FAQs
Q: What date are the Legal 500 Middle East and North Africa Awards and where are they being held?
A: Thursday 12 February 2026 | Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeriah, The Palm Jumeirah Crescent East PO Box 24988 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Q: What is the dress code for the evening?
A: Legal 500 would like all attendees to feel comfortable and express their own style, nothing is compulsory. However, as this is the premier event of the year for the Middle Eastern legal market, we encourage black tie or your own version of elegant evening attire.
We kindly discourage standard office wear for this special occasion.
Q: What are the timings?
A: The event will commence with a drinks reception at 7.00pm, followed by a three-course dinner and awards presentation at 8.00pm. Networking drinks take place from 11.00pm and carriages 12.00am. Please check this page nearer the time as the timings may change slightly.
Q: How are the shortlists compiled?
A: For 37 years, Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research programme revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. Our research is based on feedback from clients, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice and in-house lawyers, and a team of researchers who have unrivalled experience.
Q: When will I hear if I have been successful and made the shortlists?
A: Legal 500 will notify firms of the categories for which they have been shortlisted in November 2025.
Q: Should I book a table even if I do not know all guest names yet?
A: Definitely – We anticipate space will go extremely quickly and we cannot guarantee anyone’s space without a completed table booking form. We deliberately limit capacity to just over 300 guests, so it is vital you book your space and return the table booking form early to avoid disappointment. Actual guest names may be supplied at a later stage.
Q: When is the latest I can supply guest names?
A: Please can you send all guest names to [email protected] no later than 22 January. This is to ensure that all guests are included on the seating plans for the event, and will avoid confusion for your guests in locating their table on the night.
We are also required to inform the hotel of all guest names for security reasons in advance of the event.
Q: What if I have a specific dietary requirement?
A: We are equipped to handle the vast majority of dietary requirements, provided these are notified to us in advance of the event.
Please can you ensure that when you supply us with guest names, also include any special dietary requirements in your email. These should all be sent to [email protected] no later than 22 January
Q: Do you provide invitations for Law Firms/Sponsors to send out to their guests?
A: We do not produce invitations for firms/sponsors to send out as we leave it to each table host’s discretion as to who and how they wish to invite as their guests. All we ask is that you supply us with guest names as directed and for the reasons above before the event itself.