- New office launch in DWTC Free Zone marks the firm’s continued growth in the Middle East, following over 30 years of advising clients across the region
- With a presence in ADGM and Dubai, Mishcon de Reya serves businesses, investors, and families navigating the Gulf’s cross-border legal landscape
Mishcon de Reya, an international law firm with more than 650 lawyers globally, operating at the intersection of complex disputes, global capital and economic transformation, today announced the official opening of its Dubai office, further strengthening the firm’s operations in the UAE.
As Gulf economies diversify and cross-border capital flows increase in volume and complexity, businesses and investors in the region require legal partners capable of advising across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks simultaneously. The firm’s practices in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai are structured to do exactly that, advising clients across the UAE.
Mishcon de Reya’s new Dubai office is located at One Za’abeel, one of the city’s most prominent commercial destinations. Established within the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone ecosystem, the office provides the firm with a strategically positioned base in the heart of Dubai’s central business district, supporting its continued growth across the UAE and wider region.
DWTC Free Zone is a competitive business ecosystem and licensing jurisdiction that connects companies to markets across the Middle East and beyond. Home to more than 2,700 companies spanning regional and international markets, it offers an enabling environment for global businesses seeking a strong operational presence in Dubai. Mishcon de Reya’s establishment within the free zone reflects its long-term commitment to the UAE and reinforces Dubai’s continued appeal as a global hub for investment, innovation and cross-border commerce.
Mishcon de Reya’s new Dubai office will work closely with the rest of the firm, including MDR Mayfair, which it will continue its close relation and co-location with. The office will service clients across a range of practice areas, including corporate, dispute resolution, employment, real estate, private wealth, impact, and innovation.
Christopher Skipper, Managing Partner, UAE, said: “It is a pleasure to announce the opening of our office in the landmark building of One Za’abeel. We have been advising clients in this region for over 30 years. The UAE continues to provide an attractive ecosystem for families, investors and businesses, and this announcement further highlights our commitment to and confidence in the UAE as a significant global financial centre.”
James Libson, Managing Partner, said: “We are delighted to open our office in Dubai and provide a base from which to service our clients’ needs. Our presence in One Za’abeel underlines our commitment to the region and our international ambitions.”
Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone, said: “The establishment of Mishcon de Reya’s Dubai office within DWTC Free Zone underscores Dubai’s growing appeal as a global hub for business, investment and cross-border advisory services. At DWTC Free Zone, we are committed to enabling international companies through a business-friendly regulatory framework, strategic location and a connected ecosystem that supports long-term growth. We are pleased to welcome Mishcon de Reya and look forward to supporting the firm’s continued success.”
The opening forms part of Mishcon de Reya’s Vision 2030 strategy, a five-year plan centred on three sectors where the firm has deep heritage and a growing client base. These include private wealth and private capital, the innovation economy, and real estate, alongside its commitment to remaining a disputes powerhouse, all of which are areas of significant and growing activity across the Gulf.
Drawing on lessons from its international expansion across Singapore and Hong Kong, and with its significant client base in the region, the Dubai office represents the next phase of Mishcon de Reya’s growth in the UAE, building on the firm’s existing operational presence in Abu Dhabi and strengthening its capabilities in line with client demand.