
Recognised as a ‘leading team in the region for disputes’, Al Tamimi & Company handles high-stakes litigation and arbitration across key sectors, including banking and finance, professional services, insurance, and construction. Recent growth includes the arrivals of Paul Taylor from Eversheds Sutherland LLP in May 2024 to lead the arbitration practice and Richard Bell from Clyde & Co LLP in January 2024. Essam Al Tamimi and Hassan Arab are well-reputed for their skill in arbitration. Rita Jaballah is sought out by clients for banking and financial services disputes and Naief Yahia is chiefly recognised his construction-focused practice. David Holloway is active on international trade disputes. Khushboo Shahdadpuri also comes recommended.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The leading team in the region for disputes that turn on matters of UAE law.’
‘Khushboo Shahdadpuri is a stand out performer in this team. She is commercially minded with outstanding legal skills and a work ethic that is second to none.’
‘Khushboo Shahdadpuri is an exceptional construction lawyer with a deep understanding of both construction law and international arbitration. I have had the pleasure of working with Khushboo. She is highly skilled at navigating the intricate details of construction contracts and industry standards, ensuring clients are well positioned throughout the dispute resolution process. Beyond legal expertise, Khushboo is a great communicator, adept at simplifying complex issues for clients and managing high-stakes disputes.’
‘Local and international expertise. ’
‘Georgina Munnik is a high-quality addition to the team. David Holloway is a legal technical virtuoso.’
‘Al Tamimi has strength in depth, an excellent understanding of the market and in my experience, delivers sound strategic as well as legal advice to its clients.’
‘Standouts include Naief Yahia and Khushboo Shahdadpuri. They understand exactly how an expert works and what support is needed.’
‘Tamimi afford a solid construction disputes and arbitration practice led commendably by Paul Taylor.’
Key clients
- Walch & Schurti Attorneys at Law
- Oman Insurance Company
- Mashreq Bank
- LG Electronics
- Credit Suisse
- FAB Securities
- El Seif Engineering
- KT & G
- Mediclinic
- beIN Sports
- HSBC
- Majid Al Futtaim
- MBC Group
- ICICI
- Oracle
- Mubadala Investment Company PJSC
- Standard Chartered
- General Mills
- Mondelez
- DU
- China Harbour
- Alderley
- DP World Financial Services
- DURO
- GL Events PJSC
- Al Khayyat Investments
- Minor Hotels
Work highlights
- Instructed in DIFC Court proceedings on behalf of the Bank of Singapore Limited following the Defendants’, a borrower and guarantor, default in respect of a EUR240million loan facility. The claim involves aspects of DIFC and Singapore law, particularly in respect of the implication of terms into the loan facility and the execution requirements of a valid deed.
- Assisted a High Net Worth Individual, the Defendant, in DIFC Court proceedings to contest the enforcement of a provisional award issued by the Tribunal in the underlying arbitral proceedings.
- Acting for Sukoon Insurance PJSC, in defending a claim brought by an overseas-owned, third-party claims administration company for substantial damages. The claim arises out of alleged joint venture agreements between the parties relating to the transfer of the client’s portfolio of medical insurance policies to the claimant, for the claimant to handle, in consideration of which the client would pay fees and take a controlling stake in the claimant's entity.
Lawyers

Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Essam Al Tamimi, Hassan Arab, Rita Jaballah, Paul Taylor, Naief Yahia, David Holloway