Private-client specialist law firm Withers has launched a tax office in Dubai after hiring Stijn Janssen, the former co-head of Ernst & Young’s Dubai international tax group.

A corporate tax expert, Janssen advises on cross-border and international tax matters. He also advises corporates, investment funds and Sovereign Wealth Funds on outbound investments, pre-IPO group restructurings and cross border M&A.

At EY, Janssen also led its MENA private client services team.

Withers’ Dubai launch comes almost a year after the launch of its Japan tax practice in Tokyo. Prior to that, it had entered into an alliance with KhattarWong in Singapore.

“We are delighted to establish ourselves in Dubai with the benefit of Stijn's reputation and skills. Having monitored Dubai's steady ascent up the ladder of international financial centres in recent years, we have been waiting for the right moment to enter the market and fill out our international network with a presence in the Middle East.,” said Margaret Robertson, Withers' managing partner, in a statement.