Dubai
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Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) is launching an office in Dubai, as the firm looks to grow its presence in the Middle East.
The U.K. top 20 firm will open the office later this month with real estate partner Mohammed Kamal relocating from Abu Dhabi to head the operation.
The Dubai arm will focus on the real estate sector with planning and regulatory, construction, corporate, finance, projects and dispute resolution capability.
The launch will give BLP its second office in the Middle East, following its opening in Abu Dhabi in 2009. It represents the firm's 10th office worldwide.
Managing partner Neville Eisenberg said: "Having an office in Dubai is an important part of our long-term strategic plan for the Middle East and the development of our international footprint.
"We represent a number of clients who increasingly require our support across the Gulf, North Africa and West Asia. Our Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices act as gateways to these markets."
The launch is the latest in a string of international expansion moves by BLP, with the firm opening two offices in Berlin and Frankfurt in September last year, through the hire of a team of partners from Linklaters. BLP also opened a representative base in Tel Aviv, announced in April 2012, which is intended to support business development and enhance client relationship management.
The firm is also planning to open in Beijing in the coming months, with former chairman Peter Robinson expected to head up the new base in the Chinese capital when it opens.
