Sameera Kimatrai

Of Counsel

Sameera Kimatrai is an English law qualified of counsel in the Dubai office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and a member of the firm’s Financial Regulatory Practice Group. She has experience advising governments, regulators and a broad range of financial institutions in the UAE including investment managers, commercial and investment banks, payment service providers and digital asset service providers on complex regulatory issues both in onshore UAE and in the financial free zones. Sameera has particular experience in digital asset regulation across the Middle East and Africa having spent time as a senior regulatory lawyer in the legal department of a large digital assets exchange.

Sameera is ranked as a Rising Star by The Legal 500 Middle East 2020, 2021 and 2022 for Financial Services Regulation. Sameera is also ranked in Chambers and Partners for FinTech Legal in United Arab Emirates.

She completed her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Cambridge in 2011 before completing her law degree at the University of Law in 2013. Prior to joining Gibson Dunn, Sameera was a senior associate based in the Dubai office of a Magic Circle law firm. She completed her training contract at another Magic Circle law firm in London, where she qualified into the financial services regulatory group.

Capabilities

Credentials

Education:
  • University of Cambridge - 2015 Master of Arts
  • University of Law - 2013 Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
  • University of Law - 2013 Legal Practice Course
  • University of Law - 2012 Graduate Diploma in Law
  • University of Cambridge - 2011 Bachelor of Arts
Admissions:
  • England & Wales - Solicitor