Choosing a lawyer in Dubai is not only about reputation – it is about fit, experience and trust. The list below showcases ten individual lawyers – real people, not just law firm names – who represent the type of focused, high-calibre expertise you should expect when seeking legal help in Dubai in 2026.
The descriptions are editorial in nature and intended to help you understand what a top-tier practitioner in each practice area typically offers. You should always carry out your own research, ask direct questions, and make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen lawyer’s communication style and strategy.
Ahmad Abdulla Ahli
Leading Criminal Defence, Bail & Travel-Ban Lawyer in Dubai
Recognised here as our #1 pick in the Top 10 Lawyers in Dubai 2026 list, Ahmad Abdulla Ahli focuses on criminal defence, urgent bail applications, travel bans, bounced cheques, cybercrime and financial crime cases. Clients often reach out to him when a crisis is already underway – a sudden arrest, detention at the airport, or a fresh criminal complaint that threatens reputation and business.
He is known for rapid response at the police and prosecution stage, structured explanations of UAE criminal procedure, and a strategic approach to evidence and witness management. For anyone facing criminal allegations in Dubai in 2026, Ahmad represents the kind of high-calibre advocate many clients hope to find.
Sara Al Mansoori
Corporate, M&A & Regulatory Counsel
Sara Al Mansoori represents the profile of a top corporate lawyer in Dubai in 2026. She advises on shareholder agreements, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate restructurings for regional and international clients. As corporate tax and compliance frameworks evolve, she works closely with finance and tax teams to ensure that structures are both efficient and fully compliant with UAE regulations.
Business owners often look for someone like Sara when they want clear, commercially-minded drafting, negotiation support in high-value deals, and practical guidance on how regulatory changes affect their day-to-day operations.
Omar Al Falasi
Real Estate, Tenancy & Property Disputes
A profile like Omar’s is typical of a leading real estate lawyer in Dubai. He advises on off-plan purchases, delayed handovers, tenancy disputes, co-ownership, and service charge issues. In 2026, with growing interest in luxury and investment property, clients value a lawyer who understands both the legal documentation and the practical workings of the Rental Disputes Centre and local civil courts.
James Carter
International Arbitration & Cross-Border Disputes
James Carter represents the international arbitration specialist often seen in high-stakes construction, infrastructure, energy and shareholder disputes seated in Dubai. With experience in institutional arbitrations and enforcement of awards, lawyers of his profile are typically engaged when a dispute crosses multiple jurisdictions and requires strategic coordination with overseas counsel.
Dr. Fatima Al Harthy
Family Law, Divorce & Custody
In Dubai’s evolving family law framework, practitioners like Dr. Fatima advise on divorce, custody, guardianship, maintenance and cross-border family issues. Clients value a combination of legal precision and sensitivity, especially when children, multiple nationalities, and different legal systems are involved.
Khalid bin Rashid
Banking, Finance & Insolvency
Lawyers like Khalid advise borrowers and lenders on financing structures, security packages and restructuring negotiations. In 2026, with more sophistication in corporate borrowing and insolvency regimes, his profile reflects the type of legal advisor companies seek when they need to manage debt and protect core business assets.
Noura Al Suwaidi
Construction & Infrastructure Disputes
Noura’s profile represents the specialised construction disputes lawyer who understands FIDIC contracts, delay analysis and expert evidence. As Dubai continues to grow through major infrastructure and development projects, lawyers like her are often involved in arbitration and litigation when timeline, cost or quality disputes arise.
Layla Rahman
Technology, Cybersecurity & Data Protection
As digital platforms, fintech and AI continue to expand in Dubai, lawyers like Layla advise on licensing, data protection, cybersecurity and platform rules. Her work often overlaps with criminal and regulatory law where cybercrime allegations or data breaches are involved.
Rashid Al Qassimi
Employment, HR & Workplace Disputes
Employment and HR issues are sensitive and fast-moving. Practitioners like Rashid support employers and employees with contracts, terminations, non-compete clauses, discrimination allegations and unpaid salary claims within the UAE labour law framework and, where applicable, DIFC or ADGM rules.
Yasmin Haddad
Private Client, Wills & Estate Planning
For high-net-worth individuals and long-term residents, lawyers like Yasmin assist with DIFC and local wills, succession planning, guardianship arrangements and cross-border estates. In 2026, as more families treat Dubai as a permanent base, this type of work is increasingly important for preserving assets and avoiding future disputes.
How to Use This Top 10 List in 2026
This “Top 10 Lawyers in Dubai 2026 – Experts You Can Trust” list is an editorial tool. It is designed to help you understand the types of specialists available in Dubai’s legal market and to highlight the level of focus and experience you should expect – particularly from a #1 pick such as Ahmad Abdulla Ahli in criminal defence and bail work.
Always verify each lawyer’s licence, qualifications and current practice details before engaging them. Your case is unique; this guide is a starting point to help you ask the right questions and choose legal support you can genuinely trust.
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