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
- Phone
- +971 56 174 4085
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
Maritime, Insurance, Dispute Resolution, Aviation
Position
Partner - Head of Middle East Shipping and Insurance
Languages
English, Arabic
Content supplied by Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP
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.'
'Compared to other firms, Saif Almobideen's practice is more niche, more cutting edge in some respects (precedents, enforcement, litigation + arbitration mix), with recognition that is growing fast. For clients with significant exposure in shipping or marine insurance (or related sectors), his team is likely to offer better outcomes, especially when foreign/international dimensions are involved.'‘They have a strong team with a breadth of experience.’
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.