Lauded for its ‘deep sector expertise, commercial acumen, and responsiveness in high-stakes matters’, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP advises insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and corporates on a broad spectrum of insurance matters, including product liability, professional indemnity, business interruption, and speciality risks. The practice also offers alternative risk transfer solutions, captive insurance support, and an active marine insurance capability, alongside advising on insurance-related M&A transactions. Practice head Mohamed El Hawawy brings significant experience in acting for insurers on coverage, regulatory, and high-value disputes. ’Top-tier specialist’ Saif Almobideen focuses on marine insurance, acting in casualty, pollution, collision, and cargo matters, while Mahmoud El Sayed regularly represents clients in complex coverage disputes across the region.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP’s Insurance practice stands out for its deep sector expertise, commercial acumen, and responsiveness in high-stakes matters. The team consistently demonstrates a rare ability to combine technical precision with strategic insight — particularly in complex, cross-border disputes and regulatory matters.'
- 'Saif Almobideen serves as the lead partner on all our matters before the UAE and English courts, as well as in arbitration. His command of shipping and insurance law — combined with his calm, decisive approach — has been instrumental in securing successful outcomes for our business, even in the most challenging and multifaceted claims.'
- ‘Khurram Ali really understands the Saudi market, and the unique challenges and opportunities of being in-Kingdom.’
- 'Saif Almobideen is widely regarded as one of the region’s foremost experts in maritime and insurance law, and his ability to navigate legal complexity with clarity and confidence sets him apart.'
- ‘The individuals I work with at Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP consistently demonstrate a rare combination of technical excellence, commercial awareness, and personal integrity. What sets them apart from competitors is their ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance — often under time-sensitive and high-pressure conditions.'
- ‘Saif Almobideen is a top-tier specialist in maritime/insurance dispute resolution in the Middle East, particularly for high-stakes cross-border matters. What makes his practice unique is the combination of local civil law court strength and international arbitration and foreign law application.'
Key clients
- British Marine
- Evergreen Shipping Agency Co. (U.A.E) LLC
- Bahri Logistics Co
- Hapag-Lloyd Middle East Shipping LLC
- TT Club
- China Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association
Work highlights
Represented Evergreen Shipping Agency Co. (U.A.E) LLC in a high-value cargo misdeclaration dispute before the Dubai Courts, seeking AED26m in damages following the refusal of Chinese authorities to discharge and clear the shipment.
Acted for Hapag-Lloyd Middle East Shipping LLC in defending a multi-million-dollar insurance and cargo damage dispute arising from shipments from Dubai to Senegal, involving complex liability and technical issues before the Dubai Courts.
Represented China Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association in connection with a fatal incident at Jebel Ali Port, successfully lifting a vessel detention order and defending the crew against criminal charges before the Dubai courts.
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.
Mahmoud El Sayed
Practice head
Mohamed El Hawawy
Other key lawyers
Saif Almobideen; Mahmoud El Sayed; Khurram Ali