Simmons & Simmons sets sights on Abu Dhabi in latest expansion move

Simmons & Simmons has announced that it will further expand its Middle East practice by opening a new office in the ADGM, the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, the Capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The move, which is subject to regulatory approval, will build on the firm’s recent office opening in Riyadh this year and strong foundation in the region, where it has been operating for over three decades.

By establishing a presence in the ADGM, Simmons will respond to growing demand from clients, particularly in two of its core sectors – asset management and investment funds (AMIF) and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT). The ADGM is one of the fastest growing financial centres for the asset management and funds industry, while it is increasingly a hub for many technology and AI businesses in the Middle East. The firm’s highly specialised global AMIF and TMT offering, combined with its leading AI advisory capabilities, will offer local and international clients world class expertise.

Commenting on the plans for Abu Dhabi, Muneer Khan, Middle East head, said, “We’re very pleased to be taking steps to open an office in the ADGM. The ADGM as an international financial centre is experiencing rapid growth and is a key location for many of our clients. With our longstanding presence in Dubai and recent move to Riyadh, the new office will ensure that we’re able to support clients from three of the main financial and investment hubs in the Middle East.”

Emily Monastiriotis, managing partner, commented, “This is a strategically important move for Simmons & Simmons in such a key market where we have been present for over 30 years. Many businesses in the ADGM are very closely aligned with the sectors we specialise in – especially across funds and technology. Businesses also increasingly require support in the AI advisory space, where we have a market leading offering. Together, this highly specialised and very targeted offering means that our global advisory capabilities will be unrivalled in the ADGM.”

Matthew Pitman, Asset Management and Investment Funds (AMIF) sector head, said,“Establishing a presence in the ADGM is a natural step for Simmons as a global leader in the asset management and investment funds sector. This is a dynamic and fast-growing market, and the move reinforces our ability to deliver unparalleled expertise to leading clients.”