Sullivan & Cromwell Expands Presence in the Middle East with New Office in Abu Dhabi

In a significant move that highlights its commitment to the Middle East, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has announced the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi's Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This strategic expansion marks an important milestone as the firm seeks to bolster its presence in one of the world's most dynamic financial hubs.

The recent establishment of the office demonstrates Sullivan & Cromwell's dedication to serving clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader region. With this new location, the firm aims to enhance its capability in providing integrated services in financing, regulation, and complex transactions. The announcement was made by Robert Giuffra and Scott Miller, the co-chairmen of the firm, who expressed their enthusiasm about deepening ties with one of the world's leading financial centers.

Key Leadership: Ahmed T. el-Gaili

At the helm of this new office will be Ahmed T. el-Gaili, who re-joins Sullivan & Cromwell as a partner. Having previously spent six years with the firm in London, el-Gaili brings nearly two decades of regional expertise to the table. His extensive experience encompasses advising sovereign wealth funds, state-owned enterprises, governments, and multinational corporations on intricate cross-border transactions and projects.

El-Gaili’s focus areas include mergers and acquisitions, private equity, joint ventures, project financing, and restructuring, particularly within the sectors of energy, infrastructure, life sciences, telecommunications, and technology. His strong connections with leading state funds and government entities in the Middle East position him as an invaluable asset for the firm as it positions itself amidst the region's rapid economic growth.

The Strategic Importance of Abu Dhabi

The decision to open an office in Abu Dhabi reflects the firm’s strategy to tap into the growing demand for sophisticated legal services in the region. As el-Gaili noted, “State capital investments, private equity funding, and infrastructure investments in the Middle East are driving some of the world's most noteworthy and complex transactions, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.” Sullivan & Cromwell’s global platform and holistic offerings provide the firm with a unique ability to advise the region’s most demanding clients, where sound judgment is crucial.

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer of the ADGM, welcomed Sullivan & Cromwell's presence, stating, “The choice to establish within the ADGM reinforces Abu Dhabi's ongoing growth as a pivotal hub for international finance, investments, and professional services.” This sentiment underscores the region's emerging role as a global financial center.

Supporting a Growing Team

The expansion into Abu Dhabi is not just the work of el-Gaili alone. He will collaborate closely with other partners at Sullivan & Cromwell, including Garth Bray, who possesses in-depth knowledge of cross-border M&A transactions and regulatory matters, and Umberto Hassan, an expert in intricate restructuring cases, supporting clients based out of the UAE. This group brings a wealth of experience and regional insight that will benefit the firm’s clients.

Sullivan & Cromwell has received all necessary regulatory approvals from the ADGM’s registrar, paving the way for a smooth start to its operations in Abu Dhabi. Founded in 1879, Sullivan & Cromwell is a leading law firm renowned for its high-quality independent counsel and commitment to addressing the challenges facing its clients.

As the firm settles into its new office, it stands ready to support clients navigating the complexities of the Middle Eastern market with personalized and strategically focused legal services, promising a bright future filled with opportunities for both the firm and its clientele.