Simmons plans Abu Dhabi relaunch amid surge in funds and tech investment

Simmons & Simmons is set to open a new office in Abu Dhabi as it ramps up its Middle East footprint to capitalise on the region’s recent surge in investment activity.

The firm says it will open in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) - the emirate's financial centre - pending regulatory sign-off.

The new base will target two of Simmons’ core global sectors - asset management and investment funds, as well as tech, media and telecoms - both of which are rapidly growing as Abu Dhabi doubles down on AI and financial services.

The move will give Simmons three offices in the Middle East. It has a long-standing base in Dubai, and opened in Riyadh just last month. Simmons previously operated in Abu Dhabi but closed the office in 2016, citing a shift in client demand at the time.

The Middle East gold rush

Simmons joins a growing list of international firms deepening their Gulf footprint, drawn by a wave of investment pouring into the region - much of which is focused on AI and tech infrastructure.

Paul Hastings is among those who have been most active, opening in Abu Dhabi in April and raiding White & Case for a string of infrastructure partners. Addleshaw Goddard opened in Abu Dhabi last month, Bird & Bird launched in Saudi Arabia in May, Pinsents opened in Riyadh in March, and BCLP set up shop in both Riyadh and Al-Khobar back in February.

What they said

"This is a strategically important move for Simmons & Simmons in such a key market where we have been present for over 30 years", said managing partner Emily Monastiriotis.

"Many businesses in the ADGM are very closely aligned with the sectors we specialise in - especially across funds and technology. Businesses also increasingly require support in the AI advisory space, where we have a market leading offering."

Middle East head Muneer Khan added: "The ADGM as an international financial centre is experiencing rapid growth and is a key location for many of our clients. The new office will ensure that we’re able to support clients from three of the main financial and investment hubs in the Middle East."

Update: This article has been updated to include background on Simmons' former presence in Abu Dhabi.