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Tim Burbury is a senior projects partner based in Abu Dhabi where he leads our Construction Practice and co-leads our Projects Practice in the Middle East. Tim serves as Office Managing Partner in Abu Dhabi and served for 9 years on the Firm’s AEC Committee. Tim is highly ranked for Construction (Chambers Band 1, Legal 500) and Infrastructure & Projects, (Chambers, Legal 500). Tim was named as an MVP in Construction Law (Law360, 2021).

For the last 25 years, Tim has represented sovereign wealth funds, State-owned entities, giga developers, energy and utility companies and strategic infrastructure clients and funds on their construction, infrastructure, energy, utilities and PPP projects and project financings.

Since 2019, Tim has advised on one of the world's largest renewable energy and infrastructure giga projects, valued in the hundreds of USD billions, together with several other confidential Middle East giga projects.

He has recently advised clients on multiple PPP, renewable and conventional power projects that have won Deal of the Year accolades, including:

* PPP deal of the Year - Utilities (IJ Global 2024, Amaala Multi Utilities PPP)

* MENA Solar Deal of the Year (PFI 2020, Al Dhafrah 1.5GW Solar IPP Abu Dhabi)

* MENA Power Deal of the Year (IJ Global 2020, Hamriyah IPP UAE)

* Renewable Deal of the Year (PFI 2019, Dumat 400 MW Wind IPP Saudi Arabia)

Tim has significant PPP experience, having advised governments and sponsors since the early 2000s during the Australia PPP boom. Tim helped write the PPP commercial principles guidebook for one government client. He has recently advised on a number of schools, accommodation, healthcare and transport PPPs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia as part of those countries’ PPP programs.

Tim has advised on 60+ district energy projects in the Middle East and Asia, included projects and project financings in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar.  He has advised Governments on regulatory regimes.

Full Bio

Credentials

B.Com, LLB, University of Tasmania, with honors

High Court of Australia

Hong Kong

Tasmania

Victoria

Australian Business Group

International District Energy Association

Society of Construction Law

"Absolutely first class - the best non-contentious lawyer in the UAE"


Chambers Global

“…an excellent understanding of market terms, an innovative problem solving approach, applies a strong commercial lens"


Chambers Global

"The perfect combination of very strong background and very strong skills in legal matters"


Chambers Global

" …an exceptional lawyer who is calm and collected under pressure, excellent on the detail and has invaluable knowledge”


Chambers Global

"Exceptionally competent projects transactional lawyer”…


Chambers Global

"...an adept lawyer who regularly advises government bodies and multinationals on project structuring and financing."


Chambers 2025

"..an eminent Abu Dhabi-based lawyer who is widely praised for his robust non-contentious construction practice"


Chambers 2025

"Co-head Tim Burbury is a key figure for gigaprojects and a go-to for many industry players and state-owned entities"


Legal 500 2025

Law360: MVP in Construction Law, an accolade given to only 4 lawyers globally


2021

Band 1, Construction


Chambers Global 10 years to 2025

Band 3, Projects & Energy, Middle East


Chambers Global (13 years to 2025)

Tier 1, Projects & Energy, Saudi Arabia


Legal 500: 2020-2022

Who's Who Construction


Global Leader: 2017–2025

Leading Lawyer, Construction, Infrastructure & Projects, UAE


Legal 500: 2010–2022

Leading Individual, Saudi Arabia: Construction


Legal 500: 2022

Close

Recognition

"Absolutely first class - the best non-contentious lawyer in the UAE"


Chambers Global

“…an excellent understanding of market terms, an innovative problem solving approach, applies a strong commercial lens"


Chambers Global

"The perfect combination of very strong background and very strong skills in legal matters"


Chambers Global

" …an exceptional lawyer who is calm and collected under pressure, excellent on the detail and has invaluable knowledge”


Chambers Global

"Exceptionally competent projects transactional lawyer”…


Chambers Global

"...an adept lawyer who regularly advises government bodies and multinationals on project structuring and financing."


Chambers 2025

"..an eminent Abu Dhabi-based lawyer who is widely praised for his robust non-contentious construction practice"


Chambers 2025

"Co-head Tim Burbury is a key figure for gigaprojects and a go-to for many industry players and state-owned entities"


Legal 500 2025

Law360: MVP in Construction Law, an accolade given to only 4 lawyers globally


2021

Band 1, Construction


Chambers Global 10 years to 2025

Band 3, Projects & Energy, Middle East


Chambers Global (13 years to 2025)

Tier 1, Projects & Energy, Saudi Arabia


Legal 500: 2020-2022

Who's Who Construction


Global Leader: 2017–2025

Leading Lawyer, Construction, Infrastructure & Projects, UAE


Legal 500: 2010–2022

Leading Individual, Saudi Arabia: Construction


Legal 500: 2022

Matters

Giga Construction Projects and PPPs - Cities, Transport, Healthcare, Education, Housing, Infrastructure

SWFs/State owned entities on confidential giga construction projects, including the world's largest construction project. Also advised on ports, hydrogen, industrial cities, data centres, IT, smart cities, telco, transport, complex tunnelling projects and accommodation PPPs.

