Baker Botts represents Kingdom of Bahrain on USD1 billion bond offering

Baker Botts has represented the Kingdom of Bahrain in its issuance of USD1 billion 7.125 per cent senior unsecured notes due 2036 in a Rule 144A and Regulation S offering.

The issuance is the first Gulf sovereign to issue in the public bond market since the war in the region began. The notes were issued under the Kingdom’s Global Medium Term Note Programme and will be listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Arab Banking Corporation (B.S.C.), Citigroup Global Markets Limited, First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, National Bank of Bahrain B.S.C. and Standard Chartered Bank acted as joint bookrunners.

The Baker Botts International Corporate Markets Groups has advised on approximately $18.5 billion in bond and Sukuk issuances across the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Europe, including matters involving Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Oman, and Sweden.

The team’s work has spanned debut sovereign offerings, dual-tranche and multi-currency issuances, conventional and Sukuk ESG issuances, Dim Sum bonds and other complex cross-border financings for governments, development banks and major financial institutions.

The Baker Botts Lawyers/Offices involved are: Corporate: Patrick Lyons partner, London); Jennifer Rees (partner, London); and Amy Rees (senior associate, London).

Al Tamimi & Company partners with Legora to enhance Arabic legal AI capabilities

Al Tamimi & Company  has announced a strategic collaboration with Legora to support the advancement of Arabic-language legal artificial intelligence (AI) and contribute to the development of innovative legal technology solutions tailored to the region’s unique linguistic and legal landscape.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the accessibility, efficiency and accuracy of legal services through technology, while addressing the specific requirements of legal professionals operating in Arabic-speaking jurisdictions.

As part of the initiative, Al Tamimi & Company worked closely with Legora in the development of its Arabic-language interface, providing practical insights from lawyers, knowledge management professionals and technology specialists across the firm. The collaboration was designed to ensure that the platform reflects the realities of legal practice across the Middle East and supports the needs of lawyers working across multiple jurisdictions and languages.

Commenting on the partnership, Essam Al Tamimi, chairman and founder of Al Tamimi & Company, said, “We have long believed in the potential of technology to transform the legal profession. Our collaboration with Legora is driven by a shared vision of delivering advanced legal AI capabilities that truly meet the needs of legal professionals working in Arabic. We are proud to contribute to an initiative that has the potential to enhance legal practice across the region and support the wider legal community.”

The launch of Legora’s Arabic-language interface marks an important milestone in the development of legal AI solutions for the Middle East. By combining Al Tamimi & Company’s regional legal expertise with Legora’s technology capabilities, the collaboration aims to improve access to legal information, streamline workflows and support lawyers in delivering high-quality legal services more efficiently.

The initiative also reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence within the legal sector and the increasing demand for solutions that can operate effectively in Arabic across legal, governmental and commercial environments.

Al Tamimi & Company believes that Arabic-language legal AI will play an increasingly important role in supporting law firms, in-house legal teams, government entities and other institutions across the region, helping to drive innovation and improve access to legal knowledge.

Galadari expands banking and finance practice with arrival of Rimma Izmaylova

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants has announced the appointment of Rimma Izmaylova as senior counsel in its Banking & Finance practice in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening the firm’s capabilities across complex financing, project finance, and cross-border transactional matters.

Izmaylova brings more than 19 years of international experience gained across leading international law firms, in-house legal roles, and independent advisory mandates. Prior to joining Galadari, she spent almost 16 years at White & Case as counsel within the Energy, Infrastructure, Project and Asset Finance practice. Her experience spans the UAE, the wider GCC, Europe, Central Asia, and the CIS region.

Her practice focuses on syndicated lending, project and infrastructure finance, acquisition finance, export and pre-export finance, restructuring, and strategic cross-border transactions. Izmaylova regularly advises financial institutions, sovereign-related entities, multinational corporates, investment platforms, and private equity stakeholders on sophisticated domestic and international financing matters.

Throughout her career, she has advised on a number of high-profile and multi-jurisdictional transactions, including major solar and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia, large-scale industrial and energy financings, and complex structured finance arrangements involving development finance institutions, sovereign entities, and international lenders.

Izmaylova’s background combines deep technical financing expertise with strong commercial and strategic advisory capabilities, enabling her to support clients on high-value and commercially sensitive transactions across multiple sectors and jurisdictions.

