Legal Officer – Automotive Company, Jebel Ali, Dubai

About the role

A multinational automotive company is looking for a Legal Officer to be based in Jebel Ali, Dubai. The role leads and manages all legal activities of the company in the UAE, ensuring compliance with local laws (UAE Federal Law, Dubai regulations, DIFC/ADGM laws), advising senior management, mitigating legal risks and acting as the legal contact with Headquarters in Paris.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to senior management and operational teams, and monitor legal developments in the UAE.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial, distribution, services, NDA and partnership contracts, ensuring they comply with UAE legislation and international standards.
• Manage corporate governance documentation (General Assemblies, Board resolutions) with the Legal Department in Paris, and implement internal compliance policies (anti-corruption, AML, sanctions, data protection, code of conduct).
• Ensure compliance with the UAE Commercial Companies Law, Economic Substance Regulations, UBO requirements and DIFC/ADGM frameworks where applicable.
• Oversee disputes with external law firms and prepare documentation for administrative, regulatory or arbitration matters.
• Oversee business licensing, renewals and regulatory filings with local and free zone authorities.
• Supervise the in-house legal assistant, assign tasks and provide internal legal training when needed.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Law (Business Law / International Law preferred).
• 8-12 years of legal experience, ideally in an international environment; knowledge of the automotive sector is an advantage.
• Fluent English required; French or Arabic is a plus.
• Experience in both law firms and in-house roles, and regional experience in the Gulf, are a plus.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of corporate and commercial law and familiarity with UAE law (Civil Code, Corporate Law).
• Excellent contract drafting skills in English and knowledge of international contract standards.
• Solid understanding of compliance frameworks (AML, KYC, sanctions, data protection).
• Understanding of free-zone regulations (DIFC/ADGM is a plus).