London · Singapore · Dubai · Kuala Lumpur
Barristers and Arbitrators in the Middle East
One of the first barristers’ chambers in England and Wales to open an office in Dubai, our members act in complex construction, international arbitration, commercial and energy disputes across the DIFC, ADGM, DIAC and the wider Gulf region.
Dubai Office
Dubai International Financial Centre
DIFC Innovation Hub, Gate Avenue, Zone D, Level 1
Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai, UAE
Counsel Enquiries
Arbitration Enquiries
Chris Jones
Senior Practice Manager (ADR)
CEO
Lindsay Scott
Chief Executive Officer
39 Essex Chambers in the Middle East
Our barristers and arbitrators have acted in disputes across the Gulf for more than two decades. In 2026 we became one of the first sets in England and Wales to open an office in Dubai, giving clients in the region direct, in‑person access to specialist counsel.
From the DIFC we advise and represent owners, contractors, developers, funders, sovereign entities and financial institutions in construction and infrastructure disputes, international commercial arbitration, energy and natural resources matters, civil fraud and cross‑border asset recovery. Members appear before the DIFC Courts, ADGM Courts and QFC Court, and in arbitrations seated in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh under DIAC, ICC, LCIA and ad hoc rules.
The Dubai office works alongside our London, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur offices, so clients can draw on the full strength of chambers, including a distinguished group of full‑time international arbitrators, adjudicators and dispute board members, with the practical benefit of counsel based in the region and available in the same time zone.
At a Glance
2026
Dubai office opened in the DIFC Innovation Hub
200+
Barristers and arbitrators across four offices
7
Members ranked in the Legal 500 Middle East: English Bar
20+
Years acting in Gulf construction and arbitration disputes
Courts and tribunals: DIFC Courts · ADGM Courts · QFC Court · DIAC · ICC · LCIA · ADCCAC · FIDIC dispute boards
What sets Us Apart in the Region
A Physical Presence in the DIFC
With barristers based full-time in our Dubai office, we are well placed to enable same-day in-person meetings and respond to urgent applications, injunctions, arbitration hearings and other time-critical matters. Our clerking team is also known for its responsiveness, flexibility and commercial approach.
Established Middle East Expertise
Our combined strength in construction, commercial litigation and arbitration allows us to approach complex disputes from every relevant angle. Where matters overlap with other specialist areas, clients can draw on expertise across Chambers without having to piece together separate teams of counsel. From early merits advice and dispute avoidance through pleadings, case management, evidence, interlocutory applications and final hearings, we provide continuity throughout the life of a dispute.
Our strong bench of King’s Counsel and experienced juniors offers genuine choice of advocate and arbitrator by seniority and specialism. Legal 500 describes chambers as a ‘world class institution able to provide top talent in a myriad of practice areas’.
Trusted Regional Partnerships
We work collaboratively with local and international law firms and local co-counsel, combining our specialist advocacy and advisory expertise with the knowledge and relationships needed to navigate the regional legal landscape.
Directory Rankings
Our Barristers in Dubai
Make an Enquiry
To instruct a member of chambers, discuss a matter or arrange a meeting in Dubai, please get in touch through our contact page. Our clerking team responds within one working day.
Alternatively email Dubai@39essex.com or call +971 8000 357 04227.
