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

“Acts for the cream of Abu Dhabi’s banking community. Most notably, its work for Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank includes all the bank’s international debt funding programmes. The outfit has come on in leaps and bounds in the past three years, and satisfied clients report: ‘it offers fast service and great quality’.

"Vince Gordon heads up the team, and has been in the region for three years. Sources say: ‘He is a star for finance’.”

“A stalwart presence in Abu Dhabi and rapidly expanding in Dubai, this firm has developed IP capabilities to serve its growing user base. Clients agree that ‘the lawyers are very skilled and give us confidence.’ Advising regional and international users on trade marks, design, patent and copyright, the lawyers are gradually building up market reach.”
– Chambers Global 2008

“Reed Smith’s lengthy exposure to the Middle East markets through its stalwart Abu Dhabi office, has been given additional vigour through its fast-growing Dubai office.”

“Reed Smith has tremendous finance credentials and a proven local presence. Clients such as Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), for which it advised on a $1.5bn syndicated loan (at the time, the largest of its kind to be signed by a Middle East financial institution), demonstrate its standing in the region. It is also active in the project finance and asset finance (including shipping and aviation) space. Abu Dhabi managing partner Vince Gordon has an outstanding track record.”
- Legal 500 2008

“Peter Michelmore remains the group’s key name. Clients value his 'thoughtful, professional approach'.”
- Chambers Global The World’s Leading Lawyers 2008

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.

Download the .PDF below for a larger map and printer friendly directions.

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