Simmons & Simmons has announced the opening of a new
office in Abu Dhabi Global Market, representing the firm’s second major Middle
East launch in as many months and the expansion of its investment in the
region’s rapidly growing asset management and technology sectors. The move
highlights the firm’s strategic approach amidst a wider influx of international
law firms into the Gulf and is set against the backdrop of dynamic economic
shifts and renewed investment in Abu Dhabi.
Simmons & Simmons, the UK-headquartered international
law firm, has formally declared its intention to open a new office in Abu Dhabi’s
financial centre, marking the firm’s second Middle East launch within two
months. This expansion comes amid intensified interest from global legal
players in the Gulf region, as Abu Dhabi cements its role as a burgeoning hub
for funds, technology, and artificial intelligence.
Why has Simmons & Simmons chosen Abu Dhabi for its second Middle East launch?
As reported by the editorial team of Global Legal Post,
Simmons & Simmons confirmed on 17 July that it will establish its new
office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), subject to regulatory approval. According
to the coverage, the decision was driven by growing demand from
clients—particularly within the key sectors of asset management and investment
funds (AMIF), as well as technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT). These
sectors have witnessed a surge in deal activity and innovation, propelling both
local and international legal mandates.
Emily Monastiriotis, the firm’s managing partner, told
Global Legal Post:
“This is a strategically important move for Simmons & Simmons in such a key market where we have been present for over 30 years. Many businesses in the ADGM are very closely aligned with the sectors we specialise in – especially across funds and technology. Businesses also increasingly require support in the AI advisory space, where we have a market-leading offering.”
What is the significance of Abu Dhabi Global Market in the region?
As outlined by NonBillable, the Abu Dhabi Global Market has
rapidly elevated itself into one of the most sought-after financial hubs in the
Middle East. The publication notes that the ADGM is attracting international
law firms due to a surge in investments in artificial intelligence and
financial services. Simmons & Simmons aims to target two of its core
sectors—asset management, investment funds, and technology—leveraging the
emirate’s focus on financial innovation and digital transformation.
How does this expansion fit within Simmons & Simmons’ Middle East strategy?
Middle East head Muneer Khan explained the strategic
rationale to Global Legal Post, stating:
“The ADGM as an international financial centre is experiencing rapid growth and is a key location for many of our clients. The new office will ensure that we’re able to support clients from three of the main financial and investment hubs in the Middle East.”
Simmons & Simmons now operates three Middle East
offices: a long-standing presence in Dubai, a newly opened branch in Riyadh
last month, and the forthcoming Abu Dhabi location. The Riyadh office,
announced in June, is subject to Saudi regulatory approval and signals the
firm’s intention to deepen its capabilities across the Gulf’s rapidly evolving
markets.
Which other law firms are expanding in the region?
NonBillable and Global Legal Post have reported that Simmons
& Simmons is one of several international firms expanding their Middle East
presence in response to rising cross-border investments and economic
diversification initiatives. Notable others include Paul Hastings, Addleshaw
Goddard, Pinsent Masons, Bird & Bird, BCLP, and Skadden, who have all
established new offices across Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and beyond since early
2025.
Paul Hastings, for instance, opened in Abu Dhabi in April,
bolstering their infrastructure and funds expertise. Addleshaw Goddard and
Skadden have also strategically selected Abu Dhabi and Riyadh for new bases,
reflecting a legal industry consensus on the region’s potential for sustained
growth.
Are there challenges in expanding legal operations in the Middle East?
While the recent narrative is largely positive, it comes
after a period of retrenchment by some Western law firms. As reported by Asian
Legal Business, historically, a number of international firms—including Simmons
& Simmons during previous cycles—have closed their Abu Dhabi offices due to
market volatility, oil price fluctuations, and shifts in government spending. As
recently as February 2025, Asian Legal Business noted:
"Simmons & Simmons has closed its office in Abu Dhabi and has decided to ‘consolidate its offering in the UAE.’ The firm will advise clients in the Middle East through its Dubai office, its biggest in the region."
These remarks underscore the cyclical nature of the legal
market in the region, where firms must frequently reassess their geographic
strategy in line with economic realities.
What do sector specialists say about Simmons & Simmons’ prospects?
The relaunch in Abu Dhabi was welcomed by practitioners and
clients, with the Simmons UAE team celebrating 30 years of service in the
Emirates. On LinkedIn, Muneer Khan commemorated this milestone:
“I’m immensely proud of what the firm and its people have achieved in the UAE over the last three decades, and our wide contribution to the legal landscape. Integral to our success has been our sector focus, guiding our strategic decisions and ensuring we remain at the forefront of our chosen industries.”
How does this expansion relate to regional legal reforms and sectoral shifts?
Saudi Arabia has recently amended its Code of Law Practice,
requiring foreign law firms to obtain local licences. Simmons &
Simmons’ new Riyadh office, led by partner Amer Al Amr, highlights how
regulatory developments are shaping law firm strategies. Al Amr observed via
Global Legal Post:
“It’s a privilege to be leading Simmons’ new office in Riyadh. This is a breakthrough moment for the firm and one that will strengthen its capabilities across the Middle East. I am confident that my team’s local expertise, combined with Simmons’ international reputation, will enable us to capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead.”
While bullish about the expansion, the firm has also
navigated criticism and questions related to operating in regions with
differing social norms and legal frameworks, as reported by RollOnFriday. The
firm defended its decision to open in Riyadh, asserting:
“We feel confident in saying that this is the right thing to do for our business and our clients, they need us to have a presence in Riyadh.”
What is next for Simmons & Simmons in the Middle East?
Simmons & Simmons has indicated that the leadership of
the new Abu Dhabi office will be finalised pending internal discussions and
regulatory approval. The firm continues its focus on offering market-leading
support in asset management, funds, and technology sectors—areas that are
aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic ambitions.
The legal industry will be watching closely as Simmons &
Simmons, along with its major rivals, doubles down on the Middle East’s vibrant
growth story. As many firms pursue larger, consolidated Dubai or Gulf
offerings, Simmons’ triangulated strategy—anchored in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and
Dubai—may serve as a blueprint for future international legal expansion in the
region.
Key Points at a Glance:
- Simmons
& Simmons announced its second Middle East launch within two months,
opening an office in Abu Dhabi Global Market.
- The
firm seeks to capitalise on surging investment and innovation in asset
management, funds, tech, and AI.
- Managing
partner Emily Monastiriotis and Middle East head Muneer Khan highlight the
strategic alignment with ADGM’s rapid growth and client needs.
- Simmons
& Simmons now operates three offices in the region: Dubai, Riyadh, and
Abu Dhabi.
- The
move is part of a broader wave of international law firms deepening their
Gulf presence.
- The
firm celebrates 30 years of service in the UAE.
- Sector
developments, local legal reforms, and shifting market dynamics have
shaped this expansion strategy.