Transport developments form the cornerstone of the infrastructure practice at CMS, with the firm advising on blockbuster railway, ferry, toll road and highway ventures in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and beyond. The team handles a steady stream of renewable energy builds, especially in connection to the Saudi Arabian NEOM project, as well as a number of social infrastructure assets, including significant healthcare and education sector developments. Practice head David Moore is widely regarded as a leading specialist in the rail sector, and is routinely sought out by premium clients for transport-related advice. Senior associate Iona Hunter works closely with David, and together they form a team that is lauded by clients for its expertise, efficiency and client focus. Amir Kordvani left the firm to join PWC in 2023. Keith Bullen was a new arrival in April 2024 and Robin Balmer joined the firm in September 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is very efficient in terms of time-management and costs in a highly competitive environment represented by other big players, and delivers a well developed product on time. International experience offers a good precedent for something that is done for the first time in Uzbekistan where standard documentation is still being established and calibrated. Acting on the public side, the team demonstrated a reasonable approach to accommodate ministries' requests while suggesting a balancing view to satisfy the requirements from developers and lenders.’

  • ‘David Moore and Iona Hunter make great team. They attend the matter and prioritise urgent requests from a government which always requires swift reaction at short notice.’

  • ‘The team is able to provide outstanding deliverables.’

  • ‘The team understand the business and the work they produce reflects this understanding.’

Key clients

  • Abu Dhabi Investment Office
  • DP World
  • Medina Development Authority
  • Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services
  • The Asian Development Bank
  • The Roads Authority of Uzbekistan
  • Larsen & Toubro
  • NEOM
  • Red Sea Global
  • Saudi Railway Company
  • The King Fahd Causeway Authority
  • Etihad Rail

Work highlights

  • Advising Medina Development Authority in Saudi Arabia to advise on the development of its Bus Rapid Transport project in Medina.
  • Advising Etihad Rail on the operational issues arising out of Stage 2 of the railway.
  • Advised Larsen & Toubro on a multi-billion dollar EPC contract for renewable energy facilities at NEOM, Saudi Arabia.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Moore

Other key lawyers

Iona Hunter, Keith Bullen, Robin Balmer