Clyde & Co has appointed projects veteran Adrian Creed as partner at its Abu Dhabi office, as an infrastructure boom in the Middle East continues to drive demand for experts in project finance.

Creed, who joins the firm from Trowers & Hamlins, will focus on project advisory work within Clyde & Co’s established geographies. He will also look to develop the firm’s project practice within the emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Africa.

“The last year has been very challenging for many countries in the region, and recent events have highlighted the urgent need for MENA countries to provide essential services as a matter of priority,” said Niall O’Toole, Managing Partner of Clyde & Co’s Abu Dhabi office.

O’Toole added that Creed has extensive experience in key project areas such as housing, electricity, water, schools and hospitals which are expected to be in demand as the region spends billions on improving its infrastructure.

Projects worth more than $1.8 trillion are underway or planned in the Gulf, according to the Middle East Economic Digest (MEED). Qatar and Saudi Arabia are key markets investing billions in infrastructure spending.

Clyde & Co has been actively hiring in recent months. The firm recently hired former Simmons & Simmons Managing Associate Jason Majid for its corporate practice in Qatar, and former DLA Piper banking and finance partner Adrian Low for its Dubai office.