Middle East real estate company Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company has appointed 13 law firms its first-ever legal panel, with a raft of UK firms winning roles.

The line-up, selected from 46 firms invited to tender, includes Norton Rose, Allen & Overy (A&O), Ashurst, Herbert Smith, Simmons & Simmons, Eversheds and Nabarro, as well as US firm Latham & Watkins, with all of the firms appointed for a three-year period starting on 1 April.