Addleshaw Goddard strengthens Abu Dhabi Presence with Construction, Transport and Energy Partners
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has expanded its footprint in the UAE capital through the relocation of two senior partners and the appointment of a Construction & Engineering partner to its Abu Dhabi office, reinforcing its long-term commitment to supporting priority sectors including construction, transport, and energy.
The move is aimed at strengthening the firm’s on-the-ground advisory capabilities as Abu Dhabi accelerates major infrastructure, mobility, and energy transition programmes.
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 in early January. The firm has also appointed Richard Davies as Partner, Construction & Engineering, based in Abu Dhabi.
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 ability to advise on projects aligned with Abu Dhabi’s urban development and mobility strategies, as well as wider GCC transport initiatives.
Williams brings extensive experience across the full lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects, including sector-specific mergers and acquisitions. His work spans conventional power, renewables, and energy transition mandates. He serves as client relationship partner to several major energy market participants across Europe and the Middle East and has been listed in the Legal 500 power sector Hall of Fame for six consecutive years. The firm said his move enhances its support for projects linked to Abu Dhabi’s Energy & Water Efficiency Strategy 2030 and broader net-zero objectives.
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 portfolio includes major transport, urban development, district cooling, desalination, rail, and airport mandates. He advises on both contentious and non-contentious matters, including arbitration and litigation before the ADGM and DIFC courts, representing government entities, developers, contractors, operators, and consultants.
The latest appointments build on Addleshaw Goddard’s regional expansion, including the launch of its Abu Dhabi Global Market office in June 2025. The firm said the hires reflect a strategy of investing in senior sector-led expertise aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and sustainability ambitions.
Robin Hickman, Head of Middle East at Addleshaw Goddard, said embedding senior specialists locally strengthens the firm’s ability to support clients delivering strategically important transport and energy projects and transactions in the capital.
Carter noted that the UAE is moving forward with major mobility initiatives, including the planned launch of Etihad Rail passenger services and the expanded rollout of autonomous vehicles, adding that a local presence enables closer collaboration with clients shaping regional infrastructure.
Williams said Abu Dhabi’s focus on energy transition and infrastructure investment is central to its future growth, while Davies highlighted continued investment in complex development and engineering projects across the emirate.
