Dubai’s thriving business landscape is backed by a cadre of world-class law firms, ensuring legal excellence in a region governed by strict laws and regulations. With Dubai spearheading the Middle East's economic nucleus, the city is at the helm of the international limelight, propelled by top-tier legal expertise, and continues to lead regional law firm rankings.
Top 5 Law Firms in Dubai
This guide highlights the best law firms in the UAE, both esteemed homegrown firms and internationally acclaimed ones deeply embedded in the region's landscape.
1. Al Tamimi & Co.
Founded in 1989, Al Tamimi & Co. has positioned itself as one of the premier legal firms in the UAE and the Middle East. This full-service commercial firm excels in providing commercially sound and cost-effective legal solutions. With over 420 lawyers across 17 offices in 10 countries, it is significantly larger than its regional competitors. Al Tamimi leads in department rankings in the Chambers Global 2023 – UAE Rankings and is consistently recognised as the top law firm in the Middle East. The firm specialises in over 30 practices across 11 sectors, offering innovative solutions to complex business challenges.
Al Tamimi & Co. established its dedicated real estate practice in 2003 and has since been a leading authority in the MENA region. They offer comprehensive expertise across all aspects of real estate including property acquisition and sale, finance, development agreements, property litigation, and arbitration. Al Tamimi & Co. has also helped draft new legislation and handled transactions on behalf of government and municipal bodies.
Their expertise has earned them numerous accolades, including Legal 500's Regional Law Firm of the Year and Chambers & Partners Global Guide 2024 awards. Seven lawyers serving with Al Tamimi & Co. are ranked on Legal 500's M&A Power List Middle East.
Al Tamimi & Co. is the first law firm in the Middle East and North Africa to adopt artificial intelligence to enhance its services. Their groundbreaking partnership with Harvey, an AI platform backed by OpenAI, provides generative AI solutions tailored for the legal sector.
Their impressive client roster, including major corporations, developers, investors, and government entities, attests to their ability to handle high-stakes matters with great insight. With deep regional roots, extensive local knowledge, and a collaborative approach, Al Tamimi & Co. is an invaluable partner for businesses navigating the Middle East's legal landscape, providing superior legal services for clients worldwide.
2. Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the largest international law firms, with over 70 offices in 46 countries spanning Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and North America with a global team of 13,000, including 6,500 lawyers and tax professionals. In the UAE, their offices are a vital part of their MENA practice, benefiting from over 40 years of regional presence. Baker McKenzie's UAE team, comprising more than 40 lawyers, provides comprehensive legal services onshore, in UAE-free zones, and under English law. They assist clients with complex cross-border transactions, optimising opportunities, and mitigating risks. Their clientele includes major sovereign wealth funds, global financial institutions, private equity funds, asset managers, and leading conglomerates. Specialising in 17 practices across 8 key industries, such as energy, healthcare, and financial institutions, Baker McKenzie’s excellence is evidenced by awards like the "Corporate Team of the Year" at The Middle East Legal Awards 2024.
Baker McKenzie's real estate arm has built a strong reputation by leveraging comprehensive local legal knowledge and practical experience for national and international clients. Their track record includes advising on groundbreaking developments and navigating various real estate matters like property finance, acquisitions, development agreements, and litigation. With a keen understanding of commercial dynamics, Baker McKenzie provides tailored strategies and advice on construction law, including contract review and dispute resolution.
3. Clyde & Co.
Having been in the market for over 90 years, Clyde & Co. is a global law firm operating from 60 countries across six continents. They have a significant presence in Dubai, offering a full spectrum of legal services across key sectors like insurance, energy, transport, and infrastructure. Since establishing their Dubai office in 1989, they have grown to over 50 partners and 350 staff in the Middle East, including offices in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha. Clyde & Co. excels in disputes, employment, commercial contracts, and intellectual property, supported by deep market knowledge and extensive regional experience. Their expertise and practical guidance are reinforced by a strong track record in both local and DIFC courts, handling significant international arbitrations.
4. DLA Piper
With a presence in over 40 countries, DLA Piper has established itself as a leading legal service provider in the Middle East since its inception in 2005. With over 100 lawyers in the region, they offer comprehensive support for both local and global legal issues. Their flexible approach and diverse practice areas ensure they meet all client needs, beyond just high-profile transactions. Trusted by global brands, leading regional companies, and government entities, DLA Piper's team collaborates across borders to deliver integrated, insightful, and innovative legal solutions, backed by deep industry knowledge and commercial acumen.
5. A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman (formerly Allen & Overy), renowned for its comprehensive real estate expertise, is one of the top law firms in the UAE. Founded in 1930 and having recently merged with Shearman & Sterling, A&O Shearman now boasts over 4,000 lawyers across 48 offices. The firm has a long history of precedent-setting innovations and has been pivotal in shaping the Middle East’s legal and regulatory landscape since the 1970s. Their Dubai office excels in both local and international law, providing top-tier advice in mergers & acquisitions, project development, finance, and real estate. A&O Shearman's strong relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and major financial institutions ensure they deliver sophisticated, reliable legal solutions, as a trusted advisor in the region.
Closing Words
These exemplary law firms in Dubai take a proactive approach while remaining at the forefront of legal innovation to meet the evolving needs of Dubai's dynamic business landscape. Excelling in individual practice areas and often recognised for ample contributions, top law firms continue to shape Dubai's legal framework and accelerate its growth on the global stage.
