Nacim Bounouara > DLA Piper > Dubai, United Arab Emirates > Lawyer Profile

The oil and gas team at DLA Piper handles high-profile domestic and international disputes, in addition to regulatory work and corporate transactions. Practice head James Carter specialises in high-value corporate and commercial disputes, while Nacim Bounouara handles energy and infrastructure project developments and financing matters. The team has been bolstered by the strategic new hires of Derwin Jenkinson and Steven Bryan, both of whom joined from Paul Hastings LLP in February 2024, while Nikhil Markanday joined from King & Spalding in September 2024. Other key contacts in the group include Anna Mills, Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry and Charles Allin.

DLA Piper has strengthened its Middle Eastern projects team with the addition of Nacim Bounouara who relocated from the firm’s London office to lead the practice. Bounouara brings additional project development and finance expertise to a team actively involved in complex energy and infrastructure projects throughout the Gulf. Robert Harker offers recognised Independent Water and Power experience, while Adam Haque is well-positioned to advise on utilities and energy transition matters. Mona Hammadi, who was promoted to partner in April 2024, continues to provide key procurement, development and financing counsel to sponsors, lenders and government-backed entities.

A key port of call for contractors and project finance sponsors, DLA Piper is experienced in contentious construction matters. Andrew Mackenzie is proficient in energy and engineering disputes, Suzannah Newboult is versed in infrastructure issues, while Adam Haque is knowledgeable of construction contracts. Terrick McCallum and Kara Henderson-Price are other key members, while Nacim Bounouara has relocated to the firm’s Dubai office from London.

The finance and projects department at DLA Piper stands out for its ‘excellent knowledge of the construction law and market in the Middle East’. It advises clients most notably on contentious matters, where the team frequently represents companies in international arbitration. The team’s experience also extends to regulatory and advisory roles in the real estate, energy and construction sectors, including the development and financing of public infrastructure, leasing of workspaces and other projects. Andrew Mackenzie co-heads the team with George Vlavianos and Nacim Bounouara. Duncan Pickering adds significant real estate expertise to the department.