Paul Hastings to Ride Abu Dhabi AI Push With New Office
Apr 01, 2025 - financialpost.com
Paul Hastings, a law firm with strong ties to Abu Dhabi, is opening a new office in the city to leverage its multibillion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence, energy, and infrastructure. The office will be led by White & Case Partners Din Eshanov and George Kazakov, who will oversee an international team. This move aligns with Abu Dhabi's significant initiatives, such as the $25 billion venture by wealth fund ADQ for AI power generation and Adnoc's new company focusing on international gas and chemical deals. The firm aims to enhance investment ties between the UAE and Europe, capitalizing on the region's $150 billion in deals announced last year.
Paul Hastings' growth has outpaced its peers, with revenue increasing by 20% to over $2.2 billion last year, driven by aggressive hiring and record billing hours. The new Abu Dhabi office will serve as a hub for regional clients and transactions, strengthening connections with Europe, the US, and Asia. The firm sees opportunities in facilitating investment flows between the UAE and Europe, as the oil-rich country commits billions in investments in Italy and France.
Key takeaways:
Paul Hastings is opening an office in Abu Dhabi to capitalize on the city's push into sectors like artificial intelligence, energy, and infrastructure.
The firm has appointed White & Case Partners Din Eshanov and George Kazakov to lead its operations in Abu Dhabi.
Paul Hastings aims to facilitate investment flows between the UAE and Europe, leveraging Abu Dhabi's significant investments in Italy and France.
The firm's revenue surged by a fifth to more than $2.2 billion last year, with a record 2.21 million hours billed in 2024.
