General Counsel (UAE)

About the role

The organization seeks an experienced General Counsel to lead its legal function across a diverse portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates. This senior executive will provide strategic legal advice, ensure regulatory compliance, and support the Board and senior leadership in achieving business objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the legal strategy aligned with corporate goals.
• Act as principal legal advisor to executive leadership and the Board on corporate, commercial, regulatory, and governance matters.
• Identify, mitigate, and manage legal risks and disputes, overseeing litigation and arbitration.
• Review, draft, negotiate and approve complex commercial agreements and legal frameworks.
• Establish and maintain robust compliance and corporate governance structures.
• Advise on corporate structuring, subsidiaries, M&A, and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor UAE legislative changes and assess operational impact.
• Lead legal due diligence for strategic projects and manage relationships with regulators and government entities.
• Oversee legal department budgeting, reporting, and operations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the legal team, supporting succession planning.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent.
• Valid Bar Association license or comparable legal practising qualification.
• Minimum 15 years of legal experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Extensive experience with UAE laws, commercial and corporate law, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record in corporate governance, litigation management, and board advisory.

Required skills

• Contract negotiation and drafting.
• Corporate governance frameworks.
• Legal risk management.
• Regulatory compliance and securities regulations.
• IPO transaction experience.
• Litigation and dispute resolution.
• Board advisory and stakeholder management.