Energy & Infrastructure

The UAE's energy and infrastructure sector is a cornerstone of its economy and a focal point of its ambitious diversification plans. Despite being a major oil producer, the UAE is investing heavily in renewable energy, aiming to generate 50% of its energy from clean sources by 2050. This transition has created a thriving market for solar and wind projects, with initiatives like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park attracting major investment. The government's use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in sectors like water desalination and waste management is opening new avenues for private sector participation, making the UAE an attractive destination for global infrastructure investors and firms.

The firm's energy practice boasts expertise in both traditional oil and gas and the burgeoning renewable energy sector. In oil and gas, Hadef & Partners advises on a spectrum of matters, from production sharing agreements and joint operating agreements to regulatory compliance. As the UAE diversifies into renewables, the firm has been at the forefront, advising on landmark solar and wind projects. The firm's proficiency extends to structuring innovative financing models, crucial for capital-intensive energy projects, and advising on local content requirements that are increasingly part of the UAE's energy tenders. Additionally, as the sector embraces digitalization, Hadef & Partners provides vital counsel on technology procurement, data governance, and cybersecurity for critical energy infrastructure.

• Advised the international sponsors as UAE counsel in connection with a US$3.8 billion project financing, comprising an undersea high voltage DC pipeline between onshore Abu Dhabi and offshore electricity stations.
• Advised AMEA Power as UAE counsel in connection with two separate loan financings (aggregating approximately USD 1.1 billion) for the establishment of a solar power project in the Aswan Governorate in Egypt and a wind power project in the Red Sea Governorate in Egypt.
• Represented a large oil company, in the recovery of embezzled funds arising from a number of its former senior employees who had, over a number of years, embezzled millions of US dollars through shell companies across 5 different jurisdictions.
• Advising an energy services provider on the impact of the UAE competition regime upon its acquisition of a local energy management company.
• Advising a global producer and distributor of natural gas-based fertilizers and industrial chemicals in assisting some of its UAE based employees transferring employment contracts from the Dubai branch following the registration of a newly formed holding company in Abu Dhabi Global Markets.
• Assisted an oil and gas operator in the Middle East with a corporate investigation uncovering a fraudulent scheme carried out by procurement managers and subsequent termination of their employment.
• A privately-owned Abu Dhabi exploration and production company on international upstream acquisition opportunities and strategies.
• Advised the S2 sponsors as UAE counsel in the refinancing of the S2 IWPP in Abu Dhabi.
• Advised Suez Group on a US$900 million interim bridge loan for a power generation and desalination plant on the second Shuweihat IWPP in Abu Dhabi.
• Advising lenders and ADWEA and its subsidiaries on the US$3 billion Shuweihat 3 IWPP project financing.
• Advising the project company and the operator on the US$3.5 billion project financing for Taweelah B IWPP in Abu Dhabi.
• Advising a renewable energy and desalinated water production plant provider regarding a request for statistical information from a UAE government organisation.
• Advising the sponsors on the US$1.5 billion Fujairah 1 IWPP.
• Advising the sponsors on the US$3.6 billion 2000MW and 130 MIGD desalinated water Fujairah 2 IWPP.
• Advising a German multinational energy company on the sale of its oil refinery in the UAE.