Commenting on her appointment, Ahmed Galadari, managing partner said, “Rimma’s appointment reflects our continued investment in strengthening our Banking & Finance practice and expanding our cross-border transactional capabilities. Her extensive international experience across complex financings, infrastructure projects, and strategic transactions will add significant value to our clients across the region.”

Izmaylova added, “I am delighted to join Galadari at an exciting stage of the firm’s growth. The firm’s strong regional platform, ambitious vision, and collaborative approach create an excellent environment to support clients on sophisticated financing and transactional matters across the UAE and beyond.”

Charles Russell Speechlys secures landmark ruling in Awal Bank liquidation claims case

Charles Russell Speechlys, in its capacity as Liquidator of Awal Bank BSC(c) (In Liquidation) (“Awal Bank”), has had its rejection of over USD2.8 billion of claims submitted in Awal Bank’s liquidation estate by the trustees in bankruptcy of certain connected parties upheld by the Bahrain High Court.

On April 29, 2026, the Bahraini High Court ruled in Awal Bank’s favour in relation to the challenge brought by the trustees in bankruptcy of various connected parties to the Liquidator’s adjudication of claims of over USD2.8 billion submitted by those parties in Awal Bank’s liquidation estate.

The Court adopted the conclusions of an independent court appointed expert and found that in fact the connected parties owe Awal Bank USD2,561,733,574.10.

The judgment follows a challenge to the Liquidator’s July 2023 adjudications, under which the Liquidator rejected claims totaling approximately USD2.8 billion submitted by the connected parties.

The proceedings involved extensive requests for disclosure of Awal Bank’s books and records. As Awal Bank remains licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain while in liquidation, the Liquidator resisted the production of wider customer records on the basis of the confidentiality obligations imposed by Article 117 of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law.

The Bahraini Court appointed an independent expert in March 2025.  The final expert report, submitted on 12 February 2026, corresponded almost entirely with the Liquidator’s adjudication of the connected parties’ claims.

Speaking on behalf of the Liquidator, Patrick Gearon, partner, head of litigation & dispute resolution in the Middle East and head of Middle East offices at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, said, “This is an important judgment for Awal Bank’s creditors. The Court has rejected claims which, if admitted in full, would have materially affected the liquidation estate and delayed distributions to creditors. The judgment confirms the very substantial indebtedness owed by these connected parties to Awal Bank and should clear the way for the Liquidator to progress further distributions and continue steps to have Awal Bank admitted as a creditor in the liquidation estates of the connected parties.”

Since Awal Bank entered administration in 2009, the Liquidator has pursued the recovery of assets across multiple jurisdictions, including the Kingdoms of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the Cayman Islands and England. Gross realisations achieved since Awal Bank was placed into administration now amount to approximately USD998 million. The Liquidator has already made interim payments to admitted creditors of approximately USD247 million, representing a 15.2 per cent distribution.

The judgment is expected to have a significant practical impact on the liquidation. The sums previously ringfenced against the possibility that the claims submitted by the connected parties might be admitted in full, should now be available for distribution to Awal Bank’s admitted creditors in due course.

The Liquidator also expects to take steps to file Awal Bank’s claim in the liquidation estates of the connected parties in the amount confirmed by the Bahraini Court and the Liquidator will continue to focus on concluding the liquidation of Awal Bank, including making further interim distributions to creditors, as appropriate.

Mishcon de Reya expands into UAE with Dubai office opening

Mishcon de Reya, an international law firm with more than 650 lawyers globally, operating at the intersection of complex disputes, global capital and economic transformation, announced the official opening of its Dubai office on June 4th, further strengthening the firm’s operations in the UAE.

As Gulf economies diversify and cross-border capital flows increase in volume and complexity, businesses and investors in the region require legal partners capable of advising across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks simultaneously. The firm’s practices in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai are structured to do exactly that, advising clients across the UAE.

Mishcon de Reya’s new Dubai office is located at One Za’abeel, one of the city’s most prominent commercial destinations. Established within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone ecosystem, the office provides the firm with a strategically positioned base in the heart of Dubai’s central business district, supporting its continued growth across the UAE and wider region.

