Middle East - United Arab Emirates
Dentons
Dentons has a diverse practice, with a group of dedicated specialists who handle commercial, banking, construction, regulatory and employment disputes. The team has a strong track record in front of courts in the DIFC, and have been active across a range of domestic and international arbitration centres. Dean Ryburn is a proficient dispute resolution expert, representing a wealth of clients in a range of cases and is regularly sought out by contractors, developers and investors for his construction acumen. Christopher Brennan is singled out for his skill in compliance and regulatory investigations, often handling highly sensitive financial crime, money laundering, fraud and corruption proceedings. Newly promoted partner Suzannah Fairbairn is principally noted for her large-scale arbitration work. Senior associates Faris Shehabi and Zahra Rose Khawaja provide additional support. Andrew Cheung left the firm and Alastair Young retired.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Well-rounded team that brings expertise from different legal fields to provide a specialized service and advice on complex transactions.'
- 'Faris Shehabi and the arbitration team are very responsive and supportive in coordinating the required expertise to assist with the situation.'
Key clients
- The State Bank of Mauritius
- Haulotte Middle East FZE
Work highlights
- Successfully obtained an immediate judgment for the State Bank of Mauritius against the defendants for US$30m in debt in May 2021, followed by a finding of fraud before the DIFC Court in December 2021.
- Acting for a syndicate of leading Middle Eastern banks in an LCIA arbitration seeking recovery of more than AED2.5 billion under the financing documents for a Middle East infrastructure project.
- Acting for a global hospitality operator in relation to several disputes including an ICC arbitration in relation to allegations of fraud, bribery and gross negligence as well as claims for breach of intellectual property rights and recovery of sums owing following termination of the hotel management agreement.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Dean Ryburn