Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Oil, gas and natural resources

The relocation of expert energy David Platt to the UAE from Singapore has strengthened Pinsent Masons LLP‘s ability to act on a broad range of project financing and development instructions. Tim Armsby is another name to note in the team.

Oil, gas and natural resources in United Arab Emirates

Ashurst LLP

One of the ‘pre-eminent oil and gas and petrochemical practices in the region’, Ashurst LLP stands at the forefront of the market and regularly acts in high-profile deals and projects for a mix of leading industry players. The firm’s experienced advisors are able to provide a comprehensive offering that encompasses corporate, financing, procurement, construction and disputes work. The department has a particular focus on oil and LNG assets but is also equipped to advise across hydrogen, chemicals and minerals issues. Team head David Charlier has recently been engaged by clients on blockbuster power transmission projects, while Luke Robottom is a key figure for transactional work. Stuart James has a formidable cross-border practice that sees him advising European and Asian entities on private equity, joint ventures and M&A. Senior associate Priya Shah is highlighted by clients as an exceptional LNG specialist. Senior associate Raquel Tarancon Plata continues to be involved in major regional projects. Former joint practice head Simon Fraser left the practice in December 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Charlier


Autres avocats clés:

Luke Robottom; Stuart James; Priya Shah; Raquel Tarancon Plata


Les références

‘Ashurst has a pre-eminent oil and gas and petrochemical practice in the region, with the team handling a range of complex matters for us. They also have expertise advising on power and water, petrochemicals and infrastructure projects. The team is outstanding on every level. Always ready to go to any length to provide fast, tailored and commercially creative solutions to whatever issue arises, no matter how complicated a deal.’

‘Ashurst are incredibly collaborative and always available. Their advice is clear, concise and very commercial.’

‘Priya has recently moved from Singapore where she has exceptional LNG experience. She has already shown her capabilities as a go-to and trusted LNG and upstream oil & gas lawyer in the Middle East. She has specialist knowledge of LNG receiving terminal capacity and use agreements and her advice is concise, practical and incredibly commercial.’

Principaux clients

ADNOC


Kuwait Petroleum Corporation


Petrochemical Industries Company K.S.C


ADES Investments Holding Ltd


Sojitz


Interserve Group Holdings Limited


Mitsui E&P


Schlumberger


OMV


Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners


Brookfield


Venice Energy


Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)


Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)


Itochu Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised ADNOC on all aspects of the establishment of ADNOC Gas, one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies.
  • Acting on Project Lightning, a major project jointly procured by ADNOC and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company involving the design, construction, maintenance and operation of sub-sea power transmission systems.
  • Advised Schlumberger on its acquisition of shares, as a cornerstone investor, in the IPO and listing on the Muscat Stock Exchange of Abraj Energy Services.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLPpossesses deep expertise and ability, combined with an extremely high level of service’. Active on mandates across the region, with particular attention on the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the team is able to cover the gamut of projects work, including premium M&A and financings, capital markets transactions and complex litigation. The group has also seen a significant volume of big-ticket mandates pertaining to hydrogen ventures, overseeing the financing and construction of greenfield facilities. The team is jointly led by several experienced practitioners, with Antoine Cousin, Ivan Paskal and Adam Pierson standing out due to their extensive activity across a number of projects. Pierson and Cousin are among the preeminent company advisors to Saudi Aramco, where they have been engaged with the industry giant’s power, water and utilities enterprises, whereas Paskal has spearheaded a wide assortment of matters that include NEOM projects and pre-IPO restructurings. Alexander Malahias is a financing expert and retains close connections to major regional financial institutions, while Din Eshanov, who relocated to Abu Dhabi in 2023, brings further expertise in project development.

Responsables de la pratique:

Antoine Cousin; Din Eshanov; Alexander Malahias; Ivan Paskal; Adam Pierson; Yasser Riad; Michael Turrini; Michael Watson


Les références

‘The White & Case team possess deep expertise and ability, combined with an extremely high level of service. When White & Case represent us, there is a lot of comfort to be taken knowing that we will not be outdone by opposing counsel.’

‘Adam Pierson has deep experience in project development transactions in the Middle East. He is commercially aware and provides an extremely high level of service.’

