Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla, the UAE alliance firm of Baker & McKenzie, has hired banking specialist Sandeep Puri as a partner in Dubai from Clifford Chance.

Puri, who has been based in the UAE for over 12 years, has experience in both conventional and Islamic finance transactions across the Middle East and Africa, including project finance, corporate finance, asset finance, real estate finance and capital markets (including sukuk). He has represented regional and international financial institutions, as well as domestic and regional corporates.

“We are delighted to welcome Sandeep Puri on board,” said Habib Al Mulla, chairman of Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla, in a statement. “He brings a wealth of expertise to our banking, finance and capital markets practice at a time when clients are increasingly turning to Dubai as an established regional financial centre.”

Puri is the firm’s third banking and finance partner, after Mazen Boustany and Gordon Prestige. He is also expected to be involved in the firm’s India practice.