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Middle East

The Middle East boasts substantial private and state-held wealth, much of which is based on the great quantities of oil and gas across the region. Many of the governments in the region are now also focused on diversifying their economies, which is encouraging greater business innovation and growth.

The Middle East's most successful people invest around the world, and we are proud to assist them with their global interests, wealth planning, movement and business strategies. We have particular experience in assisting clients based across the region on their international activities.

Track record

Advised Samsung Electronics South Africa (PTY) Ltd

Advised Samsung Electronics South Africa (PTY) Ltd on arbitration and public international law issues in its successful appeal before the Dubai Court of Cassation to uphold an ICC multi-million arbitration award rendered in Samsung's favour in the UAE.

Internal investigation into bribery concerns

Instructions arising in respect of a contract for services with the Libyan government.

Advising a property developer

Advising property developer in relation to Iranian financial sanctions concerning proceeds from the sale of a property in the UK being transferred to Iran.

International fintech company

Advising international fintech company in relation to UN, US, EU and UK sanctions in connection with Iran.
 

Middle East State Counsel

Claim regarding international human rights treaties.

Owner and operator of the prestigious educational institution

Acting for the owner and operator of the prestigious educational institution with campuses in Singapore, India, Japan, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, in the worldwide protection of their trade marks and in various trade mark enforcement proceedings in India.

A Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund

Advice on its role as a syndicate investor in a £100m Series C investment in the technology sector.

Senior Officer of a global metals manufacturer

We acted for a Senior Officer, avoiding liability in joint US DOJ and SEC proceedings arising from alleged FCPA violations in connection with construction of smelter in Bahrain.

Dubai real estate developer

We assisted a major real estate developer in Dubai, in relation to the appointment of Millennium & Copthorne, an operator of three hotel projects in Dubai. This included the negotiation of several agreements, corporate structuring of the client's group and structuring and drafting of the rental pool agreement.

Family from Oman

We advised on and established an international holding structure for a wealthy family from Oman. The settlor wished to retain the power to veto distributions and to determine ultimate division of assets. The result of which upon his death, the trust assets were to be dividing amongst his family in accordance with sharia law.

Experience

Our team

Justine Markovitz

Justine Markovitz

Chairperson | Geneva

Justine Markovitz

Chairperson | Geneva

Private client and tax

Hannah Wailoo

Hannah Wailoo

Partner | London

Hannah Wailoo

Partner | London

Private Client

Hussein Haeri KC

Hussein Haeri KC

Partner | London

Hussein Haeri KC

Partner | London

Litigation and arbitration

Yousra Salem

Yousra Salem

Associate | London

Yousra Salem

Associate | London

Litigation and arbitration

Stephen Nerland

Stephen Nerland

Consultant | London

Stephen Nerland

Consultant | London

Private client and tax

Michael Gouriet

Michael Gouriet

Partner | London

Michael Gouriet

Partner | London

Divorce and family

Reaz H. Jafri

Reaz H. Jafri

Of Counsel | New York

Reaz H. Jafri

Of Counsel | New York

Immigration

Dawn Goodman

Dawn Goodman

Senior counsel | London

Dawn Goodman

Senior counsel | London

Trust, estate and inheritance disputes

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Withers Hakawati

Withers Hakawati provides families and individuals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region with a broad range of services delivered by trusted individuals. We have track record of helping successful families and individuals achieve their business and personal objectives in the US, UK, Middle East, North Africa and across the GCC.

Contact Tareq Hawasli

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Our website will give you a flavour of the advice we provide - if you would like to talk to us for more information, please contact our client services team who will be happy to assist.

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