‘Antoine Cousin is an expert in co-generation projects in the Middle East.’

Principaux clients

Saudi Arabian Oil Company


The Lenders to Advanced Polyolefins Company


NEOM Company


Borealis AG


Zakher Marine International


The Industrialization and Energy Services Company


ADES Group


Mubadala Investment Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented a project company in connection with the financing of a greenfield facility powered by renewable energy sourced from wind, solar and battery storage for production and export of green hydrogen to global markets.
  • Advised a consortium of nine Saudi and regional banks in connection with the SAR6.1bn Islamic project financing of Advanced Polyolefins Industry Company’s new petrochemicals complex.
  • Advised Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Japan’s Kyushu Electric Power Co. and Électricité de France (EDF) as international sponsors on the financial closing of the $3.8bn Project Lightning offshore transmission line in the UAE.

Clifford Chance

With a client base featuring state-owned energy titans, multinational companies, international and regional banks, and sovereign wealth funds, Clifford Chance oversees the development, construction and financing of an array of projects, with a notable focus on LNG endeavours. The team combines its deep-rooted connection to the local market with its extensive international footprint, and is active in landmark mandates in jurisdictions in the region as well as African and European countries. Team head Mohamed Hamra-Krouha is highly reputed for his work alongside financial sponsors and is an integral advisor on the department’s Saudi Arabian mandates. Paul Coates‘ practice is largely centred on disputes work, often representing government-owned entities in large-scale, high-value projects. Inaamul Laher‘s broad practice includes construction, development, financing and transactional matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mohamed Hamra-Krouha


Autres avocats clés:

Paul Coates; Inaamul Laher


Les références

‘The uniqueness of their practice in handling issues related to Oil, Gas and Natural resources is that they assign a group of lawyers/counsellors who are familiar with each aspect of Oil, Gas and Natural resources. The assigned lawyers/counsellors have great knowledge of drafting all types of agreements in the said field.’

‘Reliable. Approachable. Familiarized with all types of issues related to oil, gas and natural resources.’

Principaux clients

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising ADNOC on the development of a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) liquefaction plant to be constructed in the UAE.
  • Advised a syndicate of 16 Omani and regional banks on multi-currency conventional and Islamic facilities for OQ Gas Networks, the owner and operator of the natural gas system in Oman.

CMS

CMS is instructed by state-owned oil and gas entities and US and European supermajors on an assortment of transactional, development and disputes work. The team is highly regarded as ‘technically strong with a great understanding of commercial issues’, and as such is frequently sought out for associated project issues such as the implementation of energy transition strategies to reduce carbon production. The team is also equipped to provide advice on regulatory and environmental concerns. John Geddes helms the practice and is lauded for his industry knowledge, which he leverages when acting on major oil and gas M&A deals. Legal director Emma Nierinck is recognised for her disputes work, often working alongside senior associate Alexandra Scott. Senior associate Blair Jones is a proficient cross-border advisor.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Geddes


Autres avocats clés:

Blair Jones; Emma Nierinck; Alexandra Scott


Les références

‘Excellent Oil and Gas practice. International and regional credentials. Very reliable and they know their stuff. Safe hands to work with on complex transactions and disputes.’

‘The team (John Geddes, Blair Jones, Alexandra Scott) possesses great legal skills and industry knowledge, which together with experience in the MENA region and in Iraq gives clients confidence that opinion is well balanced and suits the business needs. The team is able to give practical recommendations, rather than just theoretical opinion.’

‘John Geddes is a rising star. Highly recommended.’

Principaux clients

Dana Gas


Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)


Schlumberger


OMV


Eni


BP


Dragon Oil


Shell


Nabors Drilling International Limited


Petroleum Development Oman


INA – Industrija nafte d.d.


MOL


Honeywell


Cansco Group


KCA Deutag Drilling Gmbh


Daleel Petroleum LLC


Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company SAOC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised INA (the Croatian national oil company) on the disposal of its operated interest in the East Yidma oil and gas Concession Agreement in Egypt and its non-operated interests in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A in Angola.
  • Advising an IOC on the issues arising from the shutdown of the Iraq Turkey Pipeline.

