Ashurst has strengthened its Middle East projects capability with the hire of Norton Rose projects partner John Inglis. Inglis, the London-based head of Norton Rose’s Middle East energy project finance group, has resigned from the City firm and is set to join Ashurst as a partner.

His departure follows the loss of Dubai partner Tahir Ahmed, who quit Norton Rose last month – also for Ashurst. Ahmed becomes the fourth partner in the City giant’s Dubai office, which opened in 2005.