Habib Al Mulla & Partners is deeply engaged in Gulf-related matters, acting in both litigation and arbitration. It has notable strengths in shareholder disputes, debt recovery, and securities litigation, and has led novel proceedings in liquidations, intellectual property, and cryptocurrency. With a large and dedicated team, Dr Habib Al Mulla is deeply experienced in Emirati financial litigation, while managing partner Amir Alkhaja is highly capable in a broad range of commercial and criminal cases. Mohamed El Khatib leads on complex disputes in insurance and real estate, and Ali Dakhlallah represents high-profile financial institutions and luxury brands. Areen Jayousi joined the firm in January 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Wonderful team that is always on top of things, fully committed to their client's cause, and deeply engaged with knowledge and expertise of Gulf related matters. In my view, the quality of their work stands out against other firms in the region, particularly for litigation and arbitration.'
- 'Karen Seif is an excellent lawyer. Although she is currently counsel at the firm, she really performs at partner level. She is an excellent leader of her team, is engaged on the legal issues, and firmly committed to her client's cause. She is certainly someone to have in your corner when the odds are against you.'
Key clients
- Orascom Development Holding & RAK Tourism
- Emirates Market – Sayed Okeel
- Futon for Media Production & Meihad Hamad
- Al Fares International Tents & Fares Al Baddad
- Fortinet Inc.
- Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC
- Noor Bank
- Emirates NBD Bank
- Mashreq Bank
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
- HSBC
- Emirates Islamic Bank
Work highlights
Advised a syndicate of banks on the enforcement and asset sale of Pacific Controls Cloud Services’ data centre, one of the region’s largest data centre acquisitions worth over USD 50m, and on the subsequent sale of a commercial property in National Industries Park.
Representing Uniestate, a prominent Dubai-based developer, in a long-running portfolio of over 50 real estate arbitration cases involving disputes with off-plan buyers, unit cancellations, delay penalties, and refund claims.
Representing Mashreq Bank PJSC in its capacity as Security Agent for Ahli United Bank against the Dubai Land Department (“DLD”), Abyaar Real Estate Development and others in litigation proceedings aimed at invalidating decisions issued by the DLD to remove Mashreq Bank’s mortgage registrations over the properties collateralized in favour of Ahli United Bank to satisfy outstanding facilities extended to the bank’s customer.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Dr. Habib Al Mulla; Mohamed El Khatib; Amir Alkhaja; Dr. Karen Seif; Mohamed El Baghdady; Ali Dakhlallah; Alia Al Mulla
Other key lawyers
Areen Jayousi