Naji Hawayek brings over 20 years of regional experience
Addleshaw Goddard recently announced the appointment of Naji Hawayek as the UAE-based Partner in its Corporate team, further strengthening the firm’s transactional capabilities across the Middle East and North Africa.
The appointment represents a significant investment in the region and reflects the firm’s continued commitment to scaling its Middle East platform with senior, market-leading talent.
Naji joins from Clyde & Co and brings more than 20 years of experience advising on complex corporate matters across the region. Bilingual in Arabic and English, he has advised on some of the largest cross-border transactions in MENA, with expertise spanning mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital, investment funds, corporate restructuring, licensing and regulatory matters.
Accolades
Naji is consistently ranked in leading legal directories, including Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for Corporate M&A, and was named to the Legal 500 Powerhouse M&A List in 2024, an accolade awarded to a select group of leading practitioners in the field.
“Naji’s market reputation, leadership experience, and strong regional relationships will play an important role in our next phase of growth, as we continue to build a client-focused practice centred on quality, collaboration, and long-term value,” stated Robin Hickman, Head of Middle East, Addleshaw Goddard.
Growth strategy
In addition to joining the corporate practice, Naji will also serve on Addleshaw Goddard’s Middle East Board, where he will support the development and implementation of the firm’s regional growth strategy, drawing on his experience in management, business development, and strategic expansion.
“My ambition is to contribute to the continued strategic growth of the Middle East business alongside Robin and the wider partnership,” commented Naji on his appointment.
