< Previous10 June 2025law-middleeast.com NEWS AED 179.6M The total value of cases across all divisions The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has released its fi gures for the fi rst quarter of the year, reporting a strong uptake of services and continued growth in case numbers. Some 325 cases were fi led across all divisions in the fi rst quarter of 2025 with a total value of AED 179.6 million, according to the latest fi gures. The average value of claims was AED 700,000. There were 222 cases fi led in the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT), 58 cases in the Enforcement Division (ENF), 33 in the Civil & Commercial Division (CCD), and 13 in the Arbitration Division (ARB). The CCD saw the greatest value in claims totalling AED 121.2 million, followed by the ARB with AED 38.5 million and the SCT with AED 19.9 million in claims value. The average claim value was AED 6.4 million in the ARB, AED 5.3 million in the CCD, and AED 92,000 in the SCT. The DIFC Courts issued 547 digital orders and 39 digital judgments, according to the fi gures. It also conducted 99% of hearings via its digital hearing platforms. The statistics further show there were 448 wills registrations during the fi rst quarter of 2025. In terms of pro bono impact, the DIFC Courts reported 194 people received assistance through its pro bono programme, with 39 law fi rms and 51 lawyers off ering voluntary assistance. His Excellency Justice Omar Al Mheiri, director at DIFC Courts, said: “The robust performance of DIFC Courts in the fi rst quarter of 2025 demonstrates how we’ve grown to become an indispensable enabler for both businesses and members of the public in the UAE and beyond.” “In Q1, we welcomed consistently strong activity within the Small Claims Tribunal and Civil & Commercial Division, which highlights how our trusted English-language common law system continues to resonate with a broad spectrum of investors and businesses who seek an independent, transparent, well-functioning legal system that can deliver certainty,” he said. “As we move forward, our unwavering focus remains on delivering judicial excellence, accelerating digital transformation, and aligning with Dubai and the UAE’s national priorities," he added. DIFC COURTS RECORDS CASES WITH DH180 MILLION IN CLAIMS VALUE IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2025 Some 325 cases were fi led across all divisions of the courts LME_Jun2025_10-13_News_13625555.indd 10LME_Jun2025_10-13_News_13625555.indd 1013/06/2025 09:0013/06/2025 09:00June 2025 11law-middleeast.com 68 The number of UAE litigants before the London Commercial Courts in 2025 The UAE has become the second most active foreign jurisdiction in London’s Commercial Courts, according to a new report, overtaking the US, Russia, and Switzerland for the fi rst time. A record 68 UAE litigants appeared before the courts in 2025—up from 43 in 2024 and 32 in 2023—marking a 113% increase over two years, according to Portland’s 2025 Commercial Courts Report. The surge places the UAE behind only the UK in terms of litigant numbers. While other GCC states have seen stagnant engagement with the English courts, the report shows the UAE has charted a steady upward trajectory. This rise refl ects a growing tendency among Emirati businesses and high-net-worth individuals to rely on English law and London’s courts to resolve complex and high-value disputes. UAE v UAE disputes were among the most frequent match-ups in the courts, showing that parties from the same jurisdiction are increasingly turning to London to adjudicate their diff erences. Legal reforms are also making a diff erence. Following a 2022 directive from the UAE Ministry of Justice recognising the enforceability of English judgments, courts in both countries have moved to deepen co-operation, giving litigants greater confi dence in cross-border enforcement. Recent high-profi le judgments have included Emirates NBD Bank v Almakhawi & Anor, which involved the enforcement of a Dubai court ruling against a former Emirati diplomat in the UK. “London and the UAE aren’t competing—they’re converging,” said Simon Pugh from Portland’s litigation team. “The infrastructure, credibility, and cross-border compatibility of English law are reinforcing London’s status as the forum of choice for Emirati litigants.” “UAE litigants’ growing presence in London courts is testament to the continued strong reputation of those courts and of English law, and refl ects growing recognition of reciprocity between the UAE and UK,” said Michael Fletcher, a corporate litigation partner at Pinsent Masons. “However, the UAE is fast developing as a legal hub, with the DIFC playing a key role. Future trends in the number of UAE litigants in London courts will confi rm whether the courts can maintain their importance to those litigants.” UAE LITIGANTS IN LONDON COMMERCIAL COURTS