Devine & Severova

Well versed in the sale and purchase, operation, development and financing aspects of oil and gas projects in the region, boutique firm Devine & Severova is seeing a growing volume of mandates pertaining to decarbonisation initiatives in relation to the UAE’s net zero pledge, alongside a consistent flow of conventional instructions. The group has a client list of oil and gas developers and producers, including multinational corporations and leading industry players, exhibiting a far-reaching geographical reach. Richard Devine and Ana Severova co-head the practice and are widely praised by clients for their ‘extensive experience in oil and gas projects in the MENA region’ and their ability to provide comprehensive advice tailored to specific businesses. Both Devine and Severova focus their efforts on project development, foreign direct investment and disputes work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Devine; Ana Severova


Les références

‘One aspect we truly appreciate is that we are always in direct contact with the partners, Richard Devine and Ana Severova. This arrangement allows for immediate decision-making on any issues that arise. I have appreciated their responsiveness and comprehensive legal advice with alternative options.’

‘Richard Devine and Ana Severova demonstrated exceptional qualities. Their prompt responses and agreement drafting, in-depth legal insights, and ability to provide comprehensive advice with alternative options were truly commendable. Their extensive experience in oil and gas projects in Abu Dhabi and the MENA region further distinguished them as highly qualified and knowledgeable professionals. The quality of their legal advice is always beyond our expectations.’

‘Devine & Severova always tried to understand our business position and gave us good advice and recommendations.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a national oil company on the establishment of a solar power project as part of its decarbonisation efforts.
  • Advised an international oil company on an approximately $1bn bid to acquire upstream assets in the MENA region.
  • Advised an international oil company on an LNG master sale and purchase agreement in North Africa.

Gibson Dunn

Gibson Dunn has recently undergone a period of substantial change, welcoming sector veterans Renad Younes and Marwan Elaraby from Shearman & Sterling LLP in January 2023 and October 2022 respectively, with the duo helming this newly bolstered oil and gas offering. The team specialises in blockbuster M&A transactions, advising state-owned entities and multinational companies on equity investments, buyouts and joint venture agreements. The team is a popular choice for leading UAE players, and as such the team has been exposed to wider instructions that include initial public offerings and the reorganisation of interests, as well as a wealth of multi-jurisdictional opportunities. In addition to Younes and Elaraby, Samuel Ogunlaja, Laleh Shahabi and Jade Chu also joined from Shearman & Sterling LLP, bringing expertise in corporate issues. Associate Andrea Calla is singled out for his crucial supporting presence on key matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Renad Younes; Marwan Elaraby


Autres avocats clés:

Samuel Ogunlaja; Laleh Shahabi; Jade Chu


Les références

‘Renad Younes is exceptional in her knowledge of the oil and gas sector. She has a detailed understanding of the full value chain from upstream, midstream and downstream. Renad can be relied upon to provide advice and support which is practical and effective. ’

‘Exceptional knowledge of our business. ’

Principaux clients

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company


ADNOC Distribution


ADNOC Gas plc


Borealis AG


Borouge plc


The Sovereign Fund of Egypt


Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company


Principaux dossiers


Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a team of ‘real experts in upstream and downstream matters’, who are able to ‘understand all aspects of O&G projects’. Cross-border work is a key component of the firm’s portfolio, as it receives instructions involving regional states such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, as well as countries in North Africa and Asia. Team lead Sarosh Mewawalla is the go-to for project finance expertise, frequently advising on Islamic finance structures. Co-head Nick Oury is ‘a real star of the market’ and is ‘known for his experience in oil and gas infrastructure disputes’. Fellow co-head Danila Logofet is equipped to act in joint venture and investment mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarosh Mewawalla; Danila Logofet; Nick Oury


Les références

‘The O&G team at HSF are real experts in upstream and downstream matters. Their disputes team is particularly strong, with real market experts all around their network. They understand all aspects of O&G projects and are seen as extensions of the commercial team, with the ability to resolve claims and disputes quickly and efficiently.’

‘Nick Oury is well known for his experience in oil & gas infrastructure disputes. He is very easy to work with, and always goes the extra mile. A real star of the market.’

