Stephenson Harwood is gearing up to launch in Dubai as the firm sets its strategic sights on growth in the Middle East.

The new office will focus on finance, litigation and corporate work, in particular in the energy sector. London commercial litigation partner Rovine Chandrasekera is set to relocate to Dubai to head up the office when a licence is granted.

The firm is currently in the market to hire further fee earners for the office and is set to hire finance partner Umar Moghul from US firm Murtha Cullina to join Chandrasekera in Dubai for the launch, pending the licence approval.

The firm said in a statement: "As part of Stephenson Harwood's ongoing international strategy, we are intending to apply for a licence to open a new office in Dubai. The Gulf is a source of outward and inward trade and investment, both eastwards and westwards. An office in the region would dovetail well with Stephenson Harwood's existing locations and clients."

The firm does not have any existing offices on the ground in the Middle East but runs an association with Kuwaiti firm ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners. The firm said: "We have a strong working relationship with ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners, and we look forward to this continuing in the future."

Stephenson Harwood currently has European offices in London, Paris and Piraeus, and Asia bases in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as associated offices in Athens, Bucharest, Kuwait and Jakarta.

Addleshaw Goddard is also currently preparing for a launch in Dubai, which is expected to take place during the 2012-13 financial year. The new office will initially focus on international arbitration work.