迪拜

Construction, engineering, and infrastructure projects in the MENA region present complex project management, dispute avoidance and dispute resolution challenges. Whether you are a government body, employer, developer, contractor, or funder, we can provide you with the expert advice and support that will enable you to drive your project forward, navigate problems as they arise, and achieve your commercial objectives.

Our dedicated team of sector specialists, including local Arabic speaking litigators, have decades of regional and international expertise in representing clients on many of the most technically ambitious and iconic megaprojects in the Middle East and globally. Our experience extends to multi-billion-dollar projects and acting as project counsel, providing real time dispute avoidance and positioning advice to employers and contractors on live projects.

With construction, engineering and infrastructure projects often giving rise to the most complex and consequential of legal disputes, clients choose us for our track record of delivering success: we know the law; we know the landscape; we get results. 

For more information, view our Dispute Resolution services.

Our corporate team is led by four partners with over a decade of regional experience, offering commercially focused advice tailored to our clients' business needs.

We advise on the full spectrum of corporate work, including cross-border M&A, disposals, joint ventures, private equity, venture capital, foreign direct investment, governance, commercial contracts and regulatory matters. 
Supporting clients across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and US, we have significant expertise across a wide range of key and emerging sectors such as technology, life sciences, financial services, energy and resources and transportation.

We are known for our deep understanding of GCC legal frameworks, our multilingual capabilities, and our ability to seamlessly manage inbound and outbound transactions. 
Working closely with our international network, we deliver clear, strategic advice on high-profile and complex transactions.

Clients value our practical, business-led approach and our commitment to delivering commercially viable solutions.

For more information, view our Corporate services.

We have extensive experience managing investigations across various sectors, including those driven by regulatory or prosecution interest, whistleblowing reports, or as part of broader crisis management.

We help local and international companies navigate complex and often time-pressured investigations to manage risk and deliver actionable conclusions, in line with carefully crafted and adaptable strategic advice.

Our investigations specialists work closely with colleagues in complementary practice areas (such as employment and litigation) to deliver holistic solutions to the problems triggering an investigation.  

Recent examples have spanned such topics as cyber fraud, suspected market abuse, employment disputes, alleged health and safety breaches and forgery of documents.

Companies increasingly see internal investigations as key to compliance, and we regularly advise on the design and development of whistleblowing and internal investigations systems and controls.

Disputes in the Middle East are increasingly complex and require expertise spanning commercial litigation, regulatory investigations, restructuring and insolvency, construction, fraud, asset recovery, professional negligence, technology and digital assets, employment, insurance and more. Navigating these challenges demands both local knowledge and international perspective.

Clients rely on us to safeguard their interests, manage risk, and deliver clarity—whether facing disputes before civil or common law courts (including local UAE Courts and the DIFC and ADGM Courts), international arbitration tribunals, or regulatory authorities. We support clients at every stage of a dispute, from early and effective engagement in alternative dispute resolution processes, including preliminary negotiations and mediation, through to formal litigation or arbitration and enforcement proceedings.
Our bilingual team includes common law and civil law qualified lawyers, with rights of audience in the DIFC Courts. We advise corporates, individuals, financial institutions, government entities, and private clients, providing seamless guidance across all sectors and jurisdictions.

Clients return to us for our depth of expertise, proven results, and trusted reputation—knowing we cover every base to support their business.

For more information, view our Dispute Resolution services.

The Middle East employment landscape has seen rapid change, driven by regulatory reform, economic growth, and international investment. For employers, workforce matters are central to business success, strategy and reputation.

Navigating local labour laws and related regulations is a daily challenge for organisations seeking to attract, retain, and motivate talent while managing risk and compliance. Clients seek our clear, practical advice on issues arising at all stages of the employment lifecycle, including recruitment, incentives, investigations, exits, disputes, cross-border workforce management and the employment aspects of data protection.

Our specialists support local and international employers across all sectors, combining regional insight with global reach to deliver joined-up, commercially focused solutions at every stage of the employment lifecycle.

