International law firm Vinson & Elkins said it had once again expanded its global reach by opening an office in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Widely recognized as the world's leading energy law firm with a team of highly-experienced lawyers in its various offices experienced in mergers and acquisitions, finance, and project development transactions, Vinson & Elkins is the first US law firm to have offices in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

V&E was one of the first US law firms to open an office in Dubai in 2003 and has been active in the region for over 30 years.

It now has 13 international offices, including eight in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Abu Dhabi, which is a ninety minute drive from Dubai, is the capital of the UAE with a population of nearly two million.

Like Dubai, it has experienced significant economic expansion during the past decade and has plans in place to establish itself as a highly diversified economy in coming years.

Forbes, in March 2007, named Abu Dhabi the world's richest city.

Responsible for more than 90 per cent of the UAE's oil production, Abu Dhabi possesses the fourth largest oil reserves in the world, behind Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.

According to media reports, Abu Dhabi has an investment fund exceeding
$800 billion with more than $100 billion in government and privately-funded development projects currently underway in Abu Dhabi.

Lewis Jones, who transferred from V&E's London office to be administrative partner in charge in Abu Dhabi, says the firm has been advising its Abu Dhabi-based clients on a number of significant projects in the emirates and elsewhere in the region.

Jones says that the firm's decision to obtain a trade license and open an office in the emirate was driven by a demand for V&E's expertise in energy law, corporate law, and Islamic and project finance by clients doing business in Abu Dhabi and in the Middle East.

"Vinson & Elkins has developed a strong practice in the Middle East over many years and we are excited by the opportunities that exist in this fast growing market," says Jones, whose practice primarily focuses on the development and financing of international projects, especially those in the energy field.

"V&E's focus will continue to be on the corporate, energy, and finance sectors, advising our clients on their activities both within the region and elsewhere in the world."

"In conjunction with our Dubai office, V&E has a thriving practice in the UAE," says Jones.

"Just as importantly, the office in Abu Dhabi gives V&E additional strength to support our clients across regional markets. The firm has a substantial client base in the Middle East, India, and North Africa, and the UAE's proximity to these key strategic markets makes it an obvious choice for supporting our activities there."

Vinson & Elkins Managing Partner Joe Dilg says that Jones and partner Christopher Strong, who is currently in the firm's Dubai office, will be practicing full-time in Abu Dhabi.

V&E partner Rindala Beydoun, will divide her time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.