BLP’s new office will form a close link with the firm’s first Middle East outpost in Abu Dhabi, providing clients with a comprehensive range of legal services for the real estate sector.

The Dubai office will be led by real estate partner Mohammed Kamal. He said: ‘This is an important milestone in our on-going strategy for the region. Dubai has long been recognised as a leading regional financial centre and business hub and it is a strategically important market for us.

International footprint

Neville Eisenberg, Managing Partner at BLP, added: ‘Having an office in Dubai is an important part of our long term strategic plan for the Middle East and the development of our international footprint. We represent a number of clients who increasingly require our support across the Gulf, North Africa and West Asia. Our Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices act as gateways to these markets.’

Meanwhile, CMS’s office will initially  serve its energy clients.

Head of Energy, Penelope Warne, commented: ‘A new hub of energy companies is emerging in Dubai to service major investment into Iraq, and this is stimulating demand for specialist lawyers in the region.’ CMS’ team in Dubai is led by partners Stephen Millar and Matthew Culver.