Second Dubai hire in a month strengthens Herbert Smith Freehills Projects practice in Middle East

Herbert Smith Freehills today announces another senior appointment in its Dubai office, with the appointment of Christopher Cross as a partner in the firm's Projects practice.

Christopher joins Herbert Smith Freehills from Saudi Arabia's National Centre for Privatisation, a government agency responsible for enabling the privatisation programme outlined in the country's Vision 2030 programme.

Previously a partner at Hogan Lovells, Christopher brings almost 20 years' experience in the region with a track record of completing major projects across the energy, transport, water, infrastructure and construction sectors. 

Christopher joins the firm's Dubai-based Projects practice less than a month after the appointment of Sarosh Mewawalla to the Project Finance practice.  Together, their appointments form part of the firm's focused investment in its energy and infrastructure offering in the Middle East. They come as the region continues to explore renewable energy projects; develops infrastructure as part of the diversification of economies and to meet the needs of growing populations; and as steps are taken to ensure economic resilience. 

Commenting on the appointments, Stuart Paterson, Herbert Smith Freehills managing partner in the Middle East, says: "Christopher's experience and market leading understanding of the privatization landscape in the region combine to mean he has a detailed appreciation of the opportunities facing clients, as the Middle East focuses on regeneration and renewal. His appreciation of the challenges they face means he is also ideally placed to advise clients who are increasingly determined to drive diversification projects as they seek to secure economic resilience in the wake of the pandemic."

Toby Anderson, managing partner, projects, at Herbert Smith Freehills adds: "Christopher is well known across the public and private sectors in the Middle East and brings a reputation for insightful, empathetic and measured advice. His track record of collaboration will also ensure clients are well placed to respond and adapt to the region's growing and changing needs and we look forward to welcoming him to the team."

Herbert Smith Freehills' Dubai office serves as the hub of the firm's Middle East operations, providing corporate, finance, projects and real estate advice to clients, and helping resolve disputes in all of these sectors.

Advising on Middle East transactions for almost 45 years, the firm's multidisciplinary team acts for international and regional clients conducting business throughout the Middle East and North Africa with legal experts working on notable deals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan and India.