Gabi Benavides

Gabi is an Associate in the Dispute Resolution department, specialising in high-value cross-border litigation, international arbitration, enforcement and strategically significant disputes.

She advises clients on contentious matters before the English and DIFC Courts, with particular expertise in the strategic use of interim remedies, including freezing injunctions, proprietary relief and urgent cross-border applications.

Gabi has worked on institutional arbitration proceedings under the ICC, LCIA, ICSID, UNCITRAL and DIAC Rules, with seats in London and other key international jurisdictions.

Her clients include financial institutions, corporates, shareholders and sovereign states. She acts across a range of sectors, with particular expertise in hotels and hospitality, construction, real estate, energy, financial services and aviation.

Gabi also has additional expertise in ESG and climate change-related matters.

Gabi is an English-qualified solicitor and is fluent in English and Spanish. Before moving to Dubai, she trained in the London and Tokyo offices of a Magic Circle law firm.  

Key Experience

• Acting in an LCIA arbitration seated in London concerning the termination of agreements relating to a high-end lodge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, involving complex jurisdictional, arbitrability and Tanzanian protected land issues
• Acting for a Middle East-headquartered premium hospitality company in two parallel ICC arbitrations seated in London concerning alleged breach and repudiation of two hotel management agreements relating to luxury properties in separate African jurisdictions
• Acting for a Swiss private banking and asset management group and its DIFC subsidiary on a substantial debt recovery matter involving allegations of fraud, which included securing a freezing order from the DIFC Courts, tracing and freezing worldwide assets, and obtaining a contempt order against the defendants

Career History

Associate, Mishcon de Reya LLP
Associate, Watson Farley & Williams (Middle East) LLP
Trainee Solicitor, Linklaters LLP (London and Tokyo)
Paralegal, Allen & Overy (London and Dubai)