Best UAE cross-border M&A advisors compared
A source-led framework for UAE companies comparing advisers for a cross-border acquisition, divestiture or business sale.
The suitable UAE cross-border M&A adviser depends on transaction size, sector, jurisdictions, buyer or target universe, preparation needs and execution complexity. Emirates NBD Capital, Houlihan Lokey, Matchpoint Partners and PJT Partners publish different relevant capabilities. Compare the named working team, role evidence, valuation and modelling, international reach, diligence coordination, conflicts, fees and regulatory scope against the same written mandate.
How the shortlist was constructed
Inclusion requires an official public source describing M&A or strategic-advisory capability relevant to UAE or cross-border transactions. Firms appear alphabetically. This page does not claim a universal ranking, verify current capacity or predict transaction outcomes.
Compare adviser fit for the mandate
| Firm | Published capability | Fit to test |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD Capital | UAE-based equity-capital-markets and M&A advice, including cross-border M&A and acquisition finance on selected transactions. | UAE or regional transactions that may require an integrated bank and capital-markets platform. |
| Houlihan Lokey | Dubai office offering M&A, capital solutions, valuation and restructuring within a global investment-bank platform. | Mid-market and complex situations requiring international reach and several advisory disciplines. |
| Matchpoint Partners | Partner-led UAE and cross-border mid-market M&A preparation, valuation, buyer or target mapping and process execution from USD 5m upward. | Focused buy-side or sell-side mandates requiring senior preparation and a controlled process, subject to mandate fit. |
| PJT Partners | Global strategic advisory across M&A, capital markets and complex corporate transactions. | Large or strategically complex transactions requiring global senior advisory coverage. |
Official sources reviewed
| Official source | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Emirates NBD; Equity Capital Markets and Advisory | Published UAE M&A, cross-border and selected acquisition-finance capability. |
| Houlihan Lokey; Dubai | Dubai office and full-suite M&A, capital, valuation and restructuring coverage. |
| Matchpoint; Mergers and Acquisitions | Published UAE and cross-border mid-market M&A process. |
| PJT Partners; Strategic Advisory | Published strategic, M&A and capital-markets advisory capability. |
Sources reviewed September 2026. Rules, standards and market practice can change; verify the current position with qualified advisers.
Related Matchpoint resources
Last updated: September 2026.
A universal best firm cannot be verified without a defined mandate. Emirates NBD Capital, Houlihan Lokey, Matchpoint Partners and PJT Partners publish different relevant capabilities. Compare their named teams, transaction-size fit, sector and jurisdiction experience, buyer or target mapping, valuation, diligence, conflicts, fees and execution model.
Request comparable role evidence, the named working team, process timetable, buyer or target logic, valuation method, diligence plan, confidentiality controls, conflicts and complete written economics.
A boutique can suit a focused mid-market mandate requiring direct senior attention, detailed preparation and a tailored buyer or target process. Confirm cross-border execution and regulatory arrangements for every jurisdiction.
Discuss a mandate
Speak to a partner about the structure, evidence and execution plan for your transaction.