DWTC Free Zone is a competitive business ecosystem and licensing jurisdiction that connects companies to markets across the Middle East and beyond. Home to more than 2,700 companies spanning regional and international markets, it offers an enabling environment for global businesses seeking a strong operational presence in Dubai. Mishcon de Reya’s establishment within the free zone reflects its long-term commitment to the UAE and reinforces Dubai’s continued appeal as a global hub for investment, innovation and cross-border commerce.

Mishcon de Reya’s new Dubai office will work closely with the rest of the firm, including MDR Mayfair, which it will continue its close relation and co-location with. The office will service clients across a range of practice areas, including corporate, dispute resolution, employment, real estate, private wealth, impact, and innovation.

Christopher Skipper (in the photograph above), managing partner, UAE, said, “It is a pleasure to announce the opening of our office in the landmark building of One Za’abeel. We have been advising clients in this region for over 30 years. The UAE continues to provide an attractive ecosystem for families, investors and businesses, and this announcement further highlights our commitment to and confidence in the UAE as a significant global financial centre.”

Abdalla Al Banna, vice president of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone, said, “The establishment of Mishcon de Reya’s Dubai office within DWTC Free Zone underscores Dubai’s growing appeal as a global hub for business, investment and cross-border advisory services. At DWTC Free Zone, we are committed to enabling international companies through a business-friendly regulatory framework, strategic location and a connected ecosystem that supports long-term growth. We are pleased to welcome Mishcon de Reya and look forward to supporting the firm’s continued success.”

The opening forms part of Mishcon de Reya’s Vision 2030 strategy, a five-year plan centred on three sectors where the firm has deep heritage and a growing client base. These include private wealth and private capital, the innovation economy, and real estate, alongside its commitment to remaining a disputes powerhouse, all of which are areas of significant and growing activity across the Gulf.

Drawing on lessons from its international expansion across Singapore and Hong Kong, and with its significant client base in the region, the Dubai office represents the next phase of Mishcon de Reya’s growth in the UAE, building on the firm’s existing operational presence in Abu Dhabi and strengthening its capabilities in line with client demand.

Fraser Dawson returns to Addleshaw Goddard to boost Abu Dhabi corporate practice

Addleshaw Goddard, has announced the return of Fraser Dawson to the firm’s Middle East practice, joining its Abu Dhabi office as a partner in the Corporate and Private Equity team. His position is effective June 1, 2026.

Dawson rejoins Addleshaw Goddard following a senior leadership role at NEOM Investment Fund, where he served as executive director (investments), board secretary and general counsel. During his time at the giga-project, he worked across complex investment, governance and strategic initiatives, allowing him to bring a unique operator-side perspective to his new role.

Previously a partner in Addleshaw Goddard’s Dubai office between January 2022 and April 2023, Dawson has a wealth of experience advising clients across a range of corporate transactions, including private equity, M&A and strategic investments, with extensive experience supporting sovereign-linked entities, institutional investors and multinational businesses operating across the GCC and internationally. Uniquely amongst his peers, Dawson is also a CFA® Charterholder and has completed the CFA® Private Equity and Advanced Private Equity Certificates.

His return comes as Addleshaw Goddard continues to expand its Middle East presence and deepen its Abu Dhabi offering ahead of the first anniversary of the office’s launch in June 2025. Over the past year, the firm has continued to strengthen its regional capabilities through a series of strategic hires and relocations spanning corporate, transport, energy and construction.

Robin Hickman, head of Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard, said, “Fraser’s return reflects both the continued growth of our Middle East practice and the increasingly sophisticated needs of clients operating across the region. His experience advising on complex transactions, combined with his first-hand leadership and governance experience inside one of the region’s most ambitious investment and development environments, brings a highly differentiated perspective to our clients. Abu Dhabi continues to be a strategically important market for the firm, and Fraser’s arrival further strengthens the depth of expertise we are building across the region.”

Fraser Dawson, Partner – Corporate and Private Equity at Addleshaw Goddard, added, “This is a particularly exciting time to be rejoining Addleshaw Goddard and returning to private practice in the Middle East. The region continues to evolve rapidly, with deepening complexity across investment structures, governance frameworks and cross-border transactions. My experience working within a major development and investment platform has reinforced the importance of commercially grounded, strategic legal advice, and I look forward to supporting clients as they navigate the next phase of growth and transformation across the GCC.”

