UK, US firms target Middle East market

A host of law firms is launching in Dubai in a bid to cash in on the booming Middle East energy and projects sectors.

Ashurst, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and US firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld have officially launched offices in the key financial centre of the United Arab Emirates in the last two months.

Berwin Leighton Paisner and Linklaters are also understood to be circling the market, while DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary has confirmed its launch in Dubai before the winter.

Expansion into the Middle East has become a hot topic over the last six months as firms try to leverage their positions in the booming Gulf region's energy and projects sectors.