For more information, view our Employment services.

Today's financing landscape demands sophisticated solutions that address regulatory complexity, ESG requirements, and digital transformation. Clients need legal partners who deliver certainty while navigating cross-border challenges and emerging market opportunities.

Our award-winning team advises leading regional and international banks, ECAs, development banks, corporates, funds, and government entities across the full spectrum of banking and finance transactions. We're recognised market leaders in both conventional and Shari'ah-compliant structures, with a particular strength in syndicated lending, asset finance, real estate finance, project finance, structured finance, and trade finance.

From multi-billion-dollar infrastructure financings to innovative sustainability-linked facilities and leveraged financings, we deliver commercially focused solutions that align with our client's objectives.

Clients value our track record in landmark and innovative deals, and commitment to delivering practical, future-focused advice.

For more information, view our Finance services.

The Middle East financial services regulatory landscape is changing rapidly, driven by new rules, global trends, and greater regulatory scrutiny. For financial institutions, compliance is central to resilience, reputation, and growth.

Navigating complex obligations and cross-border operations is a daily challenge for firms seeking to stay competitive. Clients rely on us for practical, commercially focused advice on compliance, regulatory change, investigations, and enforcement. Our team supports a wide range of clients, from major financial institutions to specialist boutiques, providing seamless local and international solutions. We help manage risk and ensure clients remain compliant in a fast-evolving market.

For more information, view our Financial Services Regulation services.

Clients rely on us for end-to-end insurance support across the Middle East, from coverage advice and policy drafting to regulatory compliance, transactions, and dispute resolution.

We work seamlessly with our global insurance team to support cross-border matters, offering clients coordinated, commercially focused advice across jurisdictions.

We advise on complex claims, reinsurance, and policy wordings. We are experienced across all key business lines including D&O, property, casualty, business interruption, professional indemnity, product liability, political risk, marine, and trade credit.

With deep insight into the regional regulatory landscape and a strong track record in UAE court and arbitration proceedings, we help clients resolve disputes efficiently and mitigate risk. We are known for our commercial mindset, sector-specific understanding, and commitment to delivering solutions that align with your strategic priorities.

For more information, view our Insurance services.

Islamic finance continues to expand globally, with clients increasingly seeking sophisticated Shari'ah-compliant solutions.

Key challenges include navigating evolving regulations, structuring innovative products, and ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

As Global Head of Islamic Finance, our team delivers comprehensive advice across asset finance, project finance, private equity, fund structures, sukuk issuances, and derivatives. We leverage deep relationships with leading Shari'ah scholars and extensive regulatory knowledge across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Our expertise spans all Islamic finance structures including murabaha, ijara, istisna'a, wakala, mudaraba, and musharaka. We're recognised for pioneering ESG-integrated Islamic finance solutions and sustainability-linked structures that align with modern client objectives.

Clients choose us for our proven ability to execute complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions efficiently while ensuring full Shari'ah compliance and commercial viability.

For more information, view our Finance services.

Our Middle East life sciences team understands the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector.

With many years of experience supporting clients in the life sciences and healthcare industries, we have particular strength in advising on complex corporate transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and strategic collaborations, as well as dispute resolution.

Our clients range from innovative biotech start-ups to global pharmaceutical and medical device companies, delivering high-quality support across the full business lifecycle. We are retained by leading international life sciences companies who value our deep sector knowledge, strategic approach and ability to deliver practical, results-driven solutions aligned with both regional and global objectives.

By leveraging our scientific understanding and legal expertise, we provide advice that is not only technically sound but also grounded in the realities of the technologies our clients develop.

For more information, view our Life Sciences & Healthcare services

Our top tier maritime, trade and offshore team is the largest specialist practice in the region. 

Operating across the Middle East and fully integrated with our global team, we provide end-to-end support across wet and dry shipping issues, commercial and transactional mandates and trade-related matters. 

