The question is not if Mourant invests in the Middle East.
The question is how much.
Singapore went from 0 to 9 people in 2 years on a pure Cayman funds proposition. The Middle East presents a larger, faster-growing opportunity — and Mourant has a narrowing window to establish first-mover advantage in ADGM before the market consolidates.
ADGM seeing +245% AUM growth in FY24 alone. Abu Dhabi's SWFs deploying capital at unprecedented scale across PE, AI, and infrastructure.
Mourant is THE private capital offshore law firm globally. 2/3 of Europe's PE houses. The same DNA that built the firm is exactly what the GCC's institutional investors need.
GCC-China trade at $300bn p.a. Mourant's physical presence in HK, Cayman and BVI creates a unique corridor play no other offshore firm can match.
“In Singapore, we went from zero to a team of 9 in two years — all on a Cayman funds proposition. The UAE offers the same trajectory with a larger addressable market.”
Singapore proved the model: zero to 9 people in 2 years on a Cayman funds play. The UAE — with explosive growth and $1T+ in managed assets — has one.
In Singapore, Mourant has ~2 people per $1T of hub AUM. In Hong Kong, ~5.5 people. In the UAE — the fastest-growing financial hub on earth — it's Rich. Alone.
“If Singapore justified 9 people at $4.5T with 12% growth, the UAE at $1T+ with 245% growth justifies at minimum the same investment.”
The GCC represents a convergence of sovereign capital, institutional growth, and cross-border complexity — precisely Mourant's core capability.
Three jurisdictions. One clear winner for an institutional-focused offshore law firm.
ADGM is where the SWFs, the state-linked investment platforms, and the global PE managers operate. Fewer clients, but the highest average mandate size and the most complex cross-border work. That is Mourant's sweet spot — not volume, but value.
A 20-year duopoly is finally cracking open. Ogier entered in 2023. Harneys in 2026. The market is in motion.
9 offshore law firms operate in Mourant's space. Only 2 have been in the UAE for more than 3 years. The window for establishing a credible, differentiated presence is now.
Mourant is recognised as the gold standard in offshore law. Exemplary quality, global reputation, institutional trust.
Physical presence in HK, Cayman, BVI, Jersey and Luxembourg. No other offshore firm can match this cross-border infrastructure.
PE is the DNA — Mourant's sweet spot. Secondaries, fund admin, multi-vehicle structures. Each fund = recurring revenue.
710 contacts across 100 target firms and 50 introducer law firms. Structured by segment, prioritised by mandate potential.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan chairs multiple funds and entities, directing Abu Dhabi's capital deployment strategy. Associated entities — G42, Lunate, Royal Capital — represent quasi-state investment platforms and additional entry points.
“Every offshore law firm in the UAE runs the same playbook: fly in, shake hands, attend a conference, fly home. Rich is building something none of them have — a digital content engine that generates inbound pipeline at scale while he sleeps.”
Build internal touchpoints within SWFs, asset managers, and family enterprises. Direct relationship with the decision-maker. Win a Mubadala JV with KKR directly.
Allen & Overy, Kirkland & Ellis, Addleshaw Goddard — they know the royals, they originate the mandates. Mourant takes the offshore expertise (80/20 fee split). USP: willingly partner, not compete.
Excluding litigation (sporadic, lucrative but unpredictable), the Middle East is on a clear growth trajectory from £2.8m to £5.5m over the planning horizon.
Proof of concept is already in motion. Five significant mandates landed in the current period — each originated through a different channel.
JV between Mubadala and G42. Largest fund ever raised in the Middle East (~USD 50bn). Onshore counsel A&O Shearman with ~180 lawyers. Multiple Cayman and ADGM vehicles.
High-profile Saudi client originated through Kirkland & Ellis. Strategically significant transaction for one of the region's most influential investors.
Corporate governance project assessing risk profile for entire Jersey structure. Mourant approached directly by GC based on internal recommendations.
Instructed by Addleshaw in KSA for group restructure.
Jersey-domiciled US$1bn successor infrastructure fund via Gibson Dunn. Jersey managing GP, Oman-licensed adviser, 10 GCC SWF investors.
Five decisions that unlock Mourant's Middle East opportunity.
Proceed with UAE market entry — ADGM as primary jurisdiction
Partner KPIs linked to Middle East strategy
Dedicated ME digital marketing plan including website
Sustained content creation to drive inbound pipeline
October 2027 staged in Abu Dhabi — 100 people, 2/3 equity partners