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Dentons celebrated its 50th year of operations in the United Arab Emirates in 2019. As the first international law firm to establish a presence in the Emirates, we have played a leading role in helping the UAE become the remarkable nation it is today.

Our office in Dubai opened in 1969, decades before many of our competitors, and we have since helped make Dubai a key business hub for the Middle East and an important stepping-stone for international businesses into Africa and Asia.

Clients benefit from our unrivalled understanding of the legal and business environment gained from both our unique experience in helping to shape the legal and regulatory landscape of Dubai, as well as our long-standing relationships with local business communities and governments.

Our team of over 50 legal professionals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are uniquely able to advise on both international and local law across all the major areas of banking & finance, corporate & commercial, construction, dispute resolution, energy and projects and TMT. Our Arabic capability at all levels also enhances our ability to support our clients’ legal and business needs in the UAE.

With 9 offices in the Middle East across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt, Dentons also has the broadest network of any international firm in the region, allowing us to deploy the very best legal talent to our clients wherever they need us to help them complete a transaction or resolve a dispute.

Recognition

Dentons secures top-tier recognition in The Legal 500 EMEA 2025

March 28, 2025

Dentons has reinforced its position as a leading global law firm in The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 guide, securing 266 practice and sector rankings across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The guide also recognized 247 Dentons lawyers with 299 individual rankings across 32 jurisdictions, underscoring their leadership in their respective practice areas.

Dentons boosts its quality rankings in The Legal 500 EMEA 2024

April 3, 2024

The Legal 500 EMEA 2024 has awarded Dentons 260 practice and sector rankings across Europe, Middle East and Africa, including 82 Tier 1 and 82 Tier 2 standings. The Firm earned 35 new or improved practice rankings, confirming the ever-strengthening scope and quality of client services. In addition, we received a total of 282 individual rankings for 234 Dentons lawyers in 37 jurisdictions placing them among the leaders in their respective practice areas. 

Dentons wins two awards at the Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East Awards 2022

June 9, 2022

Dentons' Banking and Finance team has advised on two award-winning deals in the Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Middle East Awards 2022, announced last night at the awards ceremony at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. These awards recognise the most innovative and ground-breaking deals from Sovereign, Corporate and Financial Institution issuers and borrowers.

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Insights

New Executive Council resolution issued to regulate free zone establishments operating outside designated zones in the Emirate of Dubai

April 29, 2025

United Arab Emirates: Dubai Executive Council recently issued Resolution No. 11 of 2025 regulating the Free Zone Establishments' Conduct of their Business within the Emirate of Dubai (Resolution), and it is a new regulation that allows free zone establishments (FZEs) to expand their operations to onshore Dubai.

Navigating global sanctions: the critical role of a robust recusal policy

March 6, 2025

United Arab Emirates: In today’s global economy, multinational companies operate across jurisdictions with diverse regulatory landscapes.

Hafeet – GCC’s first cross-border rail financing project

January 31, 2025

Middle East: The Hafeet Rail project is a landmark initiative marking the GCC's first cross-border rail network, developed by Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment. This project aims to enhance connectivity between the UAE and Oman, spanning 238 km, and connecting major ports and industrial zones.

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News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Dentons Real Estate team recognised as UAE Real Estate Team of the Year at Chambers Middle East Awards 2025

April 11, 2025

Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, is proud to announce that its Real Estate team has been named UAE Real Estate Team of the Year at the prestigious Chambers Middle East Awards 2025 held in Dubai last night. The award recognises the team’s outstanding expertise, client service and contributions to the real estate sector.

Dentons secures top-tier recognition in The Legal 500 EMEA 2025

March 28, 2025

Dentons has reinforced its position as a leading global law firm in The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 guide, securing 266 practice and sector rankings across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The guide also recognized 247 Dentons lawyers with 299 individual rankings across 32 jurisdictions, underscoring their leadership in their respective practice areas.

Project Finance International (PFI) has named Hafeet Rail as a Deal of the Year at its 2024 Project Finance International Awards

March 10, 2025

Dentons advised on the Hafeet Rail project, that was named Middle East & Africa Transport Deal of the Year at the Project Finance International Awards, which took place in London on 20 February.

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