Interview with: Dr. Fayez Alfadhli, CEO

Arkan International Legal Consultants distinguishes itself from competitors through personalized client service, a deep understanding of local and international legal landscapes, and a commitment to innovative solutions tailored to each client’s needs)

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate ARKAN from your competitors?

 Arkan is centred around a distinctive identity that combines sovereign legal expertise with international strategic flexibility. Our main differentiator is the quality of our human resources; we have attracted prominent national legal experts, including former Ministers of Justice and advisors from the Fatwa and Legislation Department. This gives us an unmatched understanding of legislative processes and government decision-making. Additionally, we take pride in being the only firm in Kuwait with a licensed legal media platform (Arkan Magazine), which leads in legal thought leadership and provides our clients with proactive research. Most importantly, we uphold a “Client-First” approach, building integrity-based professional relationships free from commercial pressure, ensuring tailored, high-quality service regardless of the matter’s size.

 

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

We anticipate significant growth in three key sectors:

1. Corporate and M&A: driven by the Ministry of Commerce’s initiative to amend the Kuwaiti Companies Law (expected mid-2026), which will introduce flexible corporate models and innovative capital structures to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
2. Sports Arbitration: Due to rapid changes in sports regulations, we have created a dedicated team led by former experts from the National Sports Arbitration Tribunal to address the increasing need for specialized dispute resolution.
3. Tax Compliance and Governance: With the rollout of the Global Minimum Tax (OECD Pillar Two) in early 2025, multinational corporations and major local companies will need comprehensive restructuring to meet regulatory requirements.

 

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

We have shifted from a “General Practice” model to a specialized “Practice Groups” structure. Our legal teams are now divided into focused units handling Complex Litigation, Arbitration, Commercial Affairs, and Medical Liability. This change ensures that each client’s file is managed by experts with extensive knowledge in their fields, improving the accuracy of results and success rates. Additionally, we have enhanced our physical presence by moving to Al Hamra Tower, creating a professional environment ideal for high-stakes negotiations while maintaining maximum privacy for our clients.

 

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

 At Arkan, technology is a key part of enhancing the client experience rather than just a tool. We have implemented smart communication systems, including official WhatsApp channels and 24/7 hotlines, to ensure quick response during emergencies. We are also adding mobile apps for legal assistance and exploring AI-driven tools for legal research and automating routine tasks. This enables our lawyers to focus more on strategic analysis and providing more accurate, predictive legal advice.

 

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

A prime example is our partnership with stc (Kuwait Telecommunications Company). Our role went beyond traditional legal opinions or litigation; we acted as a strategic partner in restructuring their business model to expand into providing technological services for the government sector. By aligning technical and commercial aspects with regulatory requirements, we transformed a technical concept into a secure, legally sound, and sustainable commercial reality. Similarly, in the banking sector, we represented Boubyan Bank and Ahli Capital in various disputes, successfully deciphering complex contractual details and safeguarding their interests.

 

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

Amid global economic volatility and rapid legislative changes in Kuwait, clients no longer seek a lawyer just for dispute resolution but also for strategic advice that offers security and clarity. Our Vision 2029 aims to establish Arkan’s reputation as an international legal entity by expanding strategic partnerships with global firms in Dubai, London, and the United States. We aspire to be the region’s leading authority in sports and commercial arbitration while transforming into a “Smart Law Firm.” By integrating technology with scientific research through our legal magazine—a commitment to promote legal culture and honor pioneering legal figures—we deliver innovative solutions that go beyond borders and meet the global expectations of our clients.