Dawson’s appointment further strengthens Addleshaw Goddard’s regional corporate and private capital capabilities as the firm continues to invest in supporting clients across evolving sectors and growth markets throughout the Middle East. Addleshaw Goddard boasts one of the largest Corporate teams in the Middle East, consisting of 13 partners and 2 counsel specializing in M&A, private equity, tax & restructuring, and commercial transactions.

Dentons adds Christopher Neal and Selman Ansari to Dubai corporate practice

Dentons has appointed Selman Ansari and Christopher Neal as partners in the Dubai office.

Neal has more than 17 years’ experience advising on private M&A, joint ventures, corporate structuring and reorganisations and general corporate advisory matters, often on a multi-jurisdictional basis across the GCC, Europe and UK. His practice covers a broad sector footprint including energy, infrastructure, real estate, technology, healthcare and hospitality.

Ansari  has more than 20 years’ experience in competition/antitrust, data protection and public policy law. As a barrister admitted in England and Wales, Selman has been based in Riyadh since 2018 where he established a reputation as a leading specialist regulatory, antitrust and data protection practitioner.

In the competition/antitrust field, Ansari  covers the full spectrum of competition law including merger control filings and clearances, behavioural antitrust advice and compliance, investigations and defence, and complex merger-control strategy for multi-jurisdictional transactions. In the data protection field, he has advised some of the largest corporates and major infrastructure providers in the region on data protection, data transfer and cybersecurity issues. Ansari’s appointment will allow Dentons to offer a differentiated regional regulatory capability focused particularly on the technology, media and telecoms (TMT) and energy sectors.

Paul Jarvis, CEO of Dentons UK, Ireland and Middle East (UKIME) region, said, “I am pleased to welcome Christopher and Selman to our Dubai team as we continue to bolster our service for corporate clients in line with growing demand for top tier legal support across the Middle East. Both Christopher and Selman bring strong client relationships and deep sector experience that enhance our bench strength in the region.”

Nick Simpson, partner and Head of Corporate in the Middle East, said, “Christopher and Selman’s appointments align with our strategic priority to strengthen our execution capacity for corporate transactional and regulatory work. Christopher’s sector experience and Selman’s expertise in corporate regulatory matters combine to provide us with a genuine advantage in offering a comprehensive service to our corporate clients in the Middle East.”

Christopher Neal, partner, said, “I am delighted to join a firm with such a broad and integrated regional and global offering and look forward to growing my practice at Dentons.”

Selman Ansari, partner, said, “Dentons‘ global regulatory offering to corporate clients is excellent. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to build my regional regulatory practice within the corporate team at Dentons, which will allow me to leverage my experience and strong GCC client relationships.”

Gateley Middle East appoints Renan Ozturk as partner and head of tax

Gateley Middle East has announced the appointment of Renan Ozturk as partner and Middle East head of tax, alongside the arrival of eight tax lawyers and advisors, marking a significant and highly distinctive expansion of the firm’s regional offering.

This substantial team move represents a bold strategic step for the business and introduces a truly unique proposition within the Middle East legal market.

Ozturk brings extensive experience advising regional and international clients on complex tax matters across the Middle East. He has a strong track record in corporate and international tax structuring and supporting clients through large-scale business transformations, regulatory change, transactions and disputes involving regional tax authorities. Ozturk is widely recognised for delivering commercially focused, practical advice, underpinned by deep market knowledge.

The appointment of Ozturk and his team establishes Gateley Middle East as the only law firm in the region to operate a standalone tax consultancy business alongside fully integrated legal and tax services. This structure is unique in the Middle East and aligns more closely with the operating model traditionally associated with the Big4, while retaining the agility and client-focused approach of a leading legal business.

As a result, clients will benefit from a fully integrated ‘one-stop shop’ offering, combining legal advisory, dedicated tax consultancy and seamless legal and tax solutions under a seamless end-to-end service offering. This enhanced capability directly responds to the growing complexity of regulatory, tax and compliance requirements across the region.

Commenting on the appointment, Darren Harris, managing partner of Gateley Middle East, said, “This is an exciting and bold step for Gateley Middle East. Renan’s appointment, together with the arrival of a highly regarded team of eight tax lawyers and advisors, represents a transformative moment for our business. Their combined expertise significantly enhances our operational scale and strengthens our ability to support clients navigating an increasingly complex legal and tax environment. This move firmly positions Gateley Middle East as a true one-stop shop for legal and tax services, delivering a unique offering that the regional market has not seen before.”

