King & Spalding LLP > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Firm Profile
King & Spalding LLP Offices
AL FATTAN CURRENCY HOUSE, TOWER 2, LEVEL 24
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE
PO BOX 506547, DUBAI
United Arab Emirates
King & Spalding LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
United Arab Emirates > Investment fund formation and management Tier 1
Highly regarded for its ‘comprehensive advice, especially for offshore structuring and local laws’, King & Spalding LLP works with an enviable list of financial sponsors and asset managers on outbound-focused investment fund structures and innovative transaction structures for a wide array of sector investors. The firm is also reputed for its strong track record in structuring complex, cross-border Shariah-compliant transactions, where the team is able to draw on the firm’s wider financial services regulatory offering. The team also handles a steady flow of instructions from sovereign wealth fund and high-net-worth clients. James Stull is a key relationship partner for many of the firm’s most high-profile real estate funds and REITs and is also a key adviser for regional securities laws. Nabil Issa is a go-to for Saudi Arabian entities and has a far-reaching sector expertise that includes healthcare, fintech, education and food and beverage. Macky O’Sullivan is well-versed in conventional and Shari’ah compliant funds and senior associate Sayf Shuqair has supported on a litany of premium funds work. Counsel Dounia Mansour joined from Dechert LLP in August 2023.Practice head(s):
Nabil Issa; James Stull
Other key lawyers:
Macky O’Sullivan; Sayf Shuqair; Dounia Mansour
Testimonials
‘Comprehensive advice, especially for offshore structuring and local laws.’
‘Very responsive and accommodating.’
Key clients
Mubadala Capital
Riyad Capital
Ashmore Investment Management Limited
Oman Investment Authority
Franklin Templeton
Affirma Capital
GFH Financial Group
Saudi Fransi Capital
KAMCO Invest
Gulf Islamic Investments
Waha Capital
Ninety One
Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ)
Global Ventures
Alpha Wave Global
Arcapita
KFH Capital
Emirates NBD Capital
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)
Social Development Bank
Alkhabeer Capital
Saudi Venture Capital Company
ADS Investment Solutions
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Al Rajhi Capital
GIB Capital
Al Mal Capital
Derayah Financial
Jadwa Investment
Greenstone Equity Partners
Merak Capital
Further Ventures Limited
Alawwal Invest
AlJazira Capital
Events Investment Fund
Antler
Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC (e&)
Work highlights
- Advised Gulf Islamic Investments Company and Al Khair Capital on the structuring and documentation of its investment in a Saudi Arabian private closed-ended investment fund managed by Alkhair Capital that acquired a majority interest in Miswak from Jadwa Investment Company.
- Advised Alkhabeer Capital on the successful initial public offering of the Alkhabeer Growth and Income Traded Fund.
- Advised Arcapita Capital Company on the establishment of a Saudi Arabian private closed-ended real estate fund with a target size of SAR 1.8 billion (US$480 million) that will invest in the Saudi Arabian logistics sector in both income-generating and development assets.
United Arab Emirates > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
King & Spalding LLP advises on a broad array of corporate and commercial matters, with the team active in standout M&A and joint venture deals. The firm often works with top-end clients from a variety of sectors including healthcare, real estate, construction, technology, and financial services, and leverages its large network of practitioners across the region to handle complex deals. Practice head Nabil Issa divides his time between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and assists investment funds and corporates on transactions. James Stull is another funds specialist and excels in advising on the set up of asset managers and regulated entities in the region. Macky O’Sullivan is noted for his technological expertise and is adept in issues concerning blockchain, cryptocurrency and fintech. Simon Fraser and Matt Hartsuyker were new arrivals in late 2023.Practice head(s):
Nabil Issa
Other key lawyers:
James Stull; Macky O’Sullivan; Matt Hartsuyker; Simon Fraser
Key clients
Access USA Shipping, LLC
Al Dabbagh Group Holding Company
Elm Company
Al Thiqa Al Shamlah For Real Estate Company (Dr. Ghassan Pharaon)
Alsulaiman Group (ASG)
Arabian Hala Investment Holding Company
Azmeel Contracting Company
Bristow
Baker Hughes
Cerberus
CIsco
Dallah Albaraka
Dammam Valley Company
Dar Al Arkan
Events Investment Fund
eWTP Capital Arabia
E& (formerly known as Etisalat)
Franklin Templeton
General Dynamics
GLD Partners
Gleeds
Global Ventures Ltd
Gulf Islamic Investments (GII Capital)
Impact Capital Company (commonly known as Impact46)
Jadwa Investment Company
Kaykroo
Merak Capital
Loro Piana
Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO)
Christian Dior
Lucid Motors
Nazer Group Company and Affidea
Netizen Limited / Kooora.com
Pfizer
Riyad Capital
Rua Growth Fund
Sadu VC Fund LLP
Saudi Real Estate Co. (Al Akaria)
Saudi Technology Ventures (STV)
Shawcor Limited
Solb Steel
Red Sea International Company
The Chefz
Western Union
Work highlights
- Representing Al Dabbagh Group Holding Company (ADG) during its USD123 million acquisition of 50% of the share capital of Flexible Packaging Solutions (FPS) from NYSE-listed Greif Inc.
