Al Tamimi & Company is praised for its ‘well-balanced and supportive team‘ with a ‘deep knowledge of Middle Eastern laws and practice‘. The firm maintains an impressive client roster, including financial institutions, regional and international industry leaders, and government entities. Team head Hassan Arab leads a broad practice encompassing commercial litigation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution. Co-head Mohamed Al Marzouqi stands out in banking, real estate, and IP disputes, while co-head Ahmed Allouz, known for his comprehensive disputes expertise, has a strong record in clinical negligence cases. Founder Essam Al Tamimi leverages over 30 years of experience to represent clients across litigation and arbitration. Naief Yahia is noted for his expertise in construction, commercial agency, and banking litigation. Naief Yahia also comes recommended.
Dispute resolution: local litigation in United Arab Emirates
Al Tamimi & Company
Practice head(s):
Hassan Arab; Mohamed Al Marzouqi; Ahmed Allouz
Other key lawyers:
Essam Al Tamimi; Naief Yahia
Testimonials
‘Essam Al Tamimi brings unrivalled jurisdictional knowledge and expertise to all UAE law related matters. He remains a leader in the field and a strategic thinker particularly in transnational dispute resolution processes.’
‘As well as Essam Al Tamimi’s leadership and unrivalled experience, he is assisted by a young and emerging new generation of practitioners including Mohamed Gaber Abdelsabour. ’
‘It was easy to reach them and discuss any urgent issues or concerns anytime. They took all measures to enhance our arguments by researching the case laws of other jurisdictions. Further, they tried to deliver work products on time.’
‘A well balanced and supportive team. Always responsive. Glad to have them on my side for any litigation matters as I am confident of their thoroughness.’
‘Hussain Almatrood. Exceptional lawyer and a wonderful problem solver. Always thinking ahead and around the issue. A very safe pair of hands. Highly recommend. ’
‘Deep knowledge of the middle eastern laws and practice, accumulated experiences over the years.’
Key clients
General Mills
Mondelez
DU
China Harbour
Alderley
DP World Financial Services
DURO
GL Events PJSC
Al Khayyat Investments
Minor Hotels
KONE
Samsung
Emirates NBD
Ford
Credit Suisse
LG Electronics
General Electric
HSBC
Standard Chartered Bank
Deutche Bank
Hadef & Partners LLC
With rights of audience in all UAE courts sitting alongside its extensive expertise in arbitration and DIFC proceedings, Hadef & Partners handles a wide spectrum of disputes, including complex fraud, asset recovery, and multi-jurisdictional litigation, supported by specialist sector knowledge in employment, construction, and maritime. Team head Abdulrahman Juma is consistently sought out by corporates, financial institutions, and government bodies to act on a wide array of commercial cases. Co-head Walid Azzam is noted for his skill in financial crime matters, and co-head Salih Ahnish handles all forms of litigation. Ghalib Mahmoud is valued by clients for his experience and understanding of the local courts and is particularly strong in white-collar crime and shareholder disputes.
Practice head(s):
Abdulrahman Juma; Walid Azzam; Salih Ahnish
Other key lawyers:
Ghalib Mahmoud
Testimonials
‘Solid knowledge in local laws. Mixture of local lawyers and international lawyers who together provide strategic advice and strong support on the ground.’
‘Walid Azzam is our relationship partner. He is very knowledgeable and experienced. He advises on complex legal issues but also understand the commercial aspects and practical needs of our business. He provides strategic advice and well-planned strategies to get the best outcome whether through litigation o out of court settlements.’
‘The Hadef disputes team is by far the most competent and well versed firm I have worked for on local litigation. They treat every matter in the most unique way. They know their way the local courts like no other firm I have seen and in my experience their expectations on a matter is usually spot on and they will always provide the most honest and practical legal opinions to ensure strategy is careful throughout prior to taking any action.’
‘My primary contact is Ghalib Mahmoud, a partner in the disputes team. He is well versed in both Arabic and English and has a way of adopting strategy that has never been tested in the UAE courts. He knows his away around courts of all the Emirates and the DIFC and ADGM and knows how to work between all courts in an amazing fashion. He bring strategy from his past experience in the US and from every matter he has dealt with for the past several years.’
Key clients
KBBO
Drake & Scull International PJSC
Work highlights
- Represent KBBO and SMB in several matters brought before the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Public Prosecutor by several banks alleging fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation and breach of trust relating to facilities ranging from about AED200m to $1bn.
