Banking & Finance
We advise financial institutions on project finance, pre-export and trade finance, real estate finance, acquisition finance, general corporate finance, aircraft and other asset based finance, and Islamic financing transactions. Our transactions range from short-term unsecured facilities to global banking facilities involving multijurisdictional collateral, several layers of credit (multilateral agencies, senior, mezzanine, subordinated, vendor), and often include Islamic finance structures.
Capital Markets
We regularly advise underwriters, placement agents and issuers on equity and debt capital market transactions. We are recognized for our work in areas ranging from IPOs and secondary offerings, financing corporates, private placements to convertible and debt securities. Our leading practice also provides guidance on financial services regulation.
Construction
We represent government agencies and various private entities on all aspects of major construction, engineering and infrastructure projects. We are experienced in dealing with standard local contracts as well as a wide range of project-specific agreements for project delivery approaches.
Corporate/M&A
Our Corporate/M&A lawyers advise clients on domestic and cross-border joint ventures, acquisitions, privatizations, divestitures, financings, mergers, spinoffs, strategic alliances and reorganizations.
Data Privacy & Security
We provide global privacy compliance solutions that require not only a thorough knowledge of data protection and privacy and data security laws in the Middle East and from around the world but also a keen understanding of how to develop and implement best practices across an organization with diverse business functions and locations of operations.
Employment
We offer clients the full spectrum of employment advice. We advise on all aspects of labour law in support of your strategic objectives through the structuring, management and organization of your workforce. We also work closely with our dispute resolution team on employment disputes before the Ministry of Labour and the respective courts.
Energy & Infrastructure
We are seasoned in planning, structuring and implementing varied aspects of energy, natural resource and industrial development projects. Our clients include governments and other public entities, sponsors, participants, project companies, contractors, off-takers, shippers, traders and financiers.
International Arbitration and Offshore Litigation
We represent and advise clients in relation to disputes and arbitration proceedings in the MENA region, including arbitrations that involve the International Chamber of Commerce, London Court of International Arbitration, Dubai International Arbitration Centre and Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration. We also assist clients with strategic analysis in respect of claims and dispute management and participate in other forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, conciliation and dispute board proceedings.
Investigations, Compliance and Ethics
Nuanced understanding of current governing trade regulations and enforcement practices. Vast experience in developing trade compliance programs including tailored processes and procedures covering US and EU sanctions, export controls, and customs. Extensive track record of advising and establishing programs for companies in highly regulated sectors.
Islamic Finance
We have pioneering experience in structuring, documenting and advising on a wide scope of Islamic and banking and finance, treasury and acquisition finance products. Our team applies a sound understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, financial techniques and market issues to areas such as finance and capital market instruments—including sukuk, for which our experience in Saudi Arabia issuances is unrivalled.
Transport & Trade
We help clients address issues in project development and finance, among them PPP, commercial arrangements and regulatory issues. Our knowledge is built on years of experience assisting on large-scale infrastructure and transport projects involving roads, railways, ports, bridges, airports, metro and light rail systems, water and wastewater.
Private Equity & Funds
We assist sponsors and investors throughout the investment process including fund formation, acquisitions, add-ons and refinancings, portfolio company management and restructuring, and exits. We advise clients in a wide variety of private and public investment funds, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, energy, mezzanine, hedge, merchant banking, carbon credit trading and distressed assets funds.
Real Estate & Hospitality
We have substantial experience in advising master developers, sub-developers, investment funds and Islamic banks on large-scale mixed use integrated tourism, commercial hotel, retail and residential developments. Our real estate practice works alongside our other practice and industry groups, which allows us to help clients execute world class projects amid local complexities.
Tax
As trusted tax counsel to multinational companies operating in the Middle East, we were one of the first law firms to establish a dedicated standalone tax practice in the region. We advise on corporate income tax, transactional tax, VAT/indirect tax, transfer pricing, tax planning, customs through to tax disputes.
Technology
We cover the broad range of areas that fall under the TMT umbrella including communications and mobility, digital media, data security and privacy, cloud services, outsourcing, technology agreements, FinTech and e-commerce.
