The Middle East and Asia Are More Connected Than Ever. Are Law Firms Prepared for a Surge in Cross-Regional Work?

Leaders at global and regional law firms say deals between Asia and the Middle East will increase, as both regions have significant capital to invest and are strong financial centers that can support trade flows. White & Case Singapore partner Saul Daniel describes as "a general shift eastwards."

"Our focus [previously] was very much looking to the West and the investment that was coming into the Middle East," Daniel said. While there was some Asia investment, he said the workflow was dominated by Europe and the Americas. Over the years however, there has been an increase in investment coming from the Middle East into Asia, Daniels said. In response, Asia has also gone back "with real confidence" in developing technology and placing products and services into the Middle East. "You're seeing this real connectivity between the regions that was just never there historically," he said.

According to White & Case, Middle Eastern companies recorded 18 deals worth $2.8 billion in the first half of 2024, and 45 transactions valued at $12 billion throughout the preceding year.

There is widespread optimism that the increased investments between both regions will continue to support this dealmaking, while also easing cross-border regulatory issues. "What we will see in 2025 and 2026 will be a greater outward investment activity from the Middle East. You are seeing increasing boots on the ground in Asia and that will in some respects be reciprocated," said Dubai-based White & Case partner Marcus Booth.

White & Case's Daniel stressed that Middle East investors will begin to focus on more countries in Asia, beyond just China and India, which have been the primary ports for transactions. Economies such as Indonesia and Vietnam are garnering huge demand within the energy sector, he said.

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