- Advised The Chefz SPV Ltd on the sale of its entire issued share capital to Jahez International Company for Information System Technology, a public company listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange Parallel Market.
- Advised Egis Engineering, a subsidiary of Egis SA, on the acquisition of U Plus A FZ LLC, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Dubai Design District, and Ultra Architectural Consultancy, a civil company incorporated under the laws of Dubai, UAE (together, “U + A”).
United Arab Emirates > Construction Tier 3
Lauded for its ‘commercial application of legal issues’, King & Spalding LLP is especially knowledgeable of major projects, as well as infrastructure and renewable energy developments. Tim Burbury oversees the team and is well-regarded for his power project expertise. Dan Feldman arrived from Shearman & Sterling LLP in January 2023 and has a particular strength in energy transition matters. Sam Munir is often engaged in rail, road, and school projects, while Almiro Clere advises clients on project financing. James Clark left the firm in October 2023 to join Kirkland & Ellis International Law Firm LLPC.Practice head(s):
Tim Burbury
Other key lawyers:
Dan Feldman; Sam Munir; Almiro Clere; Brendan Hundt
Testimonials
‘A commercial application of legal issues.’
‘Not only great subject matter experts but also team players.’
Key clients
NEOM
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
Electricity de France (EDF)
Mubadala Investment Company
Misk Foundation
MyClinic
Al Rajhi Group
Work highlights
United Arab Emirates > Infrastructure and projects (including project finance) Tier 3
With a number of ‘first of its kind' developments and financing methods comprising its workload, King & Spalding LLP advises some of the world's largest asset managers, sovereign wealth funds and leading industry players on high-value and cross border deals. The group is strong across multiple forms of power and have been retained as counsel from inception through to delivery and completion on market-leading giga-projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The practice is headed up by Tim Burbury, who utilises specialisms in PPP and project finance to advise on premium transactions. Dan Feldman and Brendan Hundt bring further capabilities on the development and financing front; the two joined the firm from Shearman & Sterling LLP in January and March 2023, respectively. Associate Sam Muir combines infrastructure and construction capabilities to advise on utilities, transport and health and education developments. James Clark left the practice in October 2023 to join Kirkland & Ellis International Law Firm LLPC.Practice head(s):
Tim Burbury
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is experienced and has a good understanding of customer needs. ’
‘The individuals have a long history with our company. They have a strong commercial understanding. They are very good at highlighting all the risks and genuinely care about the client.’
‘An appreciation of the commercial impacts of legal matters.’
‘Not only great subject matter experts but also great team players.’
