Watson Farley & Williams is preparing for its first foray into the Middle East with an office launch in Dubai imminent.

It is thought that London asset finance partner Andrew Baird is relocating to Dubai to head up the office, which is expected to open as soon as the firm has received regulatory approval.

It is understood that the base will also be staffed by two assistants. The offering will concentrate on offshore, oil and gas, shipping and container assets work.

Watson Farley declined to comment on the new office.

The timing of the launch is in line with expectations last October that the firm would open in the emirate within a year, when it emerged it was taking advice on legal and regulatory matters related to entering the market.

Baird's key practice areas include Islamic finance. He has acted for banks and asset owners on transactions involving shipping and offshore assets as well as real estate.

Watson Farley is the latest in a string of firms recently unveiling ventures in Dubai. Those setting up shop in the emirate include Nabarro, which was granted a licence to launch an office last November, and Bird & Bird, which opened the doors to its new office in the same month.