The 9 Best Law Firms in Abu Dhabi (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 9 picks

The best law firms in Abu Dhabi in 2026 include Al Tamimi & Company, Clyde & Co, Baker McKenzie, Hadef & Partners, Dentons, Clifford Chance, Pinsent Masons, Trowers & Hamlins and Addleshaw Goddard. Many sit on Al Maryah Island in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, which has its own common-law courts.

Abu Dhabi has two legal systems side by side. Onshore matters go through the UAE's civil-law courts, while the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on Al Maryah Island applies English common law through its own courts. Many international firms are based in ADGM, so it helps to know which system your matter falls under before you pick a firm.

1. Al Tamimi & Company — Al Maryah Island

A large regional firm with its Abu Dhabi office in ADGM.

Specialty Corporate, banking, disputes, real estateBest for Businesses and institutions

Al Tamimi & Company describes itself as the largest law firm in the Middle East. Its Abu Dhabi office is in Al Sila Tower in the Abu Dhabi Global Market, and its practice areas include banking and finance, corporate, disputes, real estate and energy.

It suits companies that want one firm across several Gulf jurisdictions.

Good to know: Say whether your matter is onshore or ADGM at the start so you are routed to the right team.

Al Sila Tower, 26th Floor, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

2. Clyde & Co — Abu Dhabi Mall

A global firm known for insurance, trade and infrastructure work.

Specialty Insurance, trade, infrastructure, disputesBest for Businesses

Clyde & Co is an international law firm with an office in the East Tower of Abu Dhabi Mall. It says its core sectors include insurance, trade and commodities, infrastructure and aviation.

It is a common choice for companies with cross-border insurance, shipping or construction questions.

Good to know: Ask which partner will lead your matter and what the team around them looks like.

Abu Dhabi Mall, 6th Floor, East Tower, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

3. Baker McKenzie — Al Maryah Island

A global firm with an ADGM office.

Specialty Corporate, banking, tax, disputesBest for Multinational businesses

Baker McKenzie is a global law firm with its Abu Dhabi office in Al Sila Tower, on Al Maryah Island. It advises on corporate, banking, tax and dispute work for multinational clients.

It suits companies that already use the firm elsewhere and want consistent advice in the UAE.

Good to know: Confirm the office handling your matter, since Baker McKenzie also has a Dubai office.

Al Sila Tower, Level 8, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

4. Hadef & Partners — World Trade Center

A UAE-founded firm with an Abu Dhabi office in the WTC.

Specialty Corporate, commercial, disputes, real estateBest for Businesses and individuals

Hadef & Partners is a UAE law firm with offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Its Abu Dhabi office is on level 10 of the World Trade Center on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street.

It suits businesses that want a firm with deep roots in onshore UAE law.

Good to know: Ask whether Abu Dhabi or Dubai lawyers will handle the file, as the firm works across both emirates.

Level 10, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

5. Dentons — Abu Dhabi Mall

A global firm with an office in the Trade Centre West Tower.

Specialty Corporate, projects, real estate, disputesBest for Businesses and investors

Dentons is a global law firm with its Abu Dhabi office, Dentons & Co, on level 4 of the Trade Centre West Tower at Abu Dhabi Mall. It lists work in corporate, projects, real estate and disputes.

It suits companies with projects or investments that span several countries.

Good to know: Ask for a fee estimate in writing before you instruct the firm.

Dentons & Co, Level 4, Trade Centre West Tower, Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

6. Clifford Chance — Al Maryah Island

A global firm with an office in Al Sila Tower.

Specialty Finance, capital markets, corporateBest for Banks, funds and corporates

Clifford Chance is an international law firm with its Abu Dhabi office on the 9th floor of Al Sila Tower in ADGM. It advises on finance, capital markets, corporate work and disputes.

It tends to suit banks, funds and large corporates.

Good to know: Check whether the lawyer you need sits in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the network.

9th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

7. Pinsent Masons — Al Maryah Island

A UK-origin firm strong in infrastructure and technology.

Specialty Infrastructure, construction, technologyBest for Businesses

Pinsent Masons has an Abu Dhabi office in Al Maryah Tower in the ADGM square. It says it has served the UAE business community for more than 15 years from its Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices.

It is often chosen for construction, infrastructure and technology matters.

Good to know: Ask whether your project team would sit in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Unit 8, Level 7, Al Maryah Tower, ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

8. Trowers & Hamlins — Al Khalidiya

A UK-origin firm with a real estate and construction practice.

Specialty Real estate, construction, projectsBest for Developers and investors

Trowers & Hamlins has an Abu Dhabi office at Shining Towers on Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street. The firm is known in the region for real estate, construction and projects work.

It suits developers, investors and lenders involved in property transactions.

Good to know: Raise any government or semi-government counterparty up front, since that can shape the advice.

Office 3103, Floor 31, Shining Towers, Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

9. Addleshaw Goddard — Al Maryah Island

A UK-origin firm with an ADGM office.

Specialty Financial services, corporate, disputesBest for Financial institutions and businesses

Addleshaw Goddard has its Abu Dhabi office on level 25 of Al Sila Tower in ADGM. It says it has operated in the UAE for over a decade from offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, helping financial services clients among others.

It suits financial institutions and corporates that want an English-law firm on the ground.

Good to know: Ask for a named contact and fee basis before you start.

Level 25, Al Sila Tower, ADGM Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Does Abu Dhabi have its own common-law courts?

Yes. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on Al Maryah Island has its own courts that apply English common law. Disputes outside ADGM go through the UAE's onshore civil-law courts.

Do I need a lawyer to set up a company in Abu Dhabi?

It is not always required, but a lawyer can help with the license, the shareholders' agreement and the choice between onshore, ADGM and a free zone.

Are lawyers in Abu Dhabi English-speaking?

At the international firms on this list, yes. Court documents onshore are usually in Arabic, so a translator or Arabic-speaking lawyer is often involved.

How do I choose between a large firm and a small one?

Large firms suit cross-border and regulated work. Smaller firms can be better value for personal or local matters. Ask for a written scope and fee estimate from each.

1. Al Tamimi & Company — Al Maryah Island

2. Clyde & Co — Abu Dhabi Mall

3. Baker McKenzie — Al Maryah Island

4. Hadef & Partners — World Trade Center

5. Dentons — Abu Dhabi Mall

6. Clifford Chance — Al Maryah Island

7. Pinsent Masons — Al Maryah Island

8. Trowers & Hamlins — Al Khalidiya

9. Addleshaw Goddard — Al Maryah Island

Frequently asked questions

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