#Abu Dhabi #United Arab Emirates #ADGM #Sullivan & Cromwell

Sullivan & Cromwell Sets Foot in Abu Dhabi

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has officially inaugurated its new office in Abu Dhabi, located within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a prominent international financial center. This strategic move underscores the law firm’s long-term commitment to the Middle Eastern market, aiming to better serve clients throughout the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the broader region.

The firm’s expansion into Abu Dhabi will enhance its capabilities, providing integrated services that combine expertise in financing, regulation, and transactions with a strong track record in managing complex, cross-border operations of significant scale. Leading this initiative will be Ahmed T. el-Gaili, who is rejoining Sullivan & Cromwell as a partner to oversee Middle Eastern operations.

Robert Giuffra and Scott Miller, co-presidents of Sullivan & Cromwell, expressed their enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of solidifying ties with one of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs. “We are pleased to expand our footprint in Abu Dhabi in alignment with our long-term commitment to the region,” they stated. “Ahmed’s return to the firm reinforces our dedication to delivering unrivaled expertise in addressing our clients’ most critical challenges.”

Ahmed el-Gaili brings nearly two decades of experience in the region, having previously worked at Sullivan & Cromwell in London for six years. He has vast experience advising sovereign wealth funds, state-owned enterprises, governments, major regional and international corporations, and private equity firms on complex, cross-border transactions and projects. His areas of specialization encompass mergers and acquisitions, private equity, joint ventures, project financing, and restructurings, with particular focus on sectors like energy, infrastructure, life sciences, telecommunications, and technology.

Reflecting on the opportunities, el-Gaili noted, “Sovereign capital, private equity, and infrastructure investment in the Middle East are driving some of the world’s most complex and significant transactions, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Sullivan & Cromwell's integrated approach and deep expertise uniquely position us to advise the most sophisticated clients in the region on matters where professional judgment is critical.” He added, “I’m thrilled to return to SC and look forward to collaborating with colleagues firmwide to bolster our presence in the Middle East at a time of dynamic activity and growth.”

Arvind Ramamurthy, the Director of Market Development at ADGM, welcomed Sullivan & Cromwell’s establishment in Abu Dhabi and reiterated the significance of this development for the region's financial and professional service landscape. “The decision to open an office in ADGM reflects the continuous growth of Abu Dhabi as a global financial, investment, and professional services hub, thereby enhancing the expertise available to regional and global clients operating from ADGM,” he stated.

Sullivan & Cromwell's expansion in the Middle East will be further supported by other firm partners who possess extensive regional experience. el-Gaili will collaborate closely with various SC team members, including partner Garth Bray, who holds extensive experience in complex cross-border M&A operations in addition to regulatory and technological issues. Partner Umberto Hassan will also contribute his expertise in cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and intricate restructurings, particularly for clients based in the UAE.

With this strategic investment, Sullivan & Cromwell seeks to solidify its commitment and presence within one of the most flourishing and pivotal regions in the global economy. The firm has obtained full regulatory approval from the ADGM Registration Authority, marking the commencement of its formidable journey in Abu Dhabi.

About Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Founded in 1879, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is a prestigious global law firm providing counsel on major national and cross-border M&A operations, high-stakes litigation, corporate investigations, financial and securities matters, as well as complex antitrust, regulatory, tax, and estate planning issues. The firm's distinguishing traits include the delivery of the highest quality independent advice and a steadfast commitment to solving client problems. With approximately 1,000 lawyers, Sullivan & Cromwell has offices in key financial capitals including New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Melbourne, Sydney, and now Abu Dhabi.