Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is to become the latest firm to launch in Dubai after announcing its plans to open in the region before the end of 2007.

The West Coast US firm will open its new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with Washington tax partner Peter Baumbusch relocating to oversee the launch.

He will work closely with a team of lawyers across the firm including US-qualified London partners Paul Harter (corporate) and Tony Bonanno (tax). The firm will also look to recruit UK and US lawyers to staff the office.