Big Law firms tell Middle East staff to stay home after Gulf attacks
International law firms have told staff in the UAE to work remotely after the recent military escalation in the region.
The move comes as the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the UAE and urges British nationals to remain indoors.
International law firms have moved staff in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to remote working and activated security protocols after the latest military escalation in the Middle East.
A number of international firms have sizeable presences in the region’s key business hubs.
Clyde & Co counts more than 300 staff across six offices in the Middle East, while White & Case has around 100 lawyers in the UAE. Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper and A&O Shearman also rank among the largest international practices by headcount.
Work from home
A White & Case spokesperson said: “The safety and well-being of our people is our highest priority. We have instructed our people to work from home, following the guidance of local authorities to shelter in place. We have engaged our security protocols and are monitoring the situation in real time to ensure that our teams and our clients have the full firm’s support.”
Baker McKenzie said it had taken precautionary measures, including asking colleagues in the region to work remotely and was prepared to consider contingency actions as needed. The firm added: “Our thoughts are with our colleagues, their loved ones and our clients at this difficult time.”
An A&O Shearman spokesperson said the firm was “closely monitoring the evolving situation” and remained in regular contact with colleagues in the region, following the guidance of relevant authorities.
Over the weekend, attacks were launched at sites across the Middle East, including in the UAE. Authorities in the country have told private sector companies to implement remote working arrangements wherever possible until Tuesday 3 March.
The UK Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to the UAE and has urged British nationals to remain indoors, avoid travel and follow instructions from local authorities.
An important hub
Many international law firms have steadily expanded their footprint in Dubai and Abu Dhabi over the past decade, as foreign investment and project work have grown across sectors including finance, energy, infrastructure and cross-border M&A.
The developments put renewed focus on business continuity planning in a region long viewed as one of the most stable commercial hubs in the Middle East, and one that has become strategically important to many global firms.
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