Middle Eastern Government entities on schools, transport, residential/accommodation and 'city' PPPs.

Sponsors on the construction (and PPP pass through aspects) of NYU University Abu Dhabi PPP, Zayed University PPP and Paris Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University PPP.

See more

Close

Matters

Giga Construction Projects and PPPs - Cities, Transport, Healthcare, Education, Housing, Infrastructure

SWFs/State owned entities on confidential giga construction projects, including the world's largest construction project. Also advised on ports, hydrogen, industrial cities, data centres, IT, smart cities, telco, transport, complex tunnelling projects and accommodation PPPs.

Middle Eastern Government entities on schools, transport, residential/accommodation and 'city' PPPs.

Sponsors on the construction (and PPP pass through aspects) of NYU University Abu Dhabi PPP, Zayed University PPP and Paris Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University PPP.

Sponsors on the first project financed workers’ accommodation PPP in Saudi Arabia; a SWF on three large workers' accommodation DBFO projects in Saudi Arabia; Concession grantor on the first project financed workers’ accommodation PPP in the UAE.

Winning bidder as Sponsor on the RCU Healthcare PPP Project

Sponsor on its bid for the Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport PPP in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Power & Utilities (Solar, Wind, Waste, Water)

Sponsor on Al Dhafrah 1.5GW Solar IPP in Abu Dhabi through to financial close. This is the largest solar PV project in the world, and won MENA Solar Deal of the Year- Project Finance International 2020

Sponsors on their bid for the multi plant Amaala Utilities PPP in Saudi Arabia (2022). This deal won PPP deal of the Year - Utilities (IJ Global 2024)

Sponsors for the 400 MW Dumat Al Jandal Wind IPP through to financial close. This was the first utility scale wind project in Saudi Arabia under Vision2030, and won PFI Renewable Deal of the Year 2019.

A Middle East SWF as local sponsor on its involvement in Hamriyah IPP in Sharjah, UAE through to financial close. This deal won MENA Power Deal of the Year – IJGlobal 2020

Consortium on its bid for the Fujairah 3 IPP in the UAE.

Consortium on its bid for the multi-utility (14 plants) Red Sea Utility PPP, in Saudi Arabia.

Consortium on its bids for the 1GW Tanajib IWPP and 1GW Jafurah IWPP in Saudi Arabia; on Facility E IWPP in Qatar and on Guam 400MW IPP through to financial close.

Middle Eastern SWF on confidential outbound power and digital infrastructure PE investments.

Sponsors on the O&M contract for an Asian wind project.

Private equity fund on two (2) x 10MW solar IPP acquisitions in Jordan.

Sponsors on the EPC and O&M arrangements associated with a suite of IPPs in Kenya.

Middle Eastern Governments on the establishment of a new Green Free Zone, national water strategy, and environmental standards and regulations.

Consortium on bids for a Rabigh 3 IWP, Shuqaiq 3 IWP Yanbu 4 IWP, Jubail 3B IWP and Dammam ISTP and Jeddah 2 ISTP, all in Saudi Arabia under Vision2030.

A Middle Eastern Government on waste projects including PPPs

Sponsors on a Middle East industrial effluent treatment PPP project.

Sponsors on the Barwon Biosolids PPP in Australia.

Sponsors on the Eastern Creek Waste PPP in Australia.

Advised on 60+ district cooling/trigeneration projects including for: Diriyah Gate, KEC, MiSK City, Masdar City, Seaworld Abu Dhabi, Dubai EXPO2020, Lusail City; Riyadh Avenues, KFUPM Business Park; Jeddah Tower; Saadiyat Island; King Abdulaziz Road, New York University; Eastern Mangroves; TDIC Headquarters; ADNEC Capital Center; Danet Cit; Abu Dhabi World Trade Center, Yas Island, Palm Jebel Ali, Jimi Mall, Palazzo Versace, Mina Rashid, Dubai Maritime City, Bahrain World Trade Center, Zayed University, Reem Island, City Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Presidential Palace, Dubai Sports City, Akoya Oxygen, Mirdif Hills, ICT Tower, Danat Hospital, Jabal Omar, Maryah Island, Raha Beach, Raha Gardens, Prince Sultan Cultural City, Jeddah Headquarters, Al Mamoura, Confidential acquisitions in Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. Advised a Middle Eastern Government on the establishment of laws and regulations for district cooling.

