U.S. law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom has officially opened its first Middle East office in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion for the renowned firm. The new office is strategically located in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the emirate’s dynamic financial center, which has attracted a growing number of global financial institutions and firms.
Michael Hilton, a highly respected corporate dealmaker with extensive experience in the region, will lead the new office. Hilton, formerly the regional managing partner for the Middle East and North Africa at Freshfields, brings a wealth of expertise to the firm’s Middle Eastern operations.
Abu Dhabi has become a thriving hub for global financial activities, with an influx of banks, hedge funds, family offices, and emerging tech players. The ADGM, home to major sovereign wealth funds like ADIA, Mubadala, and ADQ, has witnessed a 31% increase in company registrations in the first half of 2024 alone, highlighting its growing importance as a financial epicenter.
The opening of Skadden’s Abu Dhabi office reflects the firm’s commitment to further strengthening its global presence and deepening its connections in the Middle East’s evolving legal and financial markets.
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