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Hussain Murtaza

Murtaza Hussain

Managing Associate

Murtaza is a leading banking and finance lawyer, specialising in sustainable finance and complex cross-border transactions across the Middle East.

D +971 4 407 3939
M +971 56 508 6178

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Awards and Recognition

Ranked as a "Leading Associate" for Banking and Finance: Corporate Finance (including Islamic Lending) and ranked as a "Recommended Lawyer" for Infrastructure and projects (including project finance)
The Legal 500 EMEA Guide, 2025 

"Murtaza Hussain stands out as an exceptional young talent. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate complex legal and commercial issues, skilfully balancing our interests." 

The Legal 500 EMEA Guide, 2025 - Banking and Finance: Corporate Finance (including Islamic Lending) 

Shortlisted for 'Rising Star of the Year – International Law Firm'
IFLR Middle East Legal Awards 2024. 

"His expertise in both conventional and Islamic financing structures adds significant value to our transactions, making him a go-to lawyer for our more complex financing deals." 

The Legal 500 EMEA Guide, 2025 - Banking and Finance: Corporate Finance (including Islamic Lending) 

"Murtaza Hussain's attention to detail in drafting and negotiating the financing documents, coupled with his proactive communication style, was instrumental in bringing our high-profile deal to a successful close." 

The Legal 500 EMEA Guide, 2025 - Banking and Finance: Corporate Finance (including Islamic Lending) 

Biography

Language – English
Jurisdictions – England & Wales, India, UAE 

Murtaza specialises in working with an array of leading lenders and corporate borrowers in navigating through the technical legal and commercial nuisances which are unique to the Middle East and Africa regions in relation to some of their strategically important mandates, both from a market and business operational perspective, which are often cross-border in nature.   

His expertise spans syndicated, project, trade, sustainable, real estate, and Islamic financings, and structured transactions, with a particular focus on renewable energy and ESG-driven deals. Whether advising on multi-billion-dollar project financings, innovative Islamic structures, or cross-border syndicated facilities, Murtaza brings commercial insight, technical precision, and strategic thinking to every transaction. 

He's regularly called upon by prominent regional and international financial institutions major energy companies, and leading infrastructure providers, not just for his deep technical knowledge, but also for his innovative approach to complex legal challenges and his ability to deliver practical solutions under pressure.  

Murtaza has been instrumental in several award-winning transactions, including novel sustainable finance solutions and landmark infrastructure projects. His work consistently demonstrates how sophisticated legal structuring can drive commercial success while advancing sustainability objectives across the region.

Experience

  • Multi-Million Dollar Green Energy Financing

    Advised major renewable energy company on securing term loan facility from regional bank to refinance solar PV assets across GCC region, supporting renewable energy growth aligned with COP28 objectives.

  • State-of-the-Art Container Terminal

    Acted as sponsor's counsel for landmark PPP joint venture between regional port authority and international terminal operator, facilitating senior secured term loan for new container terminal construction.  This was awarded "Transportation Deal of the Year" at the IJ Global MENA Awards 2024.

  • US$503 Million Syndicated Facility

    Led legal counsel role for treasury management entity on complex syndicated facilities agreement including accordion feature, coordinating across multiple jurisdictions and international lender syndicate.

  • US$252 Million Oil Refinery Development

    Advised sponsors on project financing for major oil refinery development in Iraq, managing complex cross-border legal requirements and innovative financing structures.

  • US$34.4 Million Sustainability-Linked Murabaha

    Structured innovative AAOIFI-compliant sustainability-linked term facility for food processing company, combining Islamic finance principles with ESG performance metrics.

  • International Bank - Cross-Border Trade Finance

    Facilitated numerous deals providing working capital and trade financing solutions across multiple jurisdictions, supporting business growth in dynamic UAE market.

  • AED 500 Million Commodity Murabaha

    Prepared and negotiated financing documents ensuring compliance with AAOIFI Standard 59 and UAE Central Bank requirements, navigating divergent interpretations among UAE banks.

  • US$110 Million ECA-Backed Murabaha

    Advised borrower on Italian ECA-backed commodity murabaha financing, ensuring compliance with AAOIFI standards and UAE Central Bank Shari'a requirements.

  • Multi-Million Cross-Border Securitisation

    Led complex off-balance sheet receivables securitisation across eight jurisdictions, demonstrating expertise in innovative structured finance solutions.

  • US$50 Million Murabaha and Wakala Structure

    Advised leading Islamic banking group on obtaining Sharia-compliant financing from International Finance Corporation, structuring complex wakala agreement.

EXPERTISE

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