Simmons & Simmons recently marked three decades of operation in the UAE.
The firm has evolved from a makeshift office in a squash court to a futuristic hub in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)’s ICD Brookfield Place.
Middle East head Muneer Khan has been at the helm for more than half of that time and reflects on the firm’s progress in the region. He discusses the firm’s sector focus, use of technology, and key priorities as it enters a new decade.
The firm recently marked 30 years in the UAE, with you at the helm for more than half of that time. How have you and the firm changed over the years?
Over the past three decades in the UAE, Simmons & Simmons has experienced a massive transformation. Our initial foray into Abu Dhabi in 1991 presented numerous challenges, requiring us to deploy a large team to the region on short notice. This team spent several years working under unique conditions, initially operating from a makeshift office in a squash court until we secured proper office space! Our early days were characterised by a close association with the Intercontinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi, which served as a makeshift home for many of our team members. We got to know the airline crews well, often sharing flights with prized falcons, and the rigorous six-day work weeks were all part of our formative years in the UAE. These experiences were invaluable, contributing hugely to our learning and growth.
Contrasting those early days to our current operations from our futuristic hub in ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, highlights how much things have changed. This transition reflects the broader evolution within our firm and the UAE legal sector.
What is your proudest achievement to date?
I am particularly proud of being part of a firm that not only adapts to change but drives it, particularly in the realms of technology. Our firm is not merely responsive to change; we are at the forefront, leading the charge in the integration and advancement of AI within the legal domain. Among our notable achievements, we have played a key role in developing the DIFC’s AI-specific data protection regime, paving the way for best standards in AI governance and ethics.
Furthermore, we have been instrumental in supporting our UAE clients through their digital transformation journeys, including the application of AI within legal functions. This involves our legal engineering and legal design teams working closely with clients to implement AI use cases that revolutionise traditional legal processes.
What sets Simmons & Simmons apart from other international law firms in the Middle East?
Simmons & Simmons is not just about offering legal services; we are about a deep understanding of the industries our clients operate in and the challenges they face. Our sector focus guides our strategic decisions, ensures we remain at the forefront of industry developments and allows us to provide tailored advice that is not only legally sound but also commercially astute and forward-thinking. Our commitment to understanding and anticipating the needs of the industries we serve has set us apart and has been a cornerstone of our growth and success.
Our commitment to employee wellbeing is central to our operations. We recognise that our success is built on the health, happiness, and growth of our team members. To this end, we have implemented policies and practices designed to support the physical and mental wellbeing of our employees. This includes flexible working arrangements, wellness programmes, and a supportive work environment that encourages open dialogue about wellbeing.
In summary, what sets Simmons & Simmons apart in the Middle East is our holistic approach to law, where sector expertise is complemented by a genuine commitment to the wellbeing and professional growth of our employees. This combination enables us to attract and retain top talent, foster innovation, and maintain a high level of client satisfaction, setting us apart in a competitive legal landscape.
The firm is growing its team across practice areas and recently expanded its office space in Dubai. Is further expansion on the cards?
The growth of our team and the recent enlargement of our Dubai office space are just the beginning of our broader expansion plans in the region. We are continuously evaluating opportunities to extend our services, ensuring that we can meet the evolving needs of our clients and the markets we serve. This forward-looking approach is a testament to our commitment to the Middle East and our ambition to be at the forefront of legal services in the region.
Simmons & Simmons revealed plans to open an office in Saudi Arabia in January 2024. How is that going nearly a year on?
Our move to Riyadh is pending approval from the Saudi Arabia national authorities—we expect this to be completed soon and look forward to continuing to serve our clients in the Kingdom.
As the firm enters a new decade in the UAE, what are your key priorities?
As we enter a new decade in the UAE, our key priorities include further deepening our sector expertise, continuing to attract top talent to our firm, and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We also aim to strengthen our contributions to the local communities where we operate, reinforcing our commitment to being a responsible and positive force in the region.
