GLA & Company is proud to announce its outstanding performance in the Legal 500 Middle East 2026 rankings, securing a total of 11 rankings across the region, including 9 practice area rankings and 2 individual recognitions. This milestone reflects the firm’s rapid growth, regional strength, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal services since its establishment less than 5 years ago.

In a remarkable demonstration of upward momentum, GLA & Company achieved three Tier 1 rankings in Kuwait, marking a significant advancement from previous years. The firm’s Banking & Finance and Commercial, Corporate and M&A practices both advanced to Tier 1 (from Tier 2), while its Privatisation and Projects practice secured a Tier 1 ranking upon its first recognition—a rare and notable achievement that underscores the strength and depth of the team.

The firm’s Dispute Resolution practice in Kuwait was also recognized, achieving a Tier 3 ranking, further solidifying GLA & Company’s position as a full-service market leader in the jurisdiction.

Beyond Kuwait, the 2026 rankings mark a defining moment in the firm’s regional expansion, with 5 GLA & Company offices now ranked by Legal 500. Several jurisdictions earned rankings for the first time, reflecting the firm’s successful strategic growth across the Middle East:

• In Egypt, the firm’s Banking & Finance practice achieved a Tier 3 ranking in its first year of recognition.
• In Qatar, the Commercial, Corporate and M&A practice also secured a Tier 3 ranking, marking its first inclusion in the guide.
• In Saudi Arabia, the firm was ranked in TMT (including Sports Law) at Tier 3, representing a significant milestone for the practice.
• In the United Arab Emirates, GLA & Company achieved its inaugural ranking in Commercial, Corporate and M&A, entering at Tier 5.

These first-time rankings across multiple jurisdictions highlight GLA & Company’s ability to establish high-performing practices in competitive markets within a short timeframe.

On the individual front, the firm’s leadership continues to receive prestigious recognition. Alex Saleh, Managing Partner, has been ranked as a Leading Partner in Kuwait for Commercial, Corporate and M&A, reflecting his pivotal role in shaping the firm’s market-leading practice and driving complex, high-value transactions across the region. Additionally, Ashraf Hendi, Partner, has been recognized as a Next Generation Partner in Egypt for Banking and Finance, a testament to his growing influence and expertise in the Egyptian market.

Legal500 research editors commented on GLA’s Banking Practice:

GLA & Company’s banking and finance department is a key port of call for both local and regional cross-border transactions, leveraging a breadth of experience in advising major local and multinational clients across a wide breadth of mandates. This offering includes regional cross-border transactions that encompass bilateral and syndicated loan facilities, project financing, bonds, restructurings, and a track record in Islamic financial instruments. Alex Salah co-heads the department alongside Ashraf Hendi, with the former’s broad expertise in GCC and Islamic finance transactions complementing the latter’s background in capital markets, international lending, and financial regulatory mandates.

Legal500 research editors commented on GLA’s Banking Practice:

GLA & Company’s corporate and commercial offering is a key port of call for clients seeking assistance with transactional matters, and its offering extends to corporate M&A, FDIs, joint ventures, and restructurings, as well as corporate governance and antitrust mandates. Alex Saleh leverages over 30 years of experience in domestic and international transactions in the energy, education, and financial sectors, and he co-heads the group alongside Asad Ahmad, an authority on antitrust matters and acquisitions. These are also areas in which Mohammed Al Awadhi is active.

Legal500 research editors commented on GLA’s Banking Practice:

GLA & Company’s projects offering is active across a spectrum of areas, advising clients on various PPP procurement mandates in the renewable energy, education, agriculture, technology, and telecommunication arenas. Alex Salah co-heads the team alongside Nader Al Awadhi; the former boasts over 25 years of experience in public infrastructure development and financing mandates. Ashraf Hendi plays a key role in project financing mandates, including cross-border financing, while Asad Ahmad leverages a breadth of expertise in contentious mandates pertaining to public infrastructure, including those involving energy and transport.

Managing Partner, Alex Saleh stated: “These rankings are a powerful validation of our vision and the exceptional efforts of our team. Achieving Tier 1 rankings—particularly for newly recognized practices—and securing recognition across 5 offices within less than 5 years of establishment is a milestone we are incredibly proud of. It reflects not only the quality of our legal work, but also the trust our clients place in us across the region.”

The firm’s performance in the Legal 500 Middle East 2026 rankings underscores its position as one of the fastest-growing law firms in the region. With a strong foundation in core practice areas such as Corporate/M&A, Banking & Finance, and Projects, alongside strategic expansion into emerging sectors and jurisdictions, GLA & Company continues to redefine what can be achieved by a modern, ambitious law firm in the Middle East.

As the firm looks ahead, it remains committed to building on this momentum, further strengthening its regional footprint, and continuing to deliver innovative, client-focused legal solutions at the highest level.