Vinson & Elkins has bolstered its presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by sending key corporate partners to take up residence in the firm's two offices in the region.

Creighton Smith, formerly based in Houston, moved to the firm's Abu Dhabi office earlier this month to focus on capital markets and M&A work.

The Abu Dhabi arm of the Houston firm opened in November last year, with London energy partner Lewis Jones transferred there to take on the role of administrative partner.

Meanwhile, corporate partner Jim Knight has moved to the Dubai office, where he will continue to specialise in private equity and joint ventures. Hessam Kalantar is also joining Vinson's Dubai arm as counsel.

The Dubai office was the firm's first office in the region when it launched in 2003.

Vinson managing partner Joe Dilg commented: "Having these experienced lawyers in the region enhances our M&A, private equity and capital markets practices, and complements our practices in energy and infrastructure development and finance and in Islamic finance and investment."

Fellow US firm Latham & Watkins has also recently bolstered its capabilities in the Middle East, opening offices in Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi earlier this year. The firm strengthened its Dubai capabilities by transferring corporate partners Bryant Edwards and Charles Fuller to the emirate.