International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has officially secured a licence to operate in the UAE capital and opened a new office in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the emirate’s premier international financial center.
This move marks a significant milestone in the firm’s strategic growth across the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients in one of the region’s most dynamic economic hubs.
The expansion aligns with the objectives of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification, innovation, and the development of a globally integrated business environment.
Read: ADGM reports 33 percent AUM growth in Q1 2025 highlighting strong market confidence
Solidifying presence
Addleshaw Goddard’s entry into the capital brings top-tier legal services tailored to the evolving needs of local and international businesses across a range of sectors, including financial services, energy, infrastructure, and technology.
The new ADGM office complements the firm’s established regional network, which includes its Riyadh office and a long-standing presence in Dubai and Doha.
Addleshaw Goddard has seen its robust Middle East income growth in recent years — a testament to growing client demand and the firm’s deepening regional expertise.
Regional plans
Robin Hickman, head of Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard, said: “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.”
This latest expansion underlines Addleshaw Goddard’s long-term commitment to the Middle East and its role as a legal advisor of choice for businesses navigating the region’s fast-evolving economic landscape.
Global footprint
Addleshaw Goddard is a global law firm comprising more than 2,800 partners and employees, operating across 21 offices in major commercial centers worldwide.
Its UK presence includes offices in London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. In Europe, the firm has offices in Germany (four locations), as well as in Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Poland, and Spain.
The firm also maintains a strong footprint in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region with offices in Doha, Dubai, Muscat, and Riyadh, and operates in Asia through its office in Singapore.
Globally, Addleshaw Goddard counts over 450 partners and nearly 2,000 lawyers and fee-earners. Within the Middle East, the firm has 27 partners and close to 100 other fee-earners, reflecting its deep commitment to the region and its clients.