- Successfully advised and represented Drake & Scull International PJSC in a first of its kind restructuring under the Emergency Restructuring Procedures introduced in the wake of financial instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
OGH Legal
OGH Legal ‘can be trusted with complex cases’ due to its deep bench of practitioners and deep expertise in UAE court disputes. The firm is also a prominent player in arbitration, representing clients in complex cross-border disputes under local, regional, and international arbitration frameworks. Key areas of focus include construction, banking, restructuring, insolvency, commercial disputes, and white-collar crime. Team head Sherif Hikal excels in banking and insolvency and liquidation matters. The ‘first class‘ co-head Mohamed ElGhatit is praised for his ‘hands-on-approach in dealing with matters’ and ‘his deep knowledge of UAE law’, handling a wide array of litigation and arbitration instructions. Suzanne Abdullah is particularly active in the real estate, construction, oil and gas and maritime sectors, while Omar Abdulaziz Al Omar‘s practice centres on white-collar crime cases.
Practice head(s):
Sherif Hikal; Mohamed ElGhatit
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne Abdullah; Omar Abdulaziz Al Omar
Testimonials
‘Fantastic team. I am not aware of any other disputes only firm in the UAE. They are hardcore litigators, aggressive but also business oriented when it comes to settlements. You do not want them against you.’
‘Mohamed El-Ghatit, is a maverick when it comes to disputes. He leads a very strong team. He is well versed in Arab laws, and a great strategist.’
‘Mohamed El Ghatit’s hands-on-approach in dealing with matters and his deep knowledge of UAE law are incredibly unique; he’s very much an out of the box thinker and always great to work with on local litigations or matters involving UAE law.’
Key clients
Dubai Insurance Company
Bank of America
Dubai Holding
Dubai Islamic Bank
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Emaar
Burlington Loan Management DAC
Nakheel
Aldar Properties
Investment Corporation of Dubai
Siemens Process Systems Engineering
ALEC Construction
BSA Law
BSA Law’s litigation practice is renowned for its comprehensive representation across all levels of UAE courts, leveraging the full rights of audience of its Emirati practitioners and the common law expertise of its DIFC-licensed team. The firm handles a wide range of contentious matters, including complex commercial disputes, enforcement proceedings, and criminal cases. Group lead Asim Ahmed‘s practice covers commercial, civil, criminal, maritime and insurance legal proceedings, and is often acting on multi-faceted cross-border cases. Ahmad Bin Hezeem has recently been active on fraud and bankruptcy matters. Hadiel Hussien also comes recommended.
Practice head(s):
Asim Ahmed
Other key lawyers:
Ahmad Bin Hezeem; Hadiel Hussien
Testimonials
‘They have excellent capabilities and through experience and work you discover their true skill.’
‘Asim Ahmed enjoys high professionalism, and we feel that they are partners with us in confronting opponents. He shows strong enthusiasm to defend the interest of the case and makes great mental efforts.’
Key clients
Octavia Limited
Amplex Emirates Company – LLC
C B Financial Services Limited – REP Office
Wonder Park LLC
Work highlights
- Successfully defended Octavia Limited in a highly publicised cross-border case. The matter involved Moise Katumbi Chapwe, a DRC presidential candidate relating to a dispute over ownership of a mining company and enforcement of a $70m DRC court judgment in the UAE.
- Representing Wonder Park against Dubai Municipality in a commercial dispute, with an estimated claim value of AED 150 million.
- Successfully represented Amplex Emirates Company in a complex dispute regarding the design and build of Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants offers a full-service practice with extensive expertise in local litigation, led by Emirati lawyers with full rights of audience before all UAE courts. The team is highly adept handling complex, high-value disputes across areas such as bankruptcy, fraud, real estate, tax, and corporate services. The highly experienced Ziad Galadari leads the team alongside Ahmed Galadari, who is strong in family law; Abdulla Ziad Galadari, who has recently been active on criminal proceedings; and Fadi Hassoun, who is skilled in banking and finance and insurance cases. Hussein Al-Momani is another key name for litigation, while Bassem Pierre Daher is reputed for his track record in investment disputes.
Practice head(s):
Ziad Galadari; Ahmed Galadari; Abdulla Ziad Galadari; Fadi Hassoun
Other key lawyers:
Hussein Momani; Bassem Pierre Daher
Key clients
Hunt & Harris Real Estate
Leopard Pots LLC
Al Ghanim Industries
Amber Lion Partners AG
Ntigra AI Applications
Work highlights
- Represented a client in an intellectual property infringement case against their former employer, involving a groundbreaking AI technology that has significantly impacted the UAE market values over AED 100 million.
