Norton Rose is set to relocate three of its London partners to the Middle East in a significant boost to the firm's finance practice in the region.

The firm's global head of Islamic finance, Neil D Miller, is set to transfer to the Dubai office, while corporate finance partner Alan Bainbridge and asset finance partner Emma Giddings will both move to Abu Dhabi. All three are expected to make the switch by the end of next month.

United Arab Emirates managing partner Campbell Steedman said: "Notwithstanding the downturn in the international markets, from which the Middle East has not been isolated, we continue to have a strong, established business in the region, and look forward to the arrival of Alan, Emma and Neil – all of whom have strong existing practices in the region."

Miller is currently based in London but has previously worked in the Middle East, running the firm's Bahrain office for five years. He was the founder of the firm's Islamic finance practice.

Bainbridge also has previous international experience, having spent time in the firm's Hong Kong office, returning to London in 2007. His practice focuses on international M&A. Giddings advises on asset finance and leasing, particularly of aircraft, ships and rolling stock.

The relocations will bring the number of partners in the firm's Middle East practice to 14, including 8 partners in Dubai, 5 partners in Abu Dhabi and 1 in Bahrain. The firm also a Saudi presence in Riyadh through its association with the Abdulaziz Al-Assaf Law Firm which went live in January 2008.