Simmons & Simmons is set to open an office in Abu Dhabi, marking its second launch in the region in as many months.
The UK-headquartered firm said today (17 July) that it will open in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the UAE’s financial centre, subject to regulatory approval.
The firm said the launch was in response to growing demand from clients, particularly in two of its core sectors – asset management and investment funds (AMIF) and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT).
It comes amid the ADGM’s rise to become one of the fastest-growing financial centres for the asset management and funds industry, and its growing status as a hub for technology and AI businesses in the Middle East.
The office will be the firm’s third in the Middle East after its longstanding location in Dubai and base it opened in Riyadh last month, which similarly focuses on AMIF and TMT sector-work as well as financial institutions and healthcare and life sciences.
Simmons did not disclose who will lead the new office, saying it was currently in conversation with a number of partners at the firm regarding the role. It added that its Middle East head, Muneer Khan, will be closely involved overseeing the new office’s operations.
“This is a strategically important move for Simmons & Simmons in such a key market where we have been present for over 30 years,” said managing partner Emily Monastiriotis. “Many businesses in the ADGM are very closely aligned with the sectors we specialise in – especially across funds and technology. Businesses also increasingly require support in the AI advisory space, where we have a market leading offering.”
Khan added: “The ADGM as an international financial centre is experiencing rapid growth and is a key location for many of our clients. The new office will ensure that we’re able to support clients from three of the main financial and investment hubs in the Middle East.”
Simmons is among a slew of law firms growing their Middle East footprint, including dozens that have set up shop in Saudi Arabia, drawn by the region’s increased foreign investment and economic diversification initiatives. Other firms that have opened in Abu Dhabi this year include Paul Hastings, Skadden and Addleshaw Goddard.
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