Stephenson Harwood has bolstered its construction practice in the Middle East with the relocation of a partner from London to Dubai, and signaled its intention to further grow the practice over the next five years.
Ron Nobbs brings more than three decades of experience advising on construction infrastructure and engineering projects around the world, including more than ten years working with clients in the Middle East.
“Ron’s arrival, bringing a wealth of experience, is a milestone in the development of our construction practice,” said the firm’s Dubai office managing partner, Rania Tadros. “We’ve set an ambitious target to grow our contentious and non-contentious construction offering over the next five years, with the aim of it becoming a multi-partner practice with a number of additional associate hires too.”
“The construction and projects market is booming in the GCC, with contract awards for related work hitting a record of US$209 billion in 2023. The GCC alone has a projects pipeline in excess of US$2.7 trillion,” she continued. “There’s never been a more important time to invest in our capabilities in this area, and Ron’s extensive expertise will be key in our ability to help our clients capitalise on these opportunities.”
Nobbs added: “It’s an exciting time to be involved in construction in the GCC, with activity increasing year on year. We’re seeing an increase in foreign investors into the region, which in turn is helping to boost the construction market. The projects involved are often vast and hugely complex, and that’s where we can add real value by bringing experience honed over decades of practice, and genuine insight into the region and industry. We have ambitious plans to grow our construction capabilities in the region so that we can support more clients on bigger projects and disputes.”
Earlier this week Baker Botts announced the relocation of its global head of construction from London to Dubai. Stuart Jordan moved across offices in response to growing client demands in the Middle East, as well as to further support and grow his existing practice in the region. He will focus on expanding the team and providing strategic oversight for global and regional collaboration.
