Well-regarded for its ‘very commercial and client-focused’ approach, King & Spalding LLP fields one of the region’s most active funds practices, advising sponsors and asset managers on the formation of onshore and offshore vehicles across the private equity, venture capital, real estate, REITs, and credit industries. The team is also one of the few international groups with on-the-ground fund formation capabilities in Saudi Arabia, regularly advising on CMA-regulated structures and Shari’ah-compliant products. James Stull advises on the full range of sponsor-side fund formation mandates and is noted for his excellent grasp of regional securities frameworks. He leads the team alongside Nabil Issa, who regularly guides both domestic and foreign managers on CMA requirements and local fund establishment. Macky O’Sullivan brings additional strength in venture capital fund formation and related transactional work, while Sayf Shuqair continues to advise clients on Saudi Arabian fund structures, drawing on deep experience in local regulations. Dounia Mansour left the firm in 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team at King & Spalding has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and reliability across a range of matters. Their deep understanding of regional legal frameworks, particularly in the GCC, and their ability to navigate complex fund structures and regulatory environments have made them a valuable partner in our legal work.’
- ‘K&S have the best and most experienced funds team covering ADGM. Cannot praise highly enough.'
- ‘A very commercial and client-focused team.'
Key clients
- SNB Capital
- National Housing Company
- Future Fund Oman
- X12 Capital
- Walker & Dunlop Investment Partners
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Aditum Investment Management Ltd
- Franklin Templeton
- GFH Financial Group
- Dubai Future District Fund
- Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC
- Ashmore Investment Management Ltd
Work highlights
Advising BSF Capital on establishing a Saudi Arabian-domiciled private real estate investment fund that will develop a phase of King Salman Park, one of the proposed giga projects being developed in Saudi Arabia.
Advised Franklin Templeton on the establishment of two public umbrella protected cell companies in the DIFC. One public fund operates on a conventional basis and the other on a Shari'ah-compliant basis.
Advising Global Frontier Capital on the establishment of GFC Global Carbon Credit Development Fund LP, the first Green Fund established in the UAE (in the Abu Dhabi Global Market) and one of the only green-labelled funds in the MENA region.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
James Stull; Nabil Issa
Other key lawyers
Macky O'Sullivan; Sayf Shuqair