HITS RECORD HIGH, OVERTAKING US, RUSSIA AND SWITZERLAND The surge places the UAE behind only the UK in terms of litigant numbers NEWS LME_Jun2025_10-13_News_13625555.indd 11LME_Jun2025_10-13_News_13625555.indd 1109/06/2025 17:5009/06/2025 17:5012 June 2025law-middleeast.com NEWS 1984 The year Habib Al Mulla and Partners was established Habib Al Mulla and Partners has announced the opening of a new offi ce in New Delhi, India, as it continues to strengthen its ties in key emerging markets. The announcement was made on the same day the Bar Council of India (BCI) modifi ed its rules to permit foreign law fi rms and lawyers to open offi ces in the country. The new offi ce will support companies in India seeking to enter the UAE and broader Middle East markets, the fi rm said in a statement. It will also support businesses in the UAE seeking opportunities in India. Indian businesses and professionals will be able to connect with the fi rm’s Dubai-based team for matters governed by UAE and international law, the statement said, while the India entity will advise companies and fi nancial institutions on international transactions. The expansion comes at a time of deepening economic ties between the two countries, marked by the recent visit of Dubai’s Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to India, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also comes just weeks after the UAE fi rm’s latest international expansion into Egypt with a new offi ce in Cairo. This rapid growth marks the fi rm’s fi fth international offi ce opening in recent years, following launches in Baghdad, Moscow, and Istanbul. Habib Al Mulla (pictured), founding partner, said: “Our cross-border extension into India refl ects our commitment to supporting clients wherever their business interests take them. By connecting India’s vibrant business landscape with the legal strengths of Dubai, we off er clients a trusted platform for international growth. We look forward to deepening our partnerships in India and delivering world-class solutions to new and existing clients.” Habib Al Mulla and Partners has been operating in the UAE for more than 40 years and has grown to a team of over 70 lawyers providing services across fi nance, real estate, energy, and technology. Under the BCI's rules, foreign law fi rms and lawyers are permitted to advise on foreign and international law, but they are prohibited from appearing before Indian courts and tribunals. HABIB AL MULLA & PARTNERS CONTINUES EXPANSIVE BURST ACROSS EMERGING MARKETS WITH INDIA OFFICE LAUNCH It comes as the Bar Council of India permits foreign law fi rms and lawyers to open offi ces in the country LME_Jun2025_10-13_News_13625555.indd 12LME_Jun2025_10-13_News_13625555.indd 1209/06/2025 17:5009/06/2025 17:50June 2025 13law-middleeast.com NEWS 7 The number of offices Eversheds Sutherland has in the Middle East Keith Froud (pictured left) has taken over as chief executive and global co-CEO at Eversheds Sutherland (International), as his predecessor, Lee Ranson (pictured right), relocates to Dubai. Froud was elected to the role in September 2024 and began his four-year term in May 2025. The election was uncontested. He was formerly managing partner of Eversheds Sutherland (International), a role he held since May 2017. He was head of corporate and commercial from 2011 until 2017. Froud will work alongside Lino Mendiola, who assumed his position as global co-CEO and US chief executive in April 2025. “I am proud to have succeeded Lee Ranson as chief executive of Eversheds Sutherland (International),” said Froud. “Building on the firm’s strong trajectory, my ambition is to create even greater success for our clients and our people. I am also pleased to be working with Lino Mendiola as global co-CEO and look forward to launching our new global strategy with him in the coming months.” Ranson has relocated to Dubai to take up a new role following the completion of his second management term. He became the firm’s co-CEO in 2017 and was re-elected to the position in 2021, and will continue as a partner at the firm with the aim of developing its seven offices across the region. Commenting at the time of Froud’s election, Ranson said: “Keith has been an outstanding managing partner over the past eight years, and I have every confidence in his ability to lead the firm in this next period. His extensive leadership qualities and experience and strategic vision and drive made him the natural choice for the role.” Eversheds Sutherland (International) also confirmed several existing and new leadership, practice, and sector group roles across the firm, including Rebecca Copley to senior partner of the Dubai office. She remains head of litigation and dispute management for the Middle East. Eversheds Sutherland's regional presence extends across offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Baghdad, Doha, Erbil, and