Helping clients successfully grow and operate in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi continues to be a prime destination for international entity investment, driven by its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and commitment to economic diversification. Recent updates to Abu Dhabi’s disputes framework, including the launch of the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), underscore the Emirate’s dedication to providing efficient, impartial, and enforceable dispute resolution mechanisms. These advancements not only enhance the business environment but also reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading hub for international commerce and legal excellence.

5

Partners

15

Lawyers

24

Total staff

2005

Year of establishment

We are deeply embedded in the local market. As one of the early movers into the Abu Dhabi market, we are uniquely positioned to offer expert guidance on navigating the Emirate's dynamic legal and regulatory landscape.

Our Abu Dhabi team comprises five partners and over 20 members of staff. We advise sovereign entities, regional conglomerates and multinationals on matters that shape Abu Dhabi’s economy – from regulatory reforms to major investment transactions, real estate development, joint ventures and more. Most recently our team advised the ADGM Authority on the new Employment RegulationsAlpha Dhabi, one of the fastest growing Abu Dhabi based investment holding companies on the sale of its construction unit to ADQ, Aldar on its acquisition in the ADGM from Mubadala Investment Company.

This year, we celebrate our 20-year anniversary since opening our Abu Dhabi office. For over two decades, we have advised clients and shaped landmark moments across Abu Dhabi's legal and commercial landscape, while partnering with the Emirate on its transformation journey to achieve its vision of becoming today’s global hub.

With over 35 years of deep regional market knowledge, we have developed expertise across sectors and industries at the heart of the international economy. Our lawyers advise international and domestic clients across the full spectrum of corporate and commercial matters, including company structuring and governance, policy development and licensing, employment and Emiratisation, funding and procurement, intellectual property (IP), technology, and general commercial contracts. Our team also supports institutions in managing growing compliance obligations and provide practical solutions for recovery, including assistance with cash collection and related challenges.

Clyde & Co enjoys an unrivalled position as one of the longest-standing international law firms in the Middle East, with over 55 partners and over 300 staff. Our Abu Dhabi office complements a regional footprint that includes offices in Dubai in the UAE, Doha in Qatar, Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Cairo in Egypt, providing a full-service commercial offering of local lawyers across key business sectors and practice areas.

Celebrating two decades of legal impact in Abu Dhabi

In the opening episode of our Abu Dhabi 20-year podcast series, we take a reflective journey through the city’s remarkable transformation, to it's emergence as a global hub. Throughout the episode we discuss Abu Dhabi’s evolution and it's journey of ambition and innovation.

Listen now

What clients say

Clyde & Co has a long history in the Middle East and this is evident in the quality of advice and understanding within the team.

Chambers Global, UAE, 2025

Clyde & Co's insurance team remains at the forefront of the Middle East insurance market, regularly involved in key sector developments and the drafting of key regulations.

Legal 500 EMEA, UAE, 2025

Clyde & Co provides a first class service which combines detailed knowledge of the law with practical steps’ and is recognised for its success across local UAE courts, the DIFC and ADGM Courts, and high-profile international arbitrations.

Legal 500 EMEA, UAE, 2025

The team at Clyde & Co has strong commercial awareness and is sensitive to local customs and culture.

Chambers Global, UAE, 2025

Clyde is one of the major law firms for construction work in the Middle East. They maintain a strong, diverse team which is always committed to delivering the best possible outcome for their client.

Chambers Global, UAE, 2025

The team’s strength is its regional coverage and strong local knowledge. The UAE corporate team is very pragmatic and knows what is expected to get filings with local authorities done.

Legal 500 EMEA, UAE, 2024

Latest awards won

Employment Team of the Year

LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2025

GCC Law Firm of the Year

LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2025

UAE Insurance Law Firm of the Year

Chambers Middle East Awards 2025

UAE Construction Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year

Chambers Middle East Awards 2025

Law Firm of the Year

MENA II Awards 2025

International Law Firm of the Year

The Law's Finest 2024

Law Firm of the Year

Middle East Insurance Industry Awards 2024

Litigation Firm of the Year

Legalcommunity MENA Awards 2024

UAE Law Firm of the Year

Lexology Index Awards 2024

Impact Deal Award

IFLR Middle East Awards 2024

Pro Bono Firm of the Year

IFLR Middle East Awards 2024

Law Firm of the Year

LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards 2024

International Law Firm of the Year

LexisNexis Women in Law Awards 2024

Middle East Law Firm of the Year Dispute Resolution

Chambers Middle East Awards 2024

UAE Dispute Resolution Law Firm of the Year

Chambers Middle East Awards 2024

UAE Law Firm of the Year

Who’s Who Legal Awards 2024

Shipping and Transport Firm of the Year

The Legal 500 (Legalease) Middle East and North Africa Awards 2024

Law Firm of the Year

MENA IR Awards 2024

Go to next section

Contact