People

Overview

Robert Booth is an experienced Corporate, Commercial and M&A lawyer, admitted as a Solicitor in Scotland and England & Wales. Based in Baker Botts' Dubai office, Robert advises a broad spectrum of clients including SMEs, large multinationals, and government entities.

Robert also has extensive experience advising on projects, including large scale infrastructure projects in the transport and energy sectors.

During his career Robert has gained a wide range of experience advising clients on a variety of transactions, ranging from large scale infrastructure projects, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, oil and gas exploration and production projects, commercial agency arrangements, public procurements, and general commercial contracts.

Prior to joining Baker Botts, Robert practiced for over 6 years within the GGC Region at leading local and international law firms.

Admissions & Affiliations

  • Qualified Solicitor, England & Wales, 2017
  • Solicitor, Scotland, 2012

Education

  • Master of Laws, University of Aberdeen 2020
  • Post Graduate Diploma, University of Dundee 2010
  • Bachelor of Laws, University of Dundee 2009
    hons.

Experience

  • Acting as the lead legal advisor to Oman National Investments Development Company S.A.O.C. in connection with the proposed formation of a special purpose vehicle for the acquisition, ownership, licensing and maintenance of certain intellectual property and systems developed for and on behalf of Petrol Development Oman , and to pursue business opportunities within the digital oilfield management software industry (A transaction for which the team was shortlisted for an award at the 2019 IFLR Middle East Awards.)*
  • Advising an international consortium on the development of a new oil refinery in Southern Iraq.*
  • Advising various Oil and Gas clients on the negotiation, drafting, execution, performance and variation of exploration and production agreements, concession agreements, operation agreements, off-take agreements, supply agreement, agreements to utilize pipelines and similar infrastructure, tolling agreements and other contracts and agreements related to both the upstream and downstream hydrocarbon business. *
  • Advising clients on mineral concession agreements, exploration and extraction arrangements and other agreements related to the exploration, exploitation, and mining of minerals.*
  • Advising the Omani state energy investment company on the restructuring of its interest in a large Aluminum Smelter in Oman.*
  • Advising the Omani state gas company on its investments in a strategically located power station.*
  • Advising the Omani state energy investment company and the state refinery company on various aspects of the merger of the two entities.*
  • Advising the Omani state logistics company on a PPP project for the design, financing, construction, and operation of weigh stations at various locations along the Al Batinah Expressway.*
  • Advising a German/Lebanese consultancy company on various infrastructure projects within the State of Qatar including the expansion of Hamed International Airport.*
  • Advising a multinational oil and gas company on its $622 Million acquisition of a regional oil and gas company which owned interests substantial hydrocarbon assists in the Sultanate of Oman, such assets forming the most valuable assets of the target company.*
  • Advised a majority state owned telecoms company on the $575 Million disposal of its passive tower infrastructure, a complex first in market transaction, presenting an exciting development in the evolution of Oman’s Telecommunications sector, further enhancing the sectors growth.*
  • Advising an ultra-high net worth family group on their substantial investments in various companies operating in diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, green energy, and defense systems.*
  • Advising clients on the potential acquisition of a US$ 60 Million skyscraper development in Downtown Dubai.*
  • Assisting a large European infrastructure company to undertake a vendor due diligence exercise as part of the proposed sale of its interest in its Omani desalination project.*
  • Advising a large middle eastern family office on the restructuring of its operations, including redistributing shareholding in some regionally significant enterprises, disposal of assets and taking action to address historical management issues.*
  • Advising clients on the incorporation and operation of commercial entities in the UAE, both onshore and within free zones.*
  • Advising a middle eastern based insurance company on the restructuring of its regional operations, including assisting with the development of a new blending facility.*
  • Assisting a well-known trading company to wind up its operations in two African markets, including termination of distribution agreements and restructuring its local operations to continue business under a different structure.*
  • Advising on various PPP projects for roads, ports, schools and hospitals. Also advising on the development of Khazaen Economic City, Oman’ new integrated logistics and commercial city, a joint venture project between the Omani Government and private investors.*
  • Advising a government entity, on the procurement of national satellite, a US$ 400 million project.*
  • Acting as lead legal advisor for Advised Barka Desalination Company SAOC on its US$11 Million IPO initial public offering on the Muscat Stock Exchange.*
  • Acting as lead legal advisor for Musandam Power Company SAOC in relation to their successful $23 Million initial public offering on the Muscat Stock Exchange and acting as the Company’s first Board Secretary post IPO.*
  • Advised Amiantit Oman Company LLC on the conversation of a US$12 Million shareholder loan into equity in Amiantit Oman Concreate Products LLC.*

* Prior to Joining Baker Botts


Awards and Community

Named a "Rising Star in Oman" by the IFLR 1000, 2021

Recognized as an "Oman Notable Practitioner" by the IFLR 1000, 2022

Mentioned in The Legal 500 EMEA, 2022