CMS‘ broad capabilities and presence across the Middle East makes it a strong choice for UAE and foreign investors and corporates for transactional deals. The team handles instructions in multiple areas, including TMT, real estate and energy. John O’Connor is particularly well-reputed for his work in the hospitality sector. Graham Conlon has extensive expertise in private equity, joint ventures, and M&A. Also recommended is Patrik Daintry, who combines transactional expertise with strong regulatory and structuring advice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘CMS Dubai's corporate team are client-focused which comes from John O'Connor's understanding of his key client's business.'
- 'My interactions are primarily with the senior associates in the team who are all highly intelligent lawyers, but at the same time personable and approachable. This is an important quality for me as in-house counsel when you know they are always willing to assist with a wide variety of queries.’
Key clients
- Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)
- ADQ
- Aldar Properties PJSC
- Al Dahra Group
- AWRostamani
- Corinthia Hotels
- Saudi Industrial Investments Company (Dussur)
- Dana Gas
- ByteDance/TikTok
- Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
- e& (Etisalat)
- EMPG
- Eni
- Emaar Properties PJSC
- Hilton
- Investment Corporation of Dubai
- Dubai World Trade Centre
- Klarna Bank AB
- New Balance
- Bin Dawood Group PSC
- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC
- STC
- Macquarie Capital
- Weir Group
- Hambro Perks Oryx Fund
Work highlights
- Advised Aldar Properties on its landmark joint venture with Dubai Holdings for the acquisition of three major plots of land in Dubai and subsequent structuring, financing and development of three master communities on those plots.
- Advised e& (Etisalat Group) on the structuring and carve out and restructuring of its Enterprise Digital Division as a key component of its digital transformation strategy to pivot away from being a telco to being a global technology group.
- Advised the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur) on its acquisition of a stake in Italmatch Chemicals (Italmatch) from Bain Capital.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
John O’Connor