- Represented and advised a client in a complex dispute over corporate rendering services, where the plaintiff alleged investment losses caused by the client.
- Represented a former CEO in a successful legal action against his previous employer, securing damages for AED 10 million.
Habib Al Mulla & Partners
Habib Al Mulla & Partners‘ practice offers expertise across key sectors, supported by dedicated sub-teams specialising in arbitration, shareholder disputes, tax and financial crimes, real estate litigation, and banking and finance litigation. The firm is involved in high-stakes disputes, including asset recovery, bankruptcy, IP contentions, cross-border enforcement, and tenancy disputes for major developers. Habib Al Mulla leads the team, overseeing a significant portion of the firm’s matters. Co-head Amir Alkhaja is highly regarded for his work in white-collar crime and banking disputes, while co-head Mohamed El Khatib, with over 25 years of experience, represents clients across various sectors. Ali Dakhlallah plays a key supporting role across a broad range of cases.
Practice head(s):
Habib Al Mulla; Amir Alkhaja; Mohamed El Khatib
Other key lawyers:
Ali Dakhlallah
Key clients
Orascom Development Holding & RAK Tourism
Emirates Market
Futon for Media Production & Meihad Hamad
Al Fares International Tents & Fares Al Baddad
Fortinet Inc.
Commercial Bank International
Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC
Noor Bank
Emirates NBD Bank
Mashreq Bank
First Abu Dhabi Bank
HSBC
Emirates Islamic Bank
Habib Bank Limited
Bank of Beirut
Standard Chartered
National Bank of Fujairah
RAKBANK
Arab Bank
Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait
Bank of Baroda
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank
Ajman Bank
Mawarid Finance
First Energy Bank
Incomlend
InvestBank
Rasmala Investment Bank
Etihad Etisalat Mobily PJSC
Huawei
Tencent
Tesla
Weatherford
Schlumberger
Whirlpool
SICIS
SHEIN
Gianni Versace
Tesla
Diebold Nixdorf Technologies
Gulf Data Hub
ATOS Y
Nakheel
Meydan Group
Damac
Emaar
Wasl
Work highlights
- Advised InvestBank, who after a change in ownership and management, decided to pursue legal remedies in relation to financial violations occurring prior to 2019.
- Acted for Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC and Noor Bank PJSC on litigation arising out of the NMC saga.
- Advised National Bank of Fujairah PJSC on restructuring proceedings in relation to the Abu Dhabi insolvency of Bin Butti Investment Group and Emirates Hospitals Group.
ADG Legal
ADG Legal 's litigation team is highly regarded for its expertise across multiple industries, including construction, real estate, insurance, and trade finance, with a growing body of work pertaining to maritime and shipping disputes. Helming the practice is Ahmed ALKotby who is active on both civil and criminal matters, while co-head Mohammed Al Dahbashi provides further litigations and arbitration capabilities. Abdulla Al Roken is widely praised by clients for his ‘deep expertise in UAE law‘ and ability to handle ‘complex criminal and civil cases‘. Jaber Al Ameeri also comes recommended.
Practice head(s):
Ahmed Alkotby; Mohammed Al Dahbashi
Other key lawyers:
Abdulla Al Roke; Jaber Al Ameeri
Testimonials
‘The team at ADG have worked collaboratively with me on my case. They have a diverse team of nationalities which offers the client a blend of experiences from other geographies.’
‘This practice is unique because they have managed to bring a high standard of communication and responsiveness to an excellent UAE disputes team.’
‘The lawyers I am dealing with at ADG are strategic, pragmatic, have great communication skills and are open to collaborating on strategy.’
Al Naqbi & Partners (ANP)
Al Naqbi & Partners (ANP) specialies in civil, criminal, and white-collar crime disputes and has a solid reputation for handling high-stakes cases, including fraud, money laundering, and large-scale commercial matters. Co-head Ali El Maoula is praised as an ‘excellent lawyer with strong capabilities’ and is active across the full spectrum of dispute resolution. Team head Jasim Al Naqbi chiefly focuses on criminal litigation, while co-head Yasir Al Naqbi, who has a broad practice, brings further skill in real estate disputes. Co-head Farah Wahab widely supports across the full range of firm mandates.
