Gowling WLG strengthens Middle East presence with Abu Dhabi office

Gowling WLG is expanding its presence in the Middle East, opening a new office in Abu Dhabi, bringing its total number of offices in the region to three.

In a statement, the company described the move as a “logical next step”, with Abu Dhabi customers “already accounting for 30% of the company’s revenue in the UAE”.

The new office adds to the company’s existing UAE operations in Dubai, where the company has had an office since 2007. The company also has an Israel office.

Law.com International estimates that the number of ALM 200 companies with offices in Dubai is around 50, while the number of companies with offices in Abu Dhabi is 20, making Gowling the 21ststone.

Lawyers often refer to working in the capital as an “Abu Dhabi company” undertaking projects, to highlight the quality of work that needs to be done for several sovereign or semi-sovereign bodies such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Etihad Airways and Petrochemicals watch Borouge.

Moreover, since Russia’s war in Ukraine has forced companies to realign their strategies, even relocation lawyer To cities including Dubai – Linklaters, Herbert Smith Freehills and Dentons to name a few.

Tim Casben, Head of Gowling, UAE, said: “The UAE is at the forefront of innovation and sustainable development and has ambitious growth plans. Our main target areas in the Middle East are technology, infrastructure and intellectual property, which is fully in line with the UAE’s vision for the future. Ambitious. Our opening of an office in Abu Dhabi will bring us closer to some of our core customers and we look forward to establishing our presence in the capital.”

In July, the company announced Imran Mufti as a partner in its UAE project group. Mufti leads the company’s operations in Saudi Arabia and will be responsible for its relationship with Gowling WLG’s partner company in Saudi Arabia, Al Ghazzawi & Partners.

David Fennell, CEO of Gowling WLG (UK) LLP, said: “We have a wealth of experience and strength in the Middle East, and establishing an office in Abu Dhabi is a natural step in enhancing our service to our clients.”