King & Spalding is set to become the latest firm to open in Dubai after applying for a licence to practise in the country and hiring four lawyers from US rival Baker Botts.

The US firm registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre at the end of November and its licence is still pending.

Houston-based energy head Philip Weems will relocate to Dubai to lead the office with London-based finance partner Jawad Ali also moving to Dubai. Islamic finance head Isam Salah will split his time between Dubai and New York.