City duo Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Lovells are stepping up their efforts in the Middle East as foreign firms continue to push into the lucrative emerging market.

Lovells is set to open its first office in the region after lining up a team from a rival UK firm for an imminent Dubai launch, Legal Week has learned. While arrangements are not yet finalised, partners said a decision would be made in the coming weeks and office space is already arranged.

It is understood that London banking partner Andrew Gamble is heading the project. Lovells declined to comment.