O&G / LNG / Natural Gas

European energy company on its JV for a greenfield petrochemical project in Abu Dhabi.

International energy major on its standard form international EPC contract for use in O&G projects as well as a "wrap around guarantee" for splitting EPC contracts.

ADB in relation to the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan to India (TAPI) pipeline project.

International O&G company on its bid for a gas processing facility in Croatia and on their standard international EPC contract.

Sponsors on their successful bid for a healthcare PPP in Saudi Arabia

International O&G company on EPCM arrangements for an Asian LNG Receiving Terminal.

O&G services company on construction contracts for onshore drilling rigs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

UAE government-owned entities on syngas processing and storage facilities, including gas sales contracts, EPC and concession arrangements; distribution network contracts and on multiple gas concession projects including under concession, DBO and EPC contracting models.

Matters

Giga Construction Projects and PPPs - Cities, Transport, Healthcare, Education, Housing, Infrastructure

SWFs/State owned entities on confidential giga construction projects, including the world's largest construction project. Also advised on ports, hydrogen, industrial cities, data centres, IT, smart cities, telco, transport, complex tunnelling projects and accommodation PPPs.

Middle Eastern Government entities on schools, transport, residential/accommodation and 'city' PPPs.

Sponsors on the construction (and PPP pass through aspects) of NYU University Abu Dhabi PPP, Zayed University PPP and Paris Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University PPP.

See more

Close

Matters

Giga Construction Projects and PPPs - Cities, Transport, Healthcare, Education, Housing, Infrastructure

SWFs/State owned entities on confidential giga construction projects, including the world's largest construction project. Also advised on ports, hydrogen, industrial cities, data centres, IT, smart cities, telco, transport, complex tunnelling projects and accommodation PPPs.

Middle Eastern Government entities on schools, transport, residential/accommodation and 'city' PPPs.

Sponsors on the construction (and PPP pass through aspects) of NYU University Abu Dhabi PPP, Zayed University PPP and Paris Sorbonne Abu Dhabi University PPP.

Sponsors on the first project financed workers’ accommodation PPP in Saudi Arabia; a SWF on three large workers' accommodation DBFO projects in Saudi Arabia; Concession grantor on the first project financed workers’ accommodation PPP in the UAE.

Winning bidder as Sponsor on the RCU Healthcare PPP Project

Sponsor on its bid for the Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport PPP in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Power & Utilities (Solar, Wind, Waste, Water)

Sponsor on Al Dhafrah 1.5GW Solar IPP in Abu Dhabi through to financial close. This is the largest solar PV project in the world, and won MENA Solar Deal of the Year- Project Finance International 2020

Sponsors on their bid for the multi plant Amaala Utilities PPP in Saudi Arabia (2022). This deal won PPP deal of the Year - Utilities (IJ Global 2024)

Sponsors for the 400 MW Dumat Al Jandal Wind IPP through to financial close. This was the first utility scale wind project in Saudi Arabia under Vision2030, and won PFI Renewable Deal of the Year 2019.

A Middle East SWF as local sponsor on its involvement in Hamriyah IPP in Sharjah, UAE through to financial close. This deal won MENA Power Deal of the Year – IJGlobal 2020

Consortium on its bid for the Fujairah 3 IPP in the UAE.

Consortium on its bid for the multi-utility (14 plants) Red Sea Utility PPP, in Saudi Arabia.

Consortium on its bids for the 1GW Tanajib IWPP and 1GW Jafurah IWPP in Saudi Arabia; on Facility E IWPP in Qatar and on Guam 400MW IPP through to financial close.

Middle Eastern SWF on confidential outbound power and digital infrastructure PE investments.

Sponsors on the O&M contract for an Asian wind project.

Private equity fund on two (2) x 10MW solar IPP acquisitions in Jordan.

Sponsors on the EPC and O&M arrangements associated with a suite of IPPs in Kenya.

Middle Eastern Governments on the establishment of a new Green Free Zone, national water strategy, and environmental standards and regulations.

Consortium on bids for a Rabigh 3 IWP, Shuqaiq 3 IWP Yanbu 4 IWP, Jubail 3B IWP and Dammam ISTP and Jeddah 2 ISTP, all in Saudi Arabia under Vision2030.

A Middle Eastern Government on waste projects including PPPs

Sponsors on a Middle East industrial effluent treatment PPP project.

Sponsors on the Barwon Biosolids PPP in Australia.

Sponsors on the Eastern Creek Waste PPP in Australia.

