Kennedys continues its growth in the Middle East, with the opening of a new office in Muscat, in the Sultanate of Oman.
This office opening is in response to client demand for a presence in Oman, and sees Kennedys Oman office become the only international insurance-focused law firm in the country.
The new office will be headed up by insurance, construction and disputes partner Jamie Kellick, who joined the firm’s Dubai office in September 2019 from Addleshaw Goddard. Kellick, who has recently moved from Dubai to Muscat, has been joined by Nasser Al Shamli of Nasser Ali Shamli, Advocates & Legal Consultants (NASLAW), Kennedys’ associate firm in Oman.
Kellick has strong relationships with local Omani companies. The country conducts high levels of business with the UAE and India, where Kennedys already has a strong presence, in the form of an established office and co-operation with local firm Tuli & Co, respectively.
His expertise in dispute resolution means Kennedys will be able to build a local litigation capability in Oman, as it has done in Dubai where the firm opened in 2006.
On the other hand, Al Shamli is a licensed practitioner with the Oman Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, and has full audience rights before Omani Primary Courts and the Administrative Courts (Primary Circuits).
He has gained extensive commercial litigation and arbitration experience in Omani law disputes over the last six years in private practice. He has advised and represented clients in contentious energy, aviation and construction-related matters, shareholder disputes and labour law issues.
Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, says: “The Oman opening is part of our ongoing commitment to our global strategy of growing our international capabilities, based on client need. There are currently no other international insurance firms operating in Oman, and we are seeing an increase in client demand, as the country’s economy continues to diversify and grow. Our Dubai office has grown its litigation capability in recent years, and we are now looking to replicate that success in Muscat.”
Kellick added: “Oman continues the process of transforming itself into a modern regional economic centre. With growth in government, private and foreign direct investment, there are considerable opportunities. Our presence in the region will be a significant benefit to our existing client base, as well as those new clients who want to work with Kennedys. It’s an exciting time to be opening an office in and bringing a new offering to the Sultanate.”