Clyde & Co establishes Middle East tax offering with partner appointment, Rachel Fox

Global law firm Clyde & Co has hired tax expert Rachel Fox as a partner in its Dubai office. Rachel is joining Clyde & Co's Global Corporate & Advisory practice and will lead the firm’s Middle East tax offering.

Rachel joins Clyde & Co from William Fry in Ireland, where she was made partner in 2019. She has a broad tax practice advising international clients, including large multinationals, private equity firms and investment funds, on a wide range of tax issues with a particular focus on international tax structuring, inward investment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), IP planning and restructurings.

Rachel joins a well-established global tax team, and her appointment aligns with Clyde & Co's strategic expansion of its tax offering globally. 

The firm has also recently hired senior tax manager Eliya Nkerebuka and senior associate Imani Mselle in the Dar es Salaam office. Eliya and Imani provide taxation advice to domestic and international organisations and bring with them experience across the telecommunications, energy, mining and banking sectors.

Sara Khoja, partner and chair of Clyde & Co’s Middle East and Africa board, said: “With increasing complexity in international tax matters facing clients in MEA, now is the perfect time for Clyde & Co to expand its tax practice in the region. We’re delighted Rachel has joined our team and can bring her tax expertise to existing clients as well as new clients seeking tax advice.” 

Naji Hawayek, partner and head of corporate, Middle East, adds: “Tax continues to be a fast-moving area of law in the Middle East since the introduction of VAT in the GCC countries in 2017 and corporation tax coming into force in the UAE in June 2023. Rachel’s hire means we now have a dedicated tax partner in the Middle East. Our clients are already seeking advice on how to navigate the new tax requirements and Rachel’s appointment responds to their needs.” 

Rachel Fox comments: “Clyde & Co’s reputation and reach in the Middle East provides the greatest opportunity for building a successful tax offering. International clients will be looking for a full-service law firm that can handle the tax aspects of their projects and I’ll be looking to meet that demand.”

Globally, Clyde & Co provides specialist taxation advice to domestic and international organisations, using the firm’s global network to ensure guidance and support reflects local legislation and practice. With over 30 years of experience in the Middle East, Clyde & Co is the largest international law firm in the region, with 59 partners operating through 5 offices.