Riyadh. KEITH FROUD TAKES REINS AT EVERSHEDS INTERNATIONAL AS EX-CHIEF LEE RANSON RELOCATES TO DUBAI Ranson will continue as a partner at the fi rm, with the aim of developing its seven offi ces across the region LME_Jun2025_10-13_News_13625555.indd 13LME_Jun2025_10-13_News_13625555.indd 1313/06/2025 09:0013/06/2025 09:0014 June 2025law-middleeast.com NEWS 6 The number of lawyers in Bird & Bird’s Riyadh office, including 3 resident partners Bird & Bird is expanding to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with plans to open an offi ce in Riyadh. The global law fi rm confi rmed it has received a licence to operate in the Kingdom from the Ministry of Justice, and will open an offi ce in Tatweer Towers in Al Mohammadiyyah. Bird & Bird received a professional investment licence from the Ministry of Investment in January and is now awaiting its commercial registration, the fi nal procedural step ahead of the offi ce launch. It will be the fi rm’s third Middle East offi ce after it opened in Dubai in 2013 and Abu Dhabi in 2011. The new offi ce aims to support both local and international clients in key sectors and practices in which the fi rm operates, with an initial focus on technology and IP, as well as transactional and general corporate advice. It will be led by Anders Nilsson as head of the fi rm’s Middle East operations and will have three resident partners—Raya Alkhatib, Nick O’Connell, and Simon Shooter—supported by a team of three associate lawyers in Saudi Arabia. All three of the resident partners will be based in Riyadh. Alkhatib advises local and international clients on a range of corporate matters, including M&A, company formation, IPOs, rights issues, and real estate investment funds. O’Connell is a data and technology specialist who has been based in Riyadh for most of the last seven years. He recently joined Bird & Bird from Al Tamimi & Company, where he led the fi rm’s TMT practice in Saudi Arabia. He advises local and international clients on matters ranging from transactional contracting work to regulatory advisory on technology, cloud, data, media, and telecoms issues. Shooter is a commercial and technology partner and founder of the fi rm’s cybersecurity practice. He has been a partner with Bird & Bird for over 17 years and is regularly engaged in legal matters across the Gulf ranging from automotive to healthcare. He has previously worked in the fi rm’s London and Dubai offi ces. “Being in Saudi Arabia at this time is an extraordinary opportunity,” said Shooter, whose experience in the Kingdom stretches back to the 1990s when he was an external lawyer to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in London. “It is defi nitely the most exciting place on earth to be a lawyer at the moment.” BIRD & BIRD SECURES LICENCE TO OPEN RIYADH OFFICE Led by Middle East head Anders Nilsson, alongside three resident partners, the new offi ce will initially focus on tech, IP, and corporate matters Anders Nilsson Raya Alkhatib LME_Jun2025_14-15_News_13627817.indd 14LME_Jun2025_14-15_News_13627817.indd 1404/06/2025 16:2904/06/2025 16:29June 2025 15law-middleeast.com Our aim is to unlock the capacity of Bird & Bird and become the technology law fi rm for the Gulf; that is very deliberate, because it plays to our international reputation and the heritage of our fi rm Simon Shooter Continuing, he said: “Our aim is to unlock the capacity of Bird & Bird and become the technology law fi rm for the Gulf; that is very deliberate, because it plays to our international reputation and the heritage of our fi rm.” The trio will work with lawyers from across the fi rm’s UAE offi ces and internationally to achieve this ambition. Bird & Bird’s global technology team has over 900 lawyers. The announcement of the new offi ce follows recent investments in AI within Saudi Arabia, the Gulf’s largest economy. Saudi Arabia recently announced the launch of HUMAIN, a state-backed AI company under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), signalling the importance the Kingdom places on advancing AI capabilities and attracting related expertise and investment. The Bird & Bird partners indicated that future expansion would align with the fi rm’s core strengths and specifi ed plans to enhance the expertise in related areas such as IP, media, and sports law in the near future, recognising the increasing signifi cance of these areas in driving legal work in Saudi Arabia. “Our expectation is that we will expand dramatically, quickly, because of the work that we expect to build up,” said Shooter. With Saudi Arabia’s legal reforms attracting international law fi rms eager to capitalise on its Vision 2030 strategy and resulting economic activity, O’Connell explained the fi rm’s tailored approach sets it apart in a competitive market. “Saudi Arabia is not so much of a crowded NEWS market in terms