Norton Rose Fulbright has a strong track record in multi-billion-dollar cross-border transactions, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and is a leading choice for lenders and borrowers across the Middle East. The firm is highly regarded for its expertise in Islamic finance, having recently advised on cutting-edge Sukuk issuances, Murabaha facilities, and Shariah-compliant trade finance platforms. Practice head Mohammed Paracha is the main driver behind the firm’s Islamic finance offering and is notably active in the real estate sector. Nicholas Robinson is a trusted adviser to numerous regional and multinational banks, while Hamed Afzal is recommended for his work in Islamic finance and debt capital markets. Seya Rahnema and Shyam Kotadia provide key support across various mandates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is well organised and their advice is always well thought out. 

  • ‘Mohammed Paracha is a master tactician. He focuses on solutions rather than conflict for the sake of the transaction.'

  • ‘Collaboration with NRF is always easy and the Dubai team seems to be an extension of our legal in-house team. As English and Islamic law qualified, the Partner managed to help us in very unusual situations and is always available. Collaboration is really good and the network of NRF in other juridictions helped us tremendously in solving hurdles. 

Key clients

  • HSBC
  • Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
  • Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation
  • ABC International Bank
  • SMBC International Bank
  • National Bank of Egypt
  • Emirates NBD
  • First Abu Dhabi Bank
  • Société Générale
  • BNP Paribas
  • Commercial Bank of Dubai
  • Citi
  • Global Trading and Shipping WLL
  • Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
  • Arena Group
  • Gulf International Bank

Work highlights

  • Advising Bank of America DAC, as mandated lead arranger, global coordinator, sustainability coordinator and lender, on a USD1.5 billion sustainability-linked loan facility to Emirates NBD PJSC.
  • Advising a syndicate of lenders on a US$1 billion senior unsecured term loan facility to the National Bank of Egypt.
  • Advising IsDB in relation to a ground-breaking cash Waqf Sukuk to be issued for social finance purposes

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Nicholas Robinson
Norton Rose Fulbright

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mohammed Paracha

Other key lawyers

Nicholas Robinson, Hamed Afzal, Seya Rahnema, Shyam Kotadia