Principaux clients

PT Pertamina Rosneft Pengolahan dan Petrokimia


Chevron


Dragon Oil


Banque Saudi Fransi


Alinma Bank


China ZhenHua Oil Company


INPEX


Advanced Petrochemicals


CNPC Internationa


Clyde & Co LLP

Clyde & Co LLP maintains a strong energy offering, acting across a wide array of sectors and providing a full service across commercial, corporate, financing, regulatory, employment, sanctions and IP work. The firm leverages its considerable litigation and arbitration expertise to advise premium industry players on multimillion-dollar disputes, while also acting on business reorganisations, joint ventures and mergers. David Leckie and Leonard Soudagar jointly lead the practice and chiefly focus on international arbitration, litigation and mediation pertaining to oil and gas companies and projects. Associate Asyraf Isnin is recognised for his contentious and non-contentious practice that centres on shipping affairs.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Leckie; Leonard Soudagar


Autres avocats clés:

Asyraf Isnin


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a multinational manufacturing company on a $600m contractual dispute with a state-owned oil company concerning payment terms and contractual interpretation.
  • Advising a state-owned natural gas utility in relation to environmental matters, whistleblowing and internal investigations.
  • Advising a global provider of engineering and construction solutions to the energy industry with an international arbitration matter against another international company.

HFW

HFW's UAE team consolidated its position in the market through the hire of Slava Kiryushin and senior associate Joshua Coleman-Pecha from DWF Middle East LLP in May 2023, consequently boosting the firm’s ability to comprehensively serve its array of energy producer, supplier and contractor clients. The team is frequently instructed on corporate transactions, contractual drafting and negotiations, regulatory concerns and disputes. Its office network means it has an extensive geographical footprint and is able to engage in projects occurring in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Mexico and Turkey. Kiryushin is hailed by clients for his deep industry experience and ability to tackle complex oil and gas issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Slava Kiryushin


Autres avocats clés:

Joshua Coleman-Pecha


Les références

‘Slava Kiryushin is one of perhaps 3-4 people in the entire Middle East that understands the industry. He has been in the industry for quite some time and speaks the same language.’

‘In my 20 years of experience, I’ve not come across a better lawyer than Slava. If there is a technical, commercial issue or dispute in the O&G sector, Slava is the right person. Best person in the industry that we have worked with.

‘Strength at all levels of the team. All its lawyers have been active in the region now for many years. They really know what they’re talking about.’

Principaux clients

Kuwait Energy


Schlumberger


Pakistan Petroleum Ltd


Dana Gas


National Well Drilling Company of Libya


CATERPILLAR


Veolia


Kuwait Oil Company


GS Engineering and Construction


ADNOC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a consortium of all of Pakistan’s oil companies on winning the block 5 offshore concession in Abu Dhabi.
  • Advising Schlumberger on a diverse range of issues worldwide.
  • Advising in relation to operations in Block 9 in Iraq.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Demonstrating cross-border capabilities and a depth of expertise across M&A, financing and development work, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is an established advisor to a range of clients active in the oil and gas space. Wider work for the team includes sanctions advice to energy companies reviewing their Russian assets, and investigations and litigation support. Practice head Jennifer Josefson has a ‘very commercial approach’; she stands out for her knowledge and experience in the sector and is highly active on petroleum and LNG mandates. Legal consultant Alexandra Rotar, who splits her time between London and Abu Dhabi, has considerable knowledge of environmental and regulatory matters and is noted for her work on carbon capture, storage and voluntary carbon offset endeavours.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jennifer Josefson


Autres avocats clés:

Alexandra Rotar


Les références

‘Huge talent pool in this sector. All a delight to work with and outstanding with respect to support provided.’

‘Jennifer Josefson has a depth of knowledge and experience in the sector. She adopts a very commercial approach. Highly respected.’

Principaux clients

Bumi Armada Berhad


China National Petroleum Company


Equinor ASA


Natixis SA


Petromal


Rome DMCC


Vitol SA


Wintershall Dea


Trafigura


BB Energy


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented UAE-based Petromal on the structuring and negotiations of an upstream acquisition of a controlling interest from Shell in a project in the Middle East.
  • Supporting Rome DMCC with regards to structuring queries and advising on local law and regulations.