We act for a broad range of industry stakeholders, advising on issues such as casualty claims, charterparty and contractual disputes, project financings, asset and vessel sales, as well as M&A and joint ventures in the sector. Our trade expertise spans complex cross-border contracts and sanctions matters, while our regulatory work covers compliance with international shipping regulations.

Our team brings together international legal capability with on-the-ground experience, including Arabic-speaking lawyers qualified in both common and civil law systems.

Recognised as the ‘UAE – Shipping Team of the Year’ by Chambers & Partners in 2025, we are trusted for our depth of expertise and proven track record across all areas of maritime law.

For more information, view our Marine, Trade & Offshore services.

The Middle East private wealth landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by global tax reforms, cross-border investments, and shifting family dynamics. For individuals, families, and business owners, protecting and growing wealth is essential to securing their legacy.

Our top-ranked private wealth team delivers practical, commercially focused advice to local and international clients across the full spectrum of private wealth matters. These include succession and estate planning, cross-border estate administration, family governance, tax planning, residency and immigration, and dispute resolution.

We advise on the creation and management of regional and international structures, including trusts and foundations and family offices. Our expertise also spans international pension schemes, remuneration trusts, and compliance with global transparency regimes.

Working seamlessly with our international network and trusted intermediaries, we deliver tailored solutions that protect and grow wealth across generations.

For more information, view our Private Wealth services.

Major energy and infrastructure projects are transforming the Middle East region. Clients face evolving challenges in relation to regulatory hurdles, and commercial pressures in the delivery of these complex project developments - across renewables, water, transport, and social infrastructure - which demands clear guidance and practical solutions at every stage.

Drawing on extensive international experience coupled with on the ground capability; we bring best practice to regional projects. Clients seek support to structure, finance, and deliver projects that are technically robust, and commercially viable. Navigating procurement, joint ventures, and cross-border investments, they value advice that aligns with their strategic objectives and mitigates risk.

Our proven track record in supporting sponsors, developers, lenders, and governments throughout the project lifecycle - development, financing, construction, operation, and dispute management - means we are the firm of choice in successfully delivering projects that shape the region’s future.

Combining legal, technical, and commercial insight, we help clients achieve sustainable outcomes.

For more information, view our Projects, Energy and Infrastructure services.

Our Middle East technology team is an integral part of Stephenson Harwood’s global technology offering, advising clients on the full range of legal services relevant to the fast-evolving digital economy.

We support technology-driven businesses across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, providing practical and strategic legal guidance tailored to the demands of innovation, disruption and growth.

We act for a diverse client base, from multinational tech companies to fast-growing start-ups, as well as businesses procuring or integrating cutting-edge technologies into their operations, platforms and services. Our clients include companies at the forefront of artificial intelligence, fintech, blockchain, software-as-a-service (SaaS), digital health, cloud infrastructure and other transformational technologies.

We understand that the technology landscape demands fast, commercially sound, and forward-thinking legal support. Our lawyers combine legal excellence with deep sector insight to help clients make confident decisions at every stage of the business lifecycle, from early-stage development and investment to complex cross-border transactions, regulatory navigation, dispute resolution and beyond.

For more information, view our Technology services.

Our Middle East team is an integral part of our global transportation and trade practice, with a strong focus on handling high-value and complex disputes as well as advising on major projects across the region. We act for leading stakeholders in aviation, shipping, commodities trading and logistics infrastructure, including many of the world’s foremost airlines, shipowners, port operators, governmental bodies, financiers and developers.

We work seamlessly with our international network to deliver commercially driven, hands-on legal support throughout the full lifecycle of transport and trade matters. Our work spans financing, construction, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, day-to-day operational issues, and dispute resolution. In particular, we have significant experience advising on public-private partnership (PPP) and concession-based infrastructure projects, particularly those relating to ports.

We represent clients in significant disputes within the aviation, commodities and broader transportation and trade sectors, before local courts as well as in international arbitrations under the rules of leading arbitral institutions. 

With deep regional knowledge and sector-specific expertise, we help clients navigate challenges, resolve issues efficiently, and deliver on their commercial objectives.

For more information, view our Transportation and Trade services.