Middle East firm Al Tamimi & Company has recruited a Clyde & Co City partner as its new regional head of arbitration.

Litigation partner Paul Turner is set to join the UAE firm in January 2011, and will take responsibility for the dispute resolution practice across Al Tamimi's 10 offices.

At Clydes he specialises in major cross-border disputes across the Middle East, with a focus on Iraq, Iran and Libya.

He recently acted for the Republic of Iraq in recovering misappropriated real estate following the fall of Saddam Hussein's government.

Turner said: "The Middle East is becoming a more important regional centre for arbitration, and I will be looking to grow the firm's practice and add to its expertise. I will be based in Dubai, but regularly visiting each of the firm's offices to co-ordinate the group efficiently."

Al Tamimi senior partner Essam Al Tamimi said: "Paul's expertise and understanding of the key Middle Eastern jurisdictions will be instrumental to the growth of this key practice for the firm.

"Under his leadership, we will further consolidate our position in the key Middle East financial and trade centres to build on our existing position in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Iraq."

In July this year, Al Tamimi's Qatar head Ahmad Anani left to join Latham & Watkins in a boost for the US firm's Middle East practice.