Sullivan & Cromwell opens office in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM

Global law firm Sullivan & Cromwell has established a new Abu Dhabi office within ADGM and appointed Ahmed T. el‑Gaili to lead its Middle East practice, signalling deeper regional commitment.

International firm bases regional hub in Abu Dhabi

On 14th September 2026 Sullivan & Cromwell LLP announced the launch of an office in Abu Dhabi, locating its new outpost within Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The move is presented as a strategic step to strengthen the firm’s ability to advise clients across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East on financing, regulatory and transactional matters.

The firm has named Ahmed T. el‑Gaili as partner and head of its Middle East practice. Mr el‑Gaili rejoins Sullivan & Cromwell after an earlier six‑year stint with the firm in London. He brings nearly two decades of regional experience advising sovereign wealth funds, state‑owned enterprises, governments, major regional and international corporates, and private equity investors on cross‑border transactions and complex projects.

Mr el‑Gaili’s practice covers M&A, private equity, joint ventures, project finance and development, and restructuring. The announcement highlights his sector focus on energy, infrastructure, life sciences, telecommunications and technology, and notes extensive relationships with sovereign wealth funds and state‑owned enterprises across the Middle East.

Co‑chairs Robert Giuffra and Scott Miller said the Abu Dhabi office reflects an intention to deepen the firm’s engagement with one of the world’s leading financial centres. The new base in ADGM is positioned to complement Sullivan & Cromwell’s global platform and integrated capabilities as the firm pursues transactions and mandates arising from sovereign capital, private equity and infrastructure investment throughout the region.

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer at ADGM, welcomed the firm’s arrival. He described the decision to establish in ADGM as evidence of Abu Dhabi’s continued growth as a regional hub for international finance, investment and professional services, and said the presence of a leading global law firm will broaden the depth of expertise available to clients operating from the free zone.

The opening adds to Abu Dhabi’s expanding legal and professional services ecosystem at a time of heightened deal activity across the Gulf. By situating in ADGM, Sullivan & Cromwell places senior regional legal capability alongside other international financial and advisory firms based in the capital.

Source: WAM