of TMT and data, which is our initial focus,” he said. “There are plenty of international law fi rms that dabble in it, but I have been to meetings or consultations where some that have very good pedigrees globally in sophisticated technology matters are being represented by a lawyer that specialises in, say, trademark applications. So, the fact they might have global expertise does not necessarily mean they have any genuine on the ground expertise in that type of work, whereas we do.” Alkhatib agreed, saying: “The pie here in Saudi Arabia is pretty big; I think there is a piece of the pie for everyone, and we defi nitely have a good chunk of that piece.” A specialist in corporate law, having joined the fi rm over a year ago from a general counsel position at American Express in Saudi Arabia, Alkhatib said a key part of her role will be to attract foreign investment into the Kingdom by helping businesses set up their operations, advise on structural considerations such as the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) programme, and keep them informed of the latest regulations. Nilsson said: “We are looking forward to opening our new offi ce in Riyadh. We are committed to assist both our local and international clients in this rapidly evolving market, cementing our market- leading reputation in the Middle East for advising businesses and public bodies within key areas such as technology and digital transformation, IP and brand commercialisation, media and sports, as well as aviation and automotive.” Simon Shooter Nick O'Connell Xx xx xxxx LME_Jun2025_14-15_News_13627817.indd 15LME_Jun2025_14-15_News_13627817.indd 1504/06/2025 16:3004/06/2025 16:3016 June 2025law-middleeast.com NEWS 30 The number of years Simmons & Simmons has been active in the Middle East Simmons & Simmons has expanded to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the opening of an office in Riyadh. The international firm signalled its intention to open an office in Riyadh in January 2024. The office is now open and fully operational, according to a statement. It will be led by Amer Al Amr (pictured), a seasoned disputes law yer with over 25 years of experience in Saudi Arabia. He will be supported by construction partner Niall Clancy, as well as local and international lawyers. Banking and finance partner Umera Ali, who recently joined from Dentons, will provide additional support. The office will focus on key sectors including asset management and investment funds, financial institutions, healthcare and life sciences, and technology, media and telecommunications. It will also have a focus on energy, natural resources, and infrastructure. “The launch of our Riyadh office represents a pivotal moment for Simmons & Simmons in the region,” said Middle East head Muneer Khan. “It not only reaffirms our commitment to meeting the unique legal needs of the Saudi market but also underscores our drive to deliver innovative, world-class solutions to our clients as the region evolves.” Al Amr added: “I am honoured to lead Simmons & Simmons’ new Riyadh office. This development blends our deep local expertise with a robust international platform, enabling us to navigate the complexities of a dynamic market. I look forward to building strong local partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for our clients in Saudi Arabia and beyond.” Al Amr specialises in litigation, arbitration, regulator y af fairs, and commercial law. He was previously the managing partner of DLA Piper's Riyadh office. International law firms are rapidly expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia, driven by the Kingdom’s recent legal reforms allowing them to operate independently without local affiliations. Bird & Bird most recently opened an office in Riyadh, after securing a licence from the Ministry of Justice. SIMMONS & SIMMONS OFFICIALLY OPENS RIYADH OFFICE WITH DISPUTES PARTNER AT HELM Amer Al Amr has over 25 years of experience in Saudi Arabia LME_Jun2025_16_News_13631605.indd 16LME_Jun2025_16_News_13631605.indd 1609/06/2025 17:5109/06/2025 17:51June 2025 17law-middleeast.com PARTNER CONTENT Confronted with rising complexity, tax directors must seek guidance, apply compliance assurance tools, and thoroughly document procedures to achieve certainty and avoid penalties UAE’S EVOLVING TAX ENVIRONMENT: 3 STEPS TO ACHIEVE CERTAINTY AND AVOID PENALTIES By Maria Nikonova, managing director at PGP Tax Consultancy The UAE’s tax landscape is evolving rapidly. With corporate tax, Pillar Two, transfer pricing, and an expanding VAT regime, tax and fi nance directors face increasing complexity. Add to this a lack of applicable practice to rely on, coupled with severe non-compliance penalties—reaching up to 200% of the tax due— and the challenge becomes clear: how to achieve tax certainty in an uncertain environment? A SECOND OPINION MATTERS Many companies