Dentons Strengthens ME Energy, Transport, and Infrastructure Practice 

Dentons, a global law firm, has further reinforced its Middle East Energy, Transport, and Infrastructure (ETI) practice with the addition of seasoned ETI lawyers. Kenny Paton, Edward Rose, and Khomotso Kekana have recently joined the firm, bringing their extensive experience and expertise to enhance Dentons’ capabilities in the region. 

Kenny Paton, a highly experienced lawyer with over 25 years of global experience in the oil and gas sector, joins Dentons as the Head of Oil and Gas for the Middle East. Paton has worked across the oil and gas value chain in various locations, including the North Sea, Africa, and the Middle East. His background encompasses both in-house counsel roles and private practice at international law firms in London, Aberdeen, and Cape Town. 

Edward Rose, who joined Dentons in March, leads the ETI practice in Saudi Arabia. With more than 25 years of experience in the Middle East, Rose has been advising clients on international energy, infrastructure, and corporate matters. His expertise extends to government entities, international energy companies, project developers, contractors, and large-scale corporations, focusing on high-value transactions. Rose specializes in the development and financing of infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East. 

Khomotso Kekana has joined Dentons’ Abu Dhabi office as an associate in the ETI practice. Kekana brings experience in advising clients on energy matters, particularly in renewable energy projects such as solar PV and onshore wind projects. 

In addition to the new hires, Dentons recently promoted Yasser Taqi to partner in the Muscat office. Taqi will lead Dentons’ expansion in the ETI space in Oman and is involved in advising on energy-related mandates across the region, including Saudi Arabia. 

“Our recent strategy review made it clear we would have to invest further in our ETI offering in the region. These arrivals are integral to Dentons’ continued support of our Oil and Gas and ETI clients, in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider Middle East,” said Jon Nash, Head of the Middle East ETI team, based in Abu Dhabi. “Their arrival further strengthens our already thriving practice and I look forward to working with them on new and exciting mandates. We are looking at significant further investment in the near future.” 

“I am very excited to be relocating with Dentons from Scotland to our Abu Dhabi office as Head of Oil and Gas Middle East,” said Kenny. “I’m very much looking forward to working with a great team in a hugely vibrant and exciting region and continuing to work closely with colleagues as part of the Dentons global energy team.”