Top 10 Best Lawyers in Dubai
With countless names in the legal field and every firm claiming to offer the “best legal minds,” how do you truly identify the top lawyers in Dubai who actually make a difference in the courtroom?
It’s a question clients ask all the time — and rightly so. In 2025, Dubai’s legal landscape is evolving rapidly. From high-stakes real estate disputes to complex commercial litigation, the need for a seasoned, strategic, and sharp legal expert has never been higher.
That’s why choosing the right lawyer — someone who not only understands UAE laws but also commands respect in courtrooms and among peers — becomes absolutely critical. You need someone with real courtroom experience, deep legal insight, and a proven track record of success.
So, is there a list that brings all that together?
The answer is yes.
Below, we take a closer look at the Top 10 Best Lawyers in Dubai – 2025, and why Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli is considered one of the most formidable names in UAE litigation today — thanks to his decades of judicial experience, powerful legal strategies, and a reputation built on results.
Looking For A Lawyer in Dubai, UAE
- Former Chief Justice as your Lawyer
- 27+ Years Experience
- 10K+ Cases Handled
Quick Overview: Top 10 Best Lawyers in Dubai – 2025
- Ahmad Abdulla Ahli
- Habib Al Mulla
- Essam Al Tamimi
- Mohammed Al Dahbashi
- Ibrahim Khouri
- Ali Al Zarooni
- Ahmad Bin Hezeem
- Nasser Malalla
- Khalid Al Mazemi
- Yousef Al Bahar
These are the most reputed and result-driven legal professionals in Dubai this year. Each name on this list has been selected based on litigation success, client satisfaction, industry recognition, and years of legal expertise.
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How We Chose the Best Lawyers in Dubai – 2025
With hundreds of lawyers practicing in the UAE, narrowing down this list wasn’t easy. We focused on the key factors that matter most to individuals, businesses, and investors who are seeking serious legal expertise and courtroom results.
Track Record & Client Success
Let’s face it — clients hire lawyers to win. Whether it’s real estate litigation, business disputes, or criminal defense, a top lawyer is measured by results.
What We Evaluated:
Case Success Rate: Does the lawyer have a proven history of winning complex cases in court?
High-Profile Clients: Are they trusted by major corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and public entities?
Client Testimonials: Real client stories, courtroom wins, and favorable settlements matter far more than marketing.
Litigation vs. Advisory: We focused on lawyers with actual litigation experience, not just consultants or legal advisors.
Expertise & Legal Depth
Dubai’s legal environment is dynamic and layered. The best lawyers are those who continuously adapt, remain updated with the law, and bring sharp strategy to the table.
What We Evaluated:
- Specialization: Real estate, commercial, construction, civil, or criminal — how deep is their knowledge?
- Judicial Experience: Lawyers like Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli, who served over 27 years as a judge, bring unmatched perspective and authority.
- Recognition: Are they respected by the court, peers, and legal directories?
Courtroom Presence & Case Strategy
Legal skill means nothing without courtroom impact. A top lawyer knows how to build strong arguments, cross-examine effectively, and persuade judges with precision.
What We Evaluated:
Oral Advocacy: The ability to argue a case confidently and clearly in court.
Legal Drafting: Are pleadings, memoranda, and motions compelