Construction - United Arab Emirates
What the team is known for
Clyde & Co has a highly regarded practice with a longstanding presence in the UAE. Its offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer robust capabilities for matters throughout the MENA region. The firm's lawyers regularly advise clients on large-scale construction disputes, often acting on the contractor side. The team is further able to assist with a range of non-contentious projects. Clyde & Co also has strengths in sectors such as transportation, energy and infrastructure.
Strengths
"Clyde & Co is capable of handling the most complex and sophisticated issues in the region."
"I would say it is one of the best construction disputes players in the Middle East. Clyde & Co's knowledge and expertise in construction is incomparable."
"The Clyde & Co team is extremely responsive at all times. In my experience, the personal engagement of everyone in the team sets the Clyde & Co team apart."
Notable practitioners
Mark Blanksby is a Dubai-based lawyer who is well recognised throughout the market for his longevity and depth of practice in construction issues. Alongside his non-contentious work, he is particularly well equipped to handle a number of contentious issues, most significantly arbitrations, including before the DIAC. "Mark is an absolute pleasure to work with. He exudes calm at all times and is always one step ahead. Mark's ability to understand the significance of complex technical matters in the context of legal and commercial frameworks is second to none." "He is an excellent lawyer." "Mark Blanksby is a very experienced and reliable lawyer." "Mark is a very well-versed construction partner and highly regarded in the region."
Michael Grose is a distinguished lawyer who possesses considerable strength in contentious construction projects. Based in Dubai, he has particular experience handling arbitrations. "Michael is by far the most well-informed and experienced construction partner in the GCC for both contentious and non-contentious work."
Alexa Hall is regularly identified by sources as an up-and-coming lawyer in construction disputes. She works on a range of arbitrations, and her disputes practice is complemented by her experience assisting with the non-contentious aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects. She was promoted to partner at Clyde & Co in 2023. "Alexa is one of the most gifted individuals I have come across and she is an absolute joy to work with." "Her attention to detail and ability to quickly grasp complex technical concepts is startling. Alexa combines this ability with an extremely strong legal and commercial understanding, cutting to the very core of issues in any dispute, with great effect." "Alexa Hall is an excellent lawyer." "Alexa is a sensible and practical lawyer who demonstrates significant attention to detail."