Key clients
NEOM
Oxagon
ENOWA
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
Tree Energy Solutions
EWEC
JERA
Chevron
Scatec
Globeleq
Mitsui
Emirates Global Aluminium
Ocior
Dow Chemical
EverWind Fuels
Fortescue Future Industries
JBIC
Woodside
Electricity de France (EDF)
Mubadala Investment Company
Misk Foundation
Work highlights
United Arab Emirates > Real estate Tier 3
A key contact for a litany of investment funds and REITs, King & Spalding LLP is noted for its real estate finance capabilities, notably Shari’ah-compliant real estate finance transactions. Nabil Issa oversees the group and handles the structuring of real estate and private equity investments, while Michael Rainey counts family offices, funds, and high net worth individuals on his client roster. James Stull handles capital raising transactions involving real estate assets, and Sayf Shuqair is a further key team member to note. Malek Al Rifai was a new arrival in November 2023.Practice head(s):
Nabil Issa
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Roshn Real Estate
Riyad Capital
Al Rajhi Capital
Midad
Diyaar Al Salheya
Knowledge Economic City
Arcapita
Ashmore Investment
Al Habib Investment Group
Saudi Fransi Capital
KFH Capital Investment Company
Lamar Capital
GFH Partners
Cool Inc
Quara Holding
Saudi Downtown Company
Work highlights
United Arab Emirates > Banking and finance: Corporate finance (including Islamic lending) Tier 4
Routinely called upon to advise on large-scale international real estate projects, King & Spalding LLP‘s expertise covers both conventional and Islamic structures, boasting an impressive track record in unique transactions. Beyond this, the group has a strong restructuring offering – often receiving instructions from industry heavyweights – and are adept at acting for asset managers to establish credit funds. Team head Michael Rainey has a broad international practice, regularly advising borrowers and lenders on complex cross-border transactions in the Middle East. James Stull is noted for his extensive work alongside funds engaging in Shariah-compliant financings, while Nabil Issa‘s far-reaching expertise is largely concentrated in investment structures for real estate and private equity investments. Issa often works in tandem with Asal Saghari, noted for their far-reaching capabilities.Practice head(s):
Michael Rainey
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘In the true meaning of the word ‘counsel’, the team at K&S become your partners, understand your requirements, protect you from risks, and focus on crossing the line rather than billables and minutia. ’
‘Asal Saghari is one of the brightest minds in the financing and specialized finance (sale-leaseback, mezzanine, etc) sector. She has achieved mastery in conventional and shari’a compliant documentation, and therefore focuses on negotiating matters that matter.’
Key clients
Arcapita Investment Partners Limited
Azmeel Contracting Company Limited
Banque Saudi Fransi
Derayah Capital
Energia SPC Limited
GFH Financial Group
Gulf International Bank
Humania Capital (the investment arm of the Bait Al Batterjee Group)
KFH Capital Investment Company
Merak Capital
NBK Capital Partners
Qatar First Bank
Riyad Capital
SAIMCO (Saudi Aramco’s investment arm)
Saudi Awwal Bank Saudi Awwal Bank (formerly known as Saudi British Bank)
Shorooq Partners
Soor Capital
Work highlights
- Act as restructuring counsel for Azmeel Contracting Company (Azmeel), one of the top five construction companies in Saudi Arabia. The transaction is precedent-setting because it represents the first time a perpetual sukuk has been used in connection with a restructuring.
- Acted for Shorooq Partners Ltd (Shorooq), the manager of Nahda Fund I L.P. (the Fund). The Fund advanced a Shariah-compliant financing to Retailo Technologies Holding Limited (Retailo). Shorooq, the Fund and Retailo are all established in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in the United Arab Emirates, making this a unique transaction – specifically, the fund is the first Shariah-compliant venture debt fund providing financing from the ADGM.
- Advised Riyad Capital on the establishment of a fund, Riyad Financing Fund II, which then acquired receivables originated by Al Yusr Financing & Leasing Company. The transaction was structured on a Shariah-compliant basis and involved the fund acquiring and selling commodities to Al Yusr which were paid for by Al Yusr assigning and transferring to the fund a book of receivables.
United Arab Emirates > Dispute resolution: arbitration and international litigation Tier 4
King & Spalding LLP leverages its considerable international network to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes, with a specialism in financial services, energy and construction cases. Professional negligence and fraud issues are other key components of the firm's work, and its strong bench of practitioners have a wealth of experience across domestic and international court systems. Ben Williams handles a range of cases for international energy companies and financial institutions. Associate Kateryna Frolova is also highly active, and has considerable experience acting in disputes involving governments and public bodies. Adam Gray relocated to Dubai from the firm's Austin office.Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Hexagon Holdings (Cayman) Limited
Western Union
OMV
International AirFinance Corporation
Bateel
Abdullah Mubarak Al Suwaiket & Sons
Sanitek S.a.r.l.
Work highlights
- Acted for Hexagon in a multi-billion AED claim against the Dubai International Finance Centre (the “DIFC”) for breaches of a joint venture agreement concerning a building development project within the DIFC.
