About the Role
To lead and manage all legal activities of the company in the UAE. The role ensures compliance with local laws (UAE Federal Law, Dubai regulations, DIFC/ADGM laws), advises senior management, mitigates legal risks,
Responsibilities
- Legal Advisory
- Provide legal advice to senior management and operational teams.
- Monitor legal developments in the UAE (UAE Federal Law, DIFC/ADGM regulations, commercial law, corporate law, economic law, etc.).
- Contract Management & Negotiation
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts (commercial, distribution, services, NDAs, partnerships, suppliers).
- Ensure all agreements comply with UAE legislation and applicable international standards.
- Governance & Compliance
- Manage corporate governance documentation (General Assemblies, Board resolutions, etc.) in close coordination with the Legal Department at Headquarters
- Implement and maintain internal compliance policies, including anti-corruption, AML, sanctions, data protection, and code of conduct (in close link with HQ Legal & Compliance teams).
- Ensure compliance with key regulatory requirements such as:
- UAE Commercial Companies Law
- Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)
- Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO)
- DIFC/ADGM frameworks (if applicable)
- Litigation & Claims Management
- Oversee disputes in coordination with external law firms and Headquarters Legal Department.
- Prepare legal documentation and represent the company in administrative, regulatory, or arbitration matters.
- Regulatory & Government Affairs
- Oversee business licensing, renewals, and regulatory filings with local and free zone authorities.
- Team Management
- Supervise and support the in-house legal assistant to ensure effective delivery of legal tasks.
- Ensure proper guidance, task assignment and adherence to legal and compliance standards.
- Provide internal legal training to employees when required.
Qualifications
- Technical Competencies
- Strong knowledge of corporate and commercial law.
- Familiarity with UAE law (Civil Code, Corporate Law).
- Understanding of free-zone regulations (DIFC/ADGM a plus).
- Excellent contract drafting skills in English.
- Knowledge of international contract standards.
- Solid understanding of compliance frameworks (AML, KYC, sanctions, data protection).
Education & Experience
- Master's degree in Law (Business Law / International Law preferred).
- 812 years of legal experience, ideally in an international environment.
- Experience in both law firms and in-house roles is a plus.
- Regional experience in the Gulf is a plus.
- Languages: Fluent English required; French or Arabic are a plus.
