Clyde & Co strengthens MEA Regulatory & Investigations capability with partner hire

Global law firm Clyde & Co today announces the appointment of Omar Khattab as a Partner in its White-Collar Crime & Sanctions team, further strengthening the firm’s global Regulatory & Investigations (R&I) practice and supporting its long‑term strategy to build its fully integrated international R&I platform.

Omar is joining Clyde & Co in Dubai from Norton Rose Fulbright. His appointment strengthens the firm's R&I services across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, supporting Clyde & Co’s global strategy to meet rising client demand for complex cross-border advice on regulatory compliance, enforcement and investigations. The appointment follows the firm’s launch of a dedicated R&I capability in the Americas last month with the appointment of Jeff Cottle and his team from Eversheds. Jeff has been appointed as Head of Regulatory & Investigations, White-Collar Crime and Sanctions, Americas, as well as Co-Head of White-Collar Crime and Sanctions, EMEA. He will work closely with Omar and the wider MEA R&I team to advance key initiatives to meet our clients' needs.

Omar is a recognised financial crime specialist whose practice includes regulatory investigations and compliance, and risk management - fields in which we see significant potential for growth across the region. He has worked throughout the MENA region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and has experience in Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, and Libya. He also has asset recovery experience which spans major international financial centres, including the US, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, and several others. 

Sam Tate, Partner and Global Head of Regulatory & Investigations at Clyde & Co, said: 

Peter Hodgins, Partner and Chair of the MEA board at Clyde & Co, said:  

Commenting on his move, Omar Khattab said: 

Clyde & Co’s global R&I practice brings together more than 160 partners worldwide advising clients on regulatory compliance and enforcement across white-collar crime, sanctions, export controls and crisis response. The firm’s R&I lawyers work closely across jurisdictions, supporting clients through investigations by regulators and prosecutors and helping manage regulatory risk across highly regulated and high-risk sectors. 

With over 35 years of experience across the Middle East and Africa, Clyde & Co’s on-the-ground team consists of 92 partners and over 300 legal professionals. The firm’s commitment to supporting both multinational and public sector clients has been evident with the addition of 22 new partners in the last 18 months. These appointments highlight Clyde & Co’s investment into supporting clients on the ground as they advance their strategic priorities and navigate the evolving regional landscape.