Practice head(s):
Ali El Maoula; Jasim Al Naqbi; Yasir Al Naqbi; Farah Wahab
Testimonials
‘Al Naqbi Law Office stands out for its exceptional expertise in the legal field and its client-focused approach. Potential clients would value the team’s dedication, expertise, and prompt communication.’
‘The individuals I work with at Al Naqbi Law Office stand out for their professionalism, deep legal knowledge, and commitment to client success. I particularly value their responsiveness, collaboration, and dedication to delivering results.’
‘Ali Al Maouala has consistently gone above and beyond, offering insightful advice and exceptional service. The entire team fosters a culture of excellence, making them a reliable and trusted partner in every case.’
‘The team includes very strong and confident lawyers who are knowledgeable and creative. Al Naqbi’s local litigation practice stands out in the UAE legal market due to the lawyers’ collaborative approach, commercial mindset, and breadth of experience.’
‘Yasir Al Naqbi is heavily involved in the firm’s cases, makes himself available to meet the client’s requirements, and is very passionate about the service he provides to the clients.’
‘Ali El Maoula is an excellent lawyer with strong capabilities and reputation. He takes the initiative and is creative in his legal thinking.’
‘Their understanding of the local legal market is unmatched in the region for the work they do. In addition to a watertight understanding of the law itself, their commercial, cultural, and interpersonal acumen stands them far apart from the pack. Their advice is clear, practical, and most importantly actionable within the requisite time pressures clients work under.’
‘Yasir Al Naqbi carries gravitas that many lawyers genuinely have not seen in the region. His significant experience in high-profile roles means he benefits from judgment most of his peers simply do not have. A great guiding hand across the various matters the firm has worked on for us.’
Key clients
Bird and Bird LLP
Work highlights
- Enforced an arbitration award rendered by the Refined Sugar Association Center in favor of the client, one of the leading commodities trading companies in the GCC, with an amount of AED 4.5m. This case emerged from an incident where a vessel loaded with sugar owned by the client was unjustly impounded and confiscated by Sudanese authorities at the Port of Sudan.
- Representing board members of Marka in a large bankruptcy dispute in the UAE.
- Represents Secure Capital Equipment L.L.C in a commercial litigation against NMC Healthcare Limited (in ADGM Administration) and Emirates Hospitals Group LLC (Restructured).
Alsuwaidi & Company
Alsuwaidi & Company has a varied local disputes practice that covers both litigation and arbitration, with expertise that covers complex investment and trading, banking and finance, and construction disputes. Team head Mohammed Alsuwaidi is regularly sought out by clients for his capabilities and often acts as a UAE law expert on international arbitrations. Co-head Ali Alraeesi is reputed for his skill in white-collar crime litigation, while co-head Reda Hegazy is highly adept in maritime and insurance matters. Co-head Mohammed Lemine has a broad practice that encompasses civil, commercial and insurance disputes.
Practice head(s):
Mohammed Alsuwaidi; Ali Alraeesi; Reda Hegazy; Mohamed Lemine
Testimonials
‘Efficient communication, friendly atmosphere, minimal complications and absolute commitment to meaningful output. ’
‘Professionalism with clear appreciation to client’s priorities and quick responses.’
Horizons & Co Law Firm LLC
Horizons & Co Law Firm LLC is active on commercial, civil and criminal cases in local courts across all seven Emirates, particularly adept in key sectors real estate, construction and banking and finance. Team head Ali Al Zarooni is praised for his ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of local law’ is routinely instructed by corporates, financial institutions, and public bodies, as well as a wealth of international law firms. Co-head Areen Jayousi ‘is an outstanding partner’ who presides over consequential real estate and construction matters. Mohamed Mahrous also comes recommended.
Practice head(s):
Ali Al Zarooni; Areen Jayousi
Other key lawyers:
Mohamed Mahrous
Testimonials
‘Great team for local litigation matters one of the best.’
‘Ali Al Zarooni always stands out for his user friendliness and knowledge of the UAE legal system.’
‘The firm are well known as a premium onshore firm in Dubai. They have an excellent reputation for quality litigation and arbitration work as well as providing expert witness work for cases involving UAE law.’
‘We work closely with Ali Al Zarooni, the founding partner. The firm is dynamic and has an impressive litigation and arbitration practice.’
‘Horizons have a very strong offering in cases that involve both civil and common law aspects. The Horizons team has gone from strength to strength, and offer particular strategic and substantive insight into cases where there are complex conflict of law issues, and enforcement issues. Their ability to deploy a strategy that makes the most of the onshore and offshore relief available is an invaluable tool for any client.’
