Managing Partner Mohammed R. Alsuwaidi discusses how Alsuwaidi & Company supports clients navigating complex disputes, regulatory developments, and commercial challenges in the UAE.

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Alsuwaidi & Company from your competitors?

 Alsuwaidi & Company combines deep knowledge of the UAE legal system with an international outlook. Our lawyers have significant experience advising both regional and international clients across a wide range of sectors, particularly in complex dispute resolution and high-value commercial matters.

Clients value our practical and commercially focused advice. We aim to understand the wider business context in which legal issues arise and provide solutions that are both legally sound and aligned with our clients’ strategic objectives.

Another key strength is the breadth of our practice. Our ability to support clients across litigation, arbitration, corporate, and regulatory matters allows us to provide integrated advice where disputes, transactions, and regulatory considerations intersect.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We expect continued growth in dispute resolution, particularly in commercial litigation and arbitration, as businesses increasingly seek effective mechanisms to resolve complex disputes.

We are also placing particular focus on expanding our arbitration practice and team, as arbitration continues to play a significant role in resolving cross-border and commercial disputes in the region.

In addition, our maritime practice remains an important area of growth. Given the UAE’s position as a regional hub for shipping and trade, we continue to see steady demand for legal support in maritime disputes, shipping matters, and related commercial issues.

What's the main change you've made in the firm that will benefit clients?

 One of our key priorities has been strengthening collaboration across our practice areas. Many client matters involve both contentious and non-contentious elements, and by working closely across teams we are able to provide more holistic and strategic advice.

We have also focused on further developing our team and refining internal processes to ensure responsiveness, efficiency, and consistent service delivery.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Technology has certainly improved the way we communicate and collaborate with clients. Digital platforms allow for more efficient document sharing, case management, and communication, ensuring that clients remain fully informed as matters progress.

At Alsuwaidi & Company, we have also developed and implemented Law 8, an in-house practice management system designed to support the firm’s case management processes and allow lawyers to record their time sheets efficiently. The system enhances internal coordination and oversight of matters, which ultimately helps us deliver more organised and responsive service to our clients.

At the same time, legal advice ultimately depends on experience, judgment, and strategic thinking. Technology supports our work, but the real value we provide lies in our ability to analyse complex legal issues and guide clients through challenging situations.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

In many situations, our role is to help clients resolve issues before they develop into formal disputes or court proceedings. We work closely with clients to assess the commercial context of a matter and advise on the most practical way forward, rather than immediately pursuing litigation.

For example, we advised a client involved in a commercial disagreement relating to a tobacco brand. Instead of allowing the matter to escalate into a court dispute, we guided the client to address the issue at an early stage and consider the broader commercial implications, including the impact on the brand and the long-term value of the business relationship.

By taking this approach, we were able to help the client avoid unnecessary litigation and focus their resources on strengthening and promoting their brand. In many cases, this type of early strategic advice provides greater value than pursuing legal proceedings.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms - where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Clients increasingly expect their legal advisers to provide both technical expertise and strategic insight. Our focus is to continue strengthening our role as a trusted adviser to businesses operating in the UAE and the wider region.

Over the next three years, we aim to further develop our core practices, continue investing in our team, and expand our ability to support clients across complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.