Addleshaw Goddard opens its doors in Abu Dhabi

International law firm Addleshaw Goddard (AG) has further strengthened its presence in the Middle East with the opening of an office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the capital of the United Arab Emirates’ international financial centre.

Abu Dhabi becomes AG’s fifth office in the region - alongside Dubai, Riyadh, Muscat and Doha - building on the firm’s strategic ambition to expand its footprint across the Middle East and support clients in one of the region’s key economic hubs. It is a key part of the firm’s long-term vision in the Middle East, following more than 12 years of growth and operations in the region.

Abu Dhabi’s dynamic economy, underpinned by its Economic Vision 2030, prioritises reducing reliance on oil, fostering knowledge-based industries, and establishing a globally integrated business environment.

AG’s expansion aligns with these goals, as the firm brings world-class legal expertise tailored to meet the diverse business needs of local and international clients. This new office will provide on-the-ground support for the firm’s growing client base in sectors such as financial services, energy, infrastructure, and technology.

Establishing a presence in Abu Dhabi is a vital step in our regional strategy and reflects our commitment to supporting our clients where they need us most. With Abu Dhabi’s visionary economic plans and rapidly diversifying economy, this expansion enables us to play a key role in delivering legal solutions that drive growth and innovation.

Robin Hickman

Head of Middle East at AG

With 27 Partners and approaching 100 lawyers in total across its Middle East offices, AG continues to push boundaries, doubling its regional income growth in recent years. The Abu Dhabi office will further cement the firm’s position as a trusted partner, driving economic progress and supporting key industries in the region.

This is the latest step in the firm’s AG2030 international growth strategy. Last month, AG entered the Polish market, following the transfer of Linklaters' Warsaw office to the firm, enabling AG to deliver a full-service suite of legal expertise and tailored services across Poland, Central and Eastern Europe and Turkey.

The Abu Dhabi and Warsaw office openings this year build on the firm’s international expansion, which now encompasses 21 locations including the opening of offices in Madrid, Riyadh, and four locations across Germany, as well as the launch of new offices in Dublin, Luxembourg, and Paris in recent years.