Hogan takes first steps in Middle East

Hogan & Hartson is launching its first office in the Middle East when it opens in Abu Dhabi next month.

The Washington DC-headquartered firm will send London partner Ray Batla to the United Arab Emirates to set up the office on 1 August. Batla said having a permanent presence on the ground would be vital to holding on to clients from the region.

“It’s become a ­condition of doing business there. The authorities have ­indicated that they favour law firms that have an office there, even if the project’s in Asia, Europe or the US,” he said.