Nishimura & Asahi plans to open a Dubai office in January 2027, establishing its own platform in the Middle East after more than a decade of advising clients in the region.
The Japanese law firm said the office will strengthen its ability to advise clients on cross-border transactions and regulatory matters spanning the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Nishimura & Asahi has maintained Japanese lawyers on the ground in Dubai for more than a decade while working alongside a local law firm.
Its regional work has covered the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
The new office will provide the firm with a dedicated local platform serving both Japanese and international clients.
Key practice areas will include energy and infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions, investment, manufacturing, real estate, regulatory compliance, and international arbitration.
The office will combine Japanese lawyers with locally qualified lawyers and connect them with Nishimura & Asahi’s broader international network.
Partner Masao Morishita will serve as representative of the Dubai office.
Morishita has been based in Dubai since 2013.
His practice focuses on energy and infrastructure projects, commercial and regulatory matters, foreign investment, economic sanctions, and cross-border transactions.
He advises on matters throughout the Gulf states, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and the wider Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.
The expansion reflects Dubai’s growing importance as an international financial and commercial center and as a base for companies investing throughout surrounding markets.