Commenting on his appointment, Renan Ozturk said,“I am delighted to be joining Gateley Middle East at such an exciting stage in its growth, alongside a highly experienced and established team. The opportunity to build a standalone tax consultancy business fully integrated with a leading legal practice is rare in the Middle East market – and one that excites me a lot. Our unique positioning in the market will allow us to deliver seamless, practical and commercial legal and tax solutions, whilst adding real value to our clients operating across the region. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the firm to support clients and contribute to the next phase of Gateley Middle East’s growth.”

Middle East expert and former US State Department official joins Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs has announced that Timothy A. Lenderking has joined the firm’s global public policy practice following a three-decade career at the US Department of State, where he most recently served as the acting assistant secretary for Near East Affairs.

Lenderking brings extensive diplomatic and foreign policy experience advising US policymakers and international stakeholders on a wide range of complex geopolitical, regulatory, and economic issues. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, he has held senior roles across the Middle East and South Asia, including as the first US special envoy for Yemen, in addition to postings in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria and Bangladesh.  He is the recipient of the Presidential Merit Award, nine Superior Honor Awards from the Department of State, and the Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the Department of the Army for his service in Iraq. Prior to his government service, Lenderking worked in the humanitarian field in Thailand, Sudan, and Afghanistan.

Middle East practice co-chair Gassan Baloul said, “We have operated in the region for over 50 years and our commitment to strengthening our offering has never been stronger.  Tim’s unique expertise and connections at the most senior level of government and business will enhance the services we offer clients who turn to us for successful outcomes.”

“Tim is a decorated public servant and accomplished diplomat with a sterling reputation,” said public policy group leader Aubrey Rothrock. “His perspective and relationships across the Middle East are unsurpassed and come at an opportune time as our international clients navigate complex risks and opportunities spanning the region. We are delighted to welcome Tim to Squire Patton Boggs.”

Commenting on his move to the firm, Lenderking said, “The firm’s long history across the region and reputation in international legal and policy spheres made this a compelling move. I could not be more grateful for my years at the State Department and now very much look forward to working with my new colleagues around the world to assist clients as they respond to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.”

His addition follows other recent hires into the firm’s public policy group, including former Treasury official Anna Morris; Adam Suess, who joined from the Department of Interior; and Hill veteran Jennifer Goedke.

Gowling WLG enhances Middle East TMT capabilities with Christine Khoury appointment

Gowling WLG has further strengthened its Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) capability in the Middle East with the appointment of Christine Khoury as partner.

Khoury’s appointment forms part of Gowling WLG’s regional growth strategy, which has seen the firm invest significantly in its Middle East presence with an emphasis on the technology and energy and infrastructure sectors.

Khoury is a commercial lawyer with over 15 years’ experience advising domestic and international clients across the GCC, with a particular focus on the TMT sector. She is recognised by Chambers and Legal 500 as a leading TMT lawyer and was named a Next Generation Partner in 2026.

Khoury’s practice focuses on data protection, cybersecurity, AI regulation, and technology transactions. She regularly advises multinational organisations, technology companies, and government entities on cross-border data transfers, regional data protection compliance, cyber incident response, digital transformation projects, technology outsourcing and licensing arrangements, cloud and SaaS services, strategic commercial agreements, and the legal and regulatory implications of emerging technologies. She also advises clients on technology governance, regulatory risk management, and the evolving AI and digital regulatory landscape across the GCC, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Tim Casben, head of Middle East, commented, “I am delighted to welcome Christine to the team, as the data and AI regulatory landscape continues to evolve in the region and digital transformation remains a focus for Governments we are delighted to be augmenting our TMT capabilities.”

Khoury added, “The pace of change across the GCC’s technology sector creates real opportunities and real challenges for businesses operating in the region. Gowling WLG has built a strong reputation for guiding clients through exactly these kinds of complex, cross-border matters, and I am pleased to be part of that team. Working closely with the firm’s TMT colleagues, I aim to bring added depth in areas such as tech transactions, data centres, AI, cybersecurity, and data compliance — helping clients stay ahead in a fast-moving market.”