Addleshaw Goddard strengthens Abu Dhabi presence with construction, transport and energy partners

Real Estate

Addleshaw Goddard strengthens Abu Dhabi presence with construction, transport and energy partners

International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has reinforced its presence in Abu Dhabi with the relocation of two senior partners and the appointment of a new Construction & Engineering partner, underscoring its long-term commitment to supporting the emirate’s priorities across construction, transport and energy.

Andrew Carter, a Partner in the firm’s Commercial practice specialising in transport and mobility, relocated to Abu Dhabi in December. He is joined by Matthew Williams, Partner and Co-head of Power, Infrastructure Projects & Energy, who moved from the UK earlier this month. The firm has also appointed Richard Davies as Partner, Construction & Engineering, based in the Abu Dhabi office.

Carter advises public and private sector clients on complex transport, logistics and mobility projects, supporting the development of integrated and future-ready transport networks. He has been recognised by Legal 500 and Best Lawyers International for his work in the transportation sector. His relocation strengthens the firm’s capability to advise on transport and urban development projects in Abu Dhabi and across the wider GCC.

Williams brings extensive experience across the full lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects, including sector-focused mergers and acquisitions in conventional power, renewables and energy transition. A long-standing client relationship partner to major energy market participants in Europe and the Middle East, he has been recognised in the Legal 500 power sector Hall of Fame for six consecutive years. His move enhances Addleshaw Goddard’s expertise in a sector central to Abu Dhabi’s Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy 2030 and broader net-zero ambitions.

Davies joins from another international law firm in Abu Dhabi and has more than 15 years’ experience advising on complex construction and engineering projects across the UAE. His practice spans both contentious and non-contentious matters, including arbitration and litigation in the ADGM and DIFC courts. He advises government entities, developers, contractors and consultants on major projects across rail, aviation, urban development, district cooling and desalination.

These appointments build on Addleshaw Goddard’s expansion in Abu Dhabi, following the opening of its office in Abu Dhabi Global Market in June 2025. The move reflects the firm’s strategy of investing in senior, sector-led expertise aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and sustainability goals.

Robin Hickman, Head of Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard, said the relocations and appointment demonstrate the firm’s long-term commitment to the emirate, enabling it to support clients delivering strategically important transport, construction and energy projects.

Commenting on his relocation, Carter said being based in the UAE allows closer collaboration with clients shaping the future of transport and mobility, including major rail and autonomous vehicle initiatives. Williams added that relocating to Abu Dhabi enables the firm to provide more immediate and strategic support on complex energy transition and infrastructure projects. Davies noted that joining the Abu Dhabi office allows him to work closely with clients on the ground as the emirate continues to see significant investment in major infrastructure and development projects.