‘Areen Jayousi is an outstanding partner, whose communication skills are are the very top tier. Areen consistently puts his clients at ease when faced with very difficult, and at times highly complicated, litigation.’
‘Ali Al Zarooni’s reputation precedes him, and is well deserved. His encyclopaedic knowledge of local law, and local court procedure, is a prized asset.’
‘Areen Jayousi is a great relationship partner. He is easily reachable, reacts to feedback and actions tasks quickly.’
Key clients
Omni Bridgeway/Falcon Bank
Dubai Islamic Bank
Transguard
Rami Al-Qaisi and RAQ Contracting
Gulf Petrochem FZC
Ruby Maritime
Work highlights
- Engaged by Omni Bridgeway, representing Falcon Private Bank AG, to prepare an advisory note on the feasibility and likelihood of success in filing a substantive money claim in the UAE courts.
- Represented Dubai Islamic Bank on successfully filing a lawsuit against Arabtec Construction and Arabtec Holding, compelling them to pay approximately AED 752 million for the balance of facilities agreements due.
- Represented Transguard in a case before the Dubai courts involving a USD 10 million claim by a member of the ruling family of Qatar.
Ibrahim N Partners
Ibrahim & Partners is ‘knowledgeable and skilled in the legal procedures of the UAE’, representing clients across the courts in sectors such as banking, real estate, insurance, pharmaceuticals and retail. Team head Mohamed Abdelrehiem is skilled across both litigation and arbitration and is particularly strong in white-collar crime cases. Hazem Elbagoury is active across all types of litigation and regularly represents clients before government authorities. Mahmoud Hamed also comes recommended.
Practice head(s):
Mohamed Abdelrehiem
Other key lawyers:
Hazem Elbagoury; Mahmoud Hamed
Testimonials
‘The team is knowledgeable and skilled in the legal procedures of the UAE. ’
‘INP has a creative team in the dispute resolution area.’
‘Excellent team.’
Key clients
Oren Hydrocarbons Middle East FZCO
Noon E Commerce Owned by Noon AD Holdings One Person Company LLC
AOL
Omnix International Co. LLC
Ismail Ali Mohamed Ahmed
Tri-Star Transports LLC
Corplease Emirates LTD
I3 Technologies
Work highlights
- Act for Oren Hydrocarbons Middle East in a significant legal challenge where they received a payment order judgment without being present in court.
- Represent Omnix International Co. LLC and its subsidiaries in many commercial, civil, and labour cases, both as a defendant and a claimant.
- Act for Noon AD Holdings One Person Company LLC and its subsidiaries in commercial, labour, and execution cases, advising currently on a civil claim brought by a customer alleging falling ill from a product bought from Noon’s E-commerce platform.
Primecase law Firm
Primecase law Firm continues to provide disputes counsel to a range of clients, with particular strength in engineering, construction and real estate disputes. Founding and managing partner Mohammad Alshraideh leads the team and handles an array of commercial cases and holds strong connections to leading financial institutions, investors and developers, while co-head Salah Gaballa is reputed for his relations with government ministries across the MENA region.
Practice head(s):
Mohammad Alshraideh; Salah Gaballa
Testimonials
‘This legal firm distinguishes itself through its deep industry expertise and client-focused approach, delivering personalised and agile legal solutions compared to larger, more traditional firms. Clients benefit from its interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing the firm to address complex legal challenges with tailored strategies and thought leadership.’
‘The individuals I work with stand out for their deep expertise, commitment to excellence, and a client-first mindset that consistently delivers results. What truly differentiates them from competitors is their combination of technical proficiency with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach. They don’t just provide legal advice; they partner with clients to understand their goals and navigate complex challenges with innovative strategies.’
‘I particularly value their responsiveness, creativity in problem-solving, and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise. Across the team, there is a shared commitment to excellence, diversity of thought, and a forward-thinking attitude that consistently sets them apart in the market.’
Key clients
iWire Global IOT Communications LTD
Pioneer Road Construction & Infrastructure
ETA Ascon Group LLC and ETA Ascon – Star Group LLC
Mazrui International LLC
Al Rostamani Group
Emirates Hospitals Group
Prince Raed Bin Zaid
Noor Capital
Work highlights
- Advised and represented ETA ASCON Group LLC and ETA Star Holding LLC in a lawsuit filed by a private client.
- Advised and represented clients in an ADCB filed lawsuit against them, seeking repayment of AED 190 million plus 9% interest due to a Murabaha loan agreement.