
Work highlights
Acted as sponsor's counsel for the landmark PPP joint venture formed by a GCC government-owned port operator and a private group that is a world leader in shipping and logistics.
Advised Yellow Door Energy on a multi-million term loan financing facility with the Arab Banking Corporation.
Advising an international operator on an O&M Agreement on the Eithad Rail infrastructure.
Lawyers
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
Iwan Walters; Rustum Shah; Ron Nobbs
Other key lawyers
Diwakar Agarwal; Toufic Safie; Ryan Whelan; Tammy Samuel