Offshore
Global Guide 2024 : United Arab Emirates
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+971 4 360 4070About
Provided by Maples Group
Since opening as the first offshore law firm in the region in 2005, our Dubai office has successfully attracted high-profile investment managers, banks and fund managers to this rapidly growing finance centre, enabling us to offer time-sensitive service to such clients. Our office can provide a full legal service and can organise administrative and fiduciary support through our affiliate, MaplesFS.
Maples Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and principally practises British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands law, offering access to Ireland through our Dublin office. Understanding the region's business environment is essential to providing targeted, sophisticated legal support.
Chambers Review
Maples Group is an elite offshore law firm whose Dubai team advises on the full gamut of matters relating to Cayman and British Virgin Islands investment funds, including the formation of private equity, hedge and real estate funds. It is also well versed in issues arising from Shari'a-compliant funds. The firm maintains a strong offshore M&A practice, and continues to be acknowledged for its Islamic and aviation finance expertise. It regularly acts as issuers' counsel on high-value sukuk issuances. The team represents a blue-chip client base, including leading financial institutions and asset managers. It maintains strong relationships with numerous end-user clients and onshore counsel across the region.
Work Highlights
- Maples Group was Cayman Islands counsel to El Sukuk Company on a AED1 billion sukuk issuance.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Maples have proved commercial and responsive with regard to large sovereign investors, and are particularly efficient in engaging with regulators."
"Maples provides excellent service and its lawyers have top-level experience."
"They are always aware of the practical commercial issues that are driving the deal."
"Maples can handle Shari'a structures, as well as investment fund documentation."
"Maples have proved commercial and responsive with regard to large sovereign investors, and are particularly efficient in engaging with regulators."
"Maples provides excellent service and its lawyers have top-level experience."
"They are always aware of the practical commercial issues that are driving the deal."
"Maples can handle Shari'a structures, as well as investment fund documentation."
Notable Practitioners
Manuela Belmontes is highly sought after for her expertise in Islamic and aircraft finance matters, with further notable experience in sukuk issuances. She is joint managing partner of the firm's Dubai office.
"Manuela Belmontes is an excellent lawyer and is very client-friendly."
"Manuela Belmontes and the team are very experienced and understand clients' needs."
Dubai joint managing partner Philip Ireland enjoys a strong reputation for investment fund matters. He has expertise relating to a wide range of asset classes and is experienced advising on Shari'a-compliant fund launches as well as on venture capital and equity funding mandates.
"Philip Ireland provides excellent client service. He is a hugely knowledgeable and practical lawyer."