Advised on 60+ district cooling/trigeneration projects including for: Diriyah Gate, KEC, MiSK City, Masdar City, Seaworld Abu Dhabi, Dubai EXPO2020, Lusail City; Riyadh Avenues, KFUPM Business Park; Jeddah Tower; Saadiyat Island; King Abdulaziz Road, New York University; Eastern Mangroves; TDIC Headquarters; ADNEC Capital Center; Danet Cit; Abu Dhabi World Trade Center, Yas Island, Palm Jebel Ali, Jimi Mall, Palazzo Versace, Mina Rashid, Dubai Maritime City, Bahrain World Trade Center, Zayed University, Reem Island, City Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Presidential Palace, Dubai Sports City, Akoya Oxygen, Mirdif Hills, ICT Tower, Danat Hospital, Jabal Omar, Maryah Island, Raha Beach, Raha Gardens, Prince Sultan Cultural City, Jeddah Headquarters, Al Mamoura, Confidential acquisitions in Malaysia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. Advised a Middle Eastern Government on the establishment of laws and regulations for district cooling.

O&G / LNG / Natural Gas

European energy company on its JV for a greenfield petrochemical project in Abu Dhabi.

International energy major on its standard form international EPC contract for use in O&G projects as well as a "wrap around guarantee" for splitting EPC contracts.

ADB in relation to the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan to India (TAPI) pipeline project.

International O&G company on its bid for a gas processing facility in Croatia and on their standard international EPC contract.

Sponsors on their successful bid for a healthcare PPP in Saudi Arabia

International O&G company on EPCM arrangements for an Asian LNG Receiving Terminal.

O&G services company on construction contracts for onshore drilling rigs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

UAE government-owned entities on syngas processing and storage facilities, including gas sales contracts, EPC and concession arrangements; distribution network contracts and on multiple gas concession projects including under concession, DBO and EPC contracting models.

Credentials

B.Com, LLB, University of Tasmania, with honors

High Court of Australia

Hong Kong

Tasmania

Victoria

Australian Business Group

International District Energy Association

Society of Construction Law

"Absolutely first class - the best non-contentious lawyer in the UAE"


Chambers Global

“…an excellent understanding of market terms, an innovative problem solving approach, applies a strong commercial lens"


Chambers Global

"The perfect combination of very strong background and very strong skills in legal matters"


Chambers Global

" …an exceptional lawyer who is calm and collected under pressure, excellent on the detail and has invaluable knowledge”


Chambers Global

"Exceptionally competent projects transactional lawyer”…


Chambers Global

"...an adept lawyer who regularly advises government bodies and multinationals on project structuring and financing."


Chambers 2025

"..an eminent Abu Dhabi-based lawyer who is widely praised for his robust non-contentious construction practice"


Chambers 2025

"Co-head Tim Burbury is a key figure for gigaprojects and a go-to for many industry players and state-owned entities"


Legal 500 2025

Law360: MVP in Construction Law, an accolade given to only 4 lawyers globally


2021

Band 1, Construction


Chambers Global 10 years to 2025

Band 3, Projects & Energy, Middle East


Chambers Global (13 years to 2025)

Tier 1, Projects & Energy, Saudi Arabia


Legal 500: 2020-2022

Who's Who Construction


Global Leader: 2017–2025

Leading Lawyer, Construction, Infrastructure & Projects, UAE


Legal 500: 2010–2022

Leading Individual, Saudi Arabia: Construction


Legal 500: 2022

Close

Recognition

"Absolutely first class - the best non-contentious lawyer in the UAE"


Chambers Global

“…an excellent understanding of market terms, an innovative problem solving approach, applies a strong commercial lens"


Chambers Global

"The perfect combination of very strong background and very strong skills in legal matters"


Chambers Global

" …an exceptional lawyer who is calm and collected under pressure, excellent on the detail and has invaluable knowledge”


Chambers Global

"Exceptionally competent projects transactional lawyer”…


Chambers Global

"...an adept lawyer who regularly advises government bodies and multinationals on project structuring and financing."


Chambers 2025

"..an eminent Abu Dhabi-based lawyer who is widely praised for his robust non-contentious construction practice"


Chambers 2025

"Co-head Tim Burbury is a key figure for gigaprojects and a go-to for many industry players and state-owned entities"


Legal 500 2025

Law360: MVP in Construction Law, an accolade given to only 4 lawyers globally


2021

Band 1, Construction


Chambers Global 10 years to 2025

Band 3, Projects & Energy, Middle East


Chambers Global (13 years to 2025)

Tier 1, Projects & Energy, Saudi Arabia


Legal 500: 2020-2022

Who's Who Construction


Global Leader: 2017–2025

Leading Lawyer, Construction, Infrastructure & Projects, UAE


Legal 500: 2010–2022

Leading Individual, Saudi Arabia: Construction


Legal 500: 2022