delegate their tax advisory work to the same fi rm that handles their audit. While this may seem effi cient, it often results in overlooked errors. Audit and tax teams tend to confi rm each other’s conclusions—sometimes subconsciously, sometimes intentionally. Tax managers, meanwhile, often aim to avoid ‘confl ict’ by having the auditor validate the advice, assuming it will lead to smoother year- end reporting. But avoiding confl ict with the auditor may end up in confl ict with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) instead. What tax managers must do is seek a second opinion on critical tax positions. Constructive professional disagreement at the advisory stage helps sharpen tax position and reduce the risk of future disputes. USE COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE TOOLS WISELY Compliance assurance tools such as clarifi cation requests and Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) can provide greater certainty in tax matters. 200% The penalty for non-compliance with the UAE’s tax regulations can reach up to 200% of the tax due PGP Tax Consultancy managing director Maria Nikonova For example, the clarifi cation process with the FTA—when used strategically—can serve as a powerful mechanism to reduce uncertainty and manage risk. As the FTA itself states, “the FTA considers itself administratively bound to follow the position set out in the clarifi cation…” However, obtaining a favourable clarifi cation is far from straightforward. It requires presenting a compelling case supported by thorough tax and factual analysis. A tax advisor is someone who can successfully guide a tax manager through this process—starting with detailed legal reasoning in tax advisory memos and advancing to well-structured formal submissions. When executed properly, the process off ers a high degree of legal certainty. BUILD YOUR DEFENCE FILE EARLY FTA audits may occur years after a return is fi led. By that time, key team members may have moved on, and critical documentation could be missing. Just as VAT audits became widespread four years after the introduction of VAT, corporate tax audits are expected to intensify over time. That is why it is essential to train your team now to document every key tax position, the rationale behind it, and all relevant internal approvals. With the support of a tax advisor, you can begin building your defence fi le early—identifying what evidence must be gathered and ensuring it is recorded accurately and systematically. LME_Jun2025_17_Commercial - Maria Nikova_13625461.indd 17LME_Jun2025_17_Commercial - Maria Nikova_13625461.indd 1704/06/2025 16:5304/06/2025 16:5318 June 2025law-middleeast.com MOVES 7 The number of partners Paul Hastings has hired in as many weeks Paul Hastings has continued its raid on White & Case with the hire of three more partners. Energy and infrastructure partner Ibaad Hakim, M&A specialist Stefan Mrozinski, and projects lawyer Habeeb Rahman have joined the fi rm’s burgeoning Abu Dhabi offi ce, its regional hub for clients across the UAE, Europe, and Asia. With their addition, the fi rm has hired a total of seven partners in as many weeks. Other notable hires include Dinmukhamed ‘Din’ Eshanov and George Kazakov, co-chairs of the fi rm’s Abu Dhabi offi ce; and Paris-based partners Xavier Petet and Benoit Thirion. All of the partners have joined from White & Case, with the exception of Thirion who joined from French law fi rm Hoche Avocats. The group strengthen the fi rm’s growing energy and infrastructure practice spanning Abu Dhabi, London, and Paris, and complements its existing US practice. The fi rm-wide practice, led by co-chairs Gregory Tan and Rob Freedman, who joined the fi rm in 2022 in New York, work on mandates ranging from M&A and joint venture transactions to project development, construction, and restructurings. Hakim focuses on major oil and gas, i n f r a s t r u c t u re a n d p owe r p ro j e c t s , many of which are project fi nanced. His practice covers the entire lifecycle of a construction and engineering project—from procurement strategy and contract drafting to dispute resolution. Mrozinski advises on corporate matters, with a focus on energy, natural resources, tech, and infrastructure. Rahman advises on the development and operation of major energy, oil and gas, petrochemical, and infrastructure projects across the Middle East and internationally. “Following the success of the fi rm’s energy and infrastructure practice in the US, it is an exciting time to join Paul Hastings, as it expands in the Middle East and Europe to build a top- tier global energy and infrastructure platform,” said Hakim. “I am looking forward to working with our clients across the region to advise on some of the most transformative and innovative projects in the sector.” “We are delighted to reunite with many former colleagues on the Paul