Interview with: Amir Alkhaja, Managing Partner

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Habib Al Mulla & Partners from your competitors?

At Habib Al Mulla & Partners, we are defined by our ability to deliver outcomes in the most complex and high-stakes disputes. Our firm has set groundbreaking precedents in the UAE, shaping the legal landscape particularly in shareholder disputes, tax litigation, commercial disputes, and white-collar crime. Beyond our unrivalled expertise in dispute resolution, we offer clients the assurance of deep-rooted knowledge of both onshore and offshore forums, which is a critical differentiator in today’s cross-border environment.

Our regulatory practice further strengthens our offering, as we guide clients in navigating the complexities of sector-specific regulators across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, etc. What sets us apart is not only the breadth of our legal capabilities, but also the strategic foresight with which we deploy them, ensuring our clients’ long-term interests remain at the heart of every matter.

 

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

We are seeing great momentum across several areas. M&A remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, fuelled by strong foreign direct investment into Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Alongside this, we anticipate a marked rise in shareholder and joint venture disputes, as businesses scale and new partnerships are tested under market pressures.

Tax and Tax controversy is another practice area set for growth, as the introduction of corporate tax in the UAE inevitably gives rise to disputes and compliance challenges. In parallel, restructuring work will continue to thrive, with high-net-worth individuals and family offices increasingly establishing or consolidating their presence in the UAE. These drivers, rooted in both regulatory evolution and economic transformation, create opportunities for us to deliver the strategic, forward-looking counsel our clients rely on.

 

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

 Our most significant transformation has been our regional expansion. In the last two years, we have opened five offices across key jurisdictions (Iraq, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, India, UAE (through Abu Dhabi)) creating a platform that empowers clients to seamlessly access our expertise across multiple markets. We have additional strategic openings in the pipeline, demonstrating a clear and ambitious growth agenda for the firm. This growth is not just about geography, it is about enabling clients to operate with confidence across borders, knowing they have a partner who understands the regulatory, cultural, and commercial nuances of each jurisdiction. It is this integrated, regional capability that positions us as a trusted legal partner.

 

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

 Absolutely. Technology is reshaping the way we deliver legal services, and we have embraced it as an enabler of excellence. Artificial intelligence, advanced research tools, and digital platforms are augmenting the efficiency and precision of our lawyers, allowing us to focus more on strategy and innovation. For our clients, this translates into faster response times, deeper insights, and a more streamlined service experience.

At its core, technology is allowing us to strengthen what matters most – our ability to anticipate client needs and provide solutions that are not only legally sound, but commercially impactful.

 

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

 A recent example is our representation of Dubai Islamic Bank in its highly publicised dispute before the ADGM Courts against the administrators of NMC Hospitals. In what was one of the most complex insolvency proceedings in the region, our banking and finance litigation specialists developed a tailored litigation strategy that ultimately enabled the bank to secure a favourable, and amicable settlement. It’s the the only bank to do so.

This outcome not only protected the client’s immediate financial interests but also safeguarded its long-term reputation and market confidence. For us, this is the true meaning of adding value: combining technical expertise with strategic foresight to achieve results that extend well beyond the courtroom.

 

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

More than ever, clients are looking for partners who understand their business and can stand with them through both growth and uncertainty. They seek lawyers who can mitigate risks, unlock opportunities, and offer stability in an evolving landscape. At Habib Al Mulla & Partners, we see ourselves as that partner – proactive, strategic, and invested in our clients’ success.

In three years’ time, my vision is for the firm to expand to 150–200 lawyers across the region’s most important jurisdictions. This growth will not be growth for its own sake. Instead, it will be deliberate, strategic expansion that ensures our clients benefit from consistent quality, local insight, and cross-border reach. We are building a firm that embodies both the heritage of our name and the innovation required for the future.