About us

Our Middle East Regional Presence

Reed Smith lawyers have advised clients in the Middle East for more than a quarter of a century, with the office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, having been established by Richards Butler in 1978. The Abu Dhabi office has evolved as the hub of the firm’s regional practice in Central and South-West Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Within that region, we work closely with our colleagues in Dubai. Elsewhere in the region, the firm has long-standing relationships with correspondent firms of excellence in all of the principal jurisdictions. Our lawyers have considerable experience and are highly regarded by clients and competitors alike.

This structure enables Reed Smith, through its Abu Dhabi office, to advise and assist clients on the legal aspects of business, not only in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates, but also throughout the region.

Our clients include multinational companies in all industry sectors, such as manufacturing, services, utilities, defence and others, other inward investors and trading houses, and other local interests within the region.

Commentary of Independent Legal Directories

“Corporate and commercial is the chief strength of (the Abu Dhabi office). The office is managed by the highly esteemed Peter Michelmore and has a pre-eminent foreign and local client list. Recent work highlights include advising on the OGD III gas development project, acting as local counsel to a multinational company in connection with the purchase of a gas turbine business, and advising on the tender for an IWPP project in Iran. The firm is also retained by an international power systems contractor, providing it with legal advice on regional matters.”
– Legal 500 - 2005

“The team, noted for its strong regional presence, operates its central and south-west Asia, Middle East and Africa practices from its Abu Dhabi base. It typically represents inward investing corporates from Europe, the UK and the USA. The group advised EDF and the Ministry of Electricity and Water on matters relating to the Emirates National Grid. The team frequently acts as local counsel to multinational firms, and recently acted as local counsel in connection with the sale of small and medium gas turbine services businesses from one multinational service provider to another.”

“Peter Michelmore remains the group’s key name. Clients value his 'thoughtful, professional approach'.”
– Chambers Global The World’s Leading Lawyers 2004-2005

"(Al Sayegh Reed Smith's) corporate practice spans the Gulf and Middle East, including Egypt and Jordan, and the firm has an excellent reputation for its work in this region, with a long list of noteworthy UK clients, as well as other international and local clients.”

“(Al Sayegh Reed Smith) is involved in a number of corporate and commercial deals, and it recently advised General Electric Power Systems on expanding into the region. The firm also regularly undertakes work for Electricité de France and the UAE Ministry of Electricity and Water. Its outstanding local contacts and expertise sees the firm frequently appointed to handle the regional aspects of major international financing deals. In 2003, the firm advised on Boeing 777 financings for Emirates Airlines.”

“(Al Sayegh Reed Smith's) shipping practice reflects its traditional strength in this area and has, to date, focused mainly on matters in Dubai and Sharjah. The firm also advises international telecoms providers on privatisation processes elsewhere in the region.”
- Middle East & North Africa Business Guide 2004/5

For additional information, contact Office Managing Partner Vincent Gordon at +971 2 4185777.

Location Map

Directions

As you drive into Abu Dhabi on airport road turn right under the underpass, signposted Hamdan Street.  On Hamdan Street move immediately into the left hand lane and do a u-turn at the traffic lights.  Take the first right into a car park.  Golden Falcon Tower will then be ahead of you on the right.

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