Abu Dhabi has taken huge strides towards eclipsing Dubai in the headlines, with news of big-ticket projects planned for the UAE’s capital. Law firms have responded with a string of recent office launches. Sophie Evans explores the Abu Dhabi-Dubai divide

It is easy to become blase about the significance of law firms entering a new market in their droves, and for the pace of change in that market to become a platitudinous talking point among lawyers.