Hastings platform and continue building our presence in Abu Dhabi,” said Mrozinski. “It’s exciting to join the fi rm at such a pivotal moment in its expansion.” “It is clear that Paul Hastings has a strategic focus on expanding its global off ering across the full spectrum of energy and infrastructure," said Rahman. "We look forward to collaborating with the team and working with clients across the region on their most complex and high- profi le projects.” Paul Hastings’ new Abu Dhabi offi ce is its fi rst in the Middle East. The US-headquartered fi rm has 23 offi ces across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Abu Dhabi is abuzz with activity, driven by sovereign wealth fund investments and cross- border deals. Energy transitions, digitalisation, and supply chain diversifi cation bring further opportunities to the UAE capital. PAUL HASTINGS POACHES 3 MORE PARTNERS FROM WHITE & CASE IN ABU DHABI INFRASTRUCTURE PUSH Ibaad Hakim, Stefan Mrozinski and Habeeb Rahman have joined the fi rm's burgeoning UAE hub, bringing its total partner hires to 7 in as many weeks LME_Jun2025_18-19_Moves_13631465.indd 18LME_Jun2025_18-19_Moves_13631465.indd 1809/06/2025 17:5309/06/2025 17:53June 2025 19law-middleeast.com MOVES capabilities in the Middle East. She has joined from Dentons, where she led the firm’s banking practice in Saudi Arabia. With a career spanning two decades, she advises on both conventional and Islamic finance matters, focusing on complex financial instruments and structures. In her new role, she will split her time between the firm's Dubai office and its new Riyadh office, which is set to open by summer 2025. From these two bases, she will support a range of national and international clients operating in these countries and across the wider GCC region. WHITE & CASE Ashley Ballard, a corporate partner at White & Case, has relocated from London to Doha in a move the firm said will strengthen its transactional capabilities in the Middle East. Ballard has spent the past 20 years based in the firm’s London of fice, six of which he served as head of the corporate team. His experience with the firm also includes working in the Istanbul, Milan, and Prague offices. Now in Doha, he will continue to advise his existing international client base as well as work with colleagues to support clients in the region, a spokesperson for White & Case said. Ballard is a highly experienced M&A lawyer who focuses on corporate and corporate f inance transac tions with a par ticular emphasis on cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and restructurings in a variety of industries including financial institutions, oil and gas, electronics, and aviation Ballard joined White & Case in 1998 and was promoted to partner at the start of 2004. OTHER MOVES… DRAKE & SCULL Ahmed El-Bayouk has assumed the position of general counsel and head of legal at Drake & Scull International (DSI), the UAE’s largest publicly listed construction company, as it looks to rebuild following its successful restructuring. He has joined from the Dubai offi ce of Dentons, where he was a senior associate. El-Bayouk is part of a revamped legal team who will play a major role in supporting new CEO Muin Al Saleh in his mission to revitalise operations and drive new growth. DSI faced substantial fi nancial diffi culties in recent years, leading to signifi cant operational challenges and major restructuring eff orts. El-Bayouk began his legal career with Burges Salmon in Bristol, UK. He moved to the UAE as a qualifi ed associate, joining Dentons’ Dubai offi ce in October 2018. He worked there for nearly seven years. GREENBERG TRAURIG Alex Roussos has joined Greenberg Traurig as a capital markets partner, based across the firm’s UAE and Saudi Arabia offices. He has joined from Dentons, where he served as managing partner and co-head of the Middle East banking and fi nance practice in Dubai. He previously worked at Norton Rose Fulbright and Cliff ord Chance. Roussos brings more than 20 years of experience advising on debt, regulatory capital, hybrid, and equity-linked capital markets transactions for governments, financial institutions, and large corporate entities across the Middle East and internationally. The fi rm has also hired senior corporate and commercial lawyer Greta Habib as a partner from Al Tamimi & Company. Based in the UAE, she previously founded and led two cross-border corporate law fi rms in Beirut and Dubai. Her practice focuses on cross-border structuring and restructuring transactions, involving the formation of companies, trusts, foundations as well as private equity and funds in the UAE and broader region. SIMMONS & SIMMONS Umera Ali has joined Simmons & Simmons as a partner in a signifi cant boost to its banking LME_Jun2025_18-19_Moves_13631465.indd 19LME_Jun2025_18-19_Moves_13631465.indd 1909/06/2025 17:5309/06/2025 17:53Next >