Allen & Overy opens in Abu Dhabi

Allen & Overy (A&O) has confirmed it will open a third office in the Middle East '“ in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi.

Projects partner Jas Gillar is moving to Abu Dhabi from the firm's Singapore office, where he will be joined by two local partners from Simmons & Simmons '“ Ibrahim Mubayadeen, who specialises in project finance, and Canadian-qualified corporate partner Francois Duquette. Both are already based in Abu Dhabi.

The announcement comes just a month after A&O said it would launch in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh through an association with local firm Abdulaziz Al Gasim.

Managing partner David Morley said: 'The Gulf region is a strategic market for Allen & Overy.

'We can provide our clients with the integrated local and international expertise and consistent levels of service required for complex, cross-border transactions.'

The new office is due to open for business in September 2007.