- Acted for the claimants in a London Commercial Court case, Various Airfinance Leasing Companies v Saudi Arabian Airlines, a matter regarding the non-payment of circa half a billion US Dollars in respect of rental payments by Saudi Arabian Airline Corporation (“Saudia”) due to the claimants under the terms of fifty lease agreements.
- Acted for Bateel in UAE and US court proceedings relating to a dispute involving franchises in Michigan and Texas.
United Arab Emirates > Oil, gas and natural resources
Saudi Arabia > Banking and finance
King & Spalding in Affiliation With the Law Office of Mohammad Al-Ammar excels in top-end and complex financing, funds, and restructuring. Leading the practice, Zaid Al-Farisi, having returned to Riyadh in 2022, boasts extensive expertise in banking, financing, and restructuring in Saudi Arabia. The team also relies on the acumen of key practitioners like Nabil Issa, managing partner of the Riyadh and UAE offices, Mohammed Alammar – who excels in cross-border acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital – and Michael Rainey, an expert in representing lenders and borrowers in both conventional and Shari’ah-compliant financings.Practice head(s):
Zaid H. Al-Farisi
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Alkhabeer Capital
Arab National Bank
Arcapita Investment Partners Limited
Arkad Engineering and Construction Company
Azmeel Contracting Company Limited
Banque Saudi Fransi
Emirates NBD Bank
Energia SPC Limited
Gulf International Bank
Humania Capital (the investment arm of the Bait Al Batterjee Group)
JPMorgan
Riyad Bank
Riyad Capital
Saudi British Bank (SABB)
Shorooq Partners
Work highlights
- Acts as restructuring counsel for Azmeel Contracting Company (Azmeel), one of the top five construction companies in Saudi Arabia. The transaction is precedent-setting because it represents the first time a perpetual sukuk has been used in connection with a restructuring.
- Advised Riyad Capital on the establishment of the fund, Riyad Financing Fund II – this financing was one of the first transactions to be structured through a fund established under the new private credit regime regulations published by the Saudi Arabian Capital Markets Authority.
- Advised Energia, as borrower, in obtaining financing from RPL Holding Limited (the lender); the proceeds from the financing agreement were applied to pay off a loan previously entered into with NBK Capital Partners Mezzanine Fund II, L.P., to fund the buy-back of shares from a minority shareholder and settle a deferred consideration liability under an asset purchase agreement.
Saudi Arabia > Commercial, corporate and M&A
King & Spalding LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Celebrating more than 130 years of service, King & Spalding is an international law firm that represents a broad array of clients, including half of the Fortune Global 100, with 1,200 lawyers in 23 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm also represents hundreds of clients with new ventures and mid-sized companies in emerging industries.
The firm has handled matters in over 160 countries on six continents and is consistently recognised for the results it obtains, its uncompromising commitment to quality and its dedication to understanding the business and culture of its clients.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
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Middle East and Islamic finance and investment | |||
Projects and infrastructure | |||
Intellectual property | |||
Patent, trademark and copyright litigation | |||
International arbitration and litigation | |||
Mergers and acquisitions | |||
Financial restructuring | |||
Global disputes | |||
Government investigations |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 1200+ firmwideLanguages
Arabic Chinese English Farsi French German Hebrew Hindi Italian Japanese Korean Mandarin Portuguese Punjabi Russian Sindhi Spanish Swedish TaiwaneseOther
Contact : Jawad Ali (office managing partner) Other offices : Abu Dhabi Other offices : Atlanta Other offices : Austin Other offices : Charlotte Other offices : Frankfurt Other offices : Geneva Other offices : Houston Other offices : London Other offices : Los Angeles Other offices : Moscow Other offices : New York Other offices : Paris Other offices : Riyadh* Other offices : San Francisco Other offices : Silicon Valley Other offices : Singapore Other offices : Tokyo Other offices : Washington, DC Other offices : Chicago Other offices : Brussels Other offices : Northern VirginiaLegal Briefings
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Assisting clients in the present and anticipating the future
2022 is a pivotal year We are going through unprecedented crises requiring a major evolution of our society. One of King & Spalding’s strengths is to be at the side of our client in this context. So far, more than 330m people have contracted the Covid-19 virus, all variants combined, and at least 6m have …
- Investment fund formation and management
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Construction
- Infrastructure and projects (including project finance)
- Real estate