Denton Wilde Sapte is to lose its Abu Dhabi office head but gain a technology, media and telecoms (TMT) chief in Dubai as UK law firms continue to fight for talent in the Middle East.

Dentons head of Abu Dhabi, Richard de Belder, is set to return to the UK for personal reasons at the end of July. Aviation partner Owain Jones will be the temporary head and Gulf regional manager Neil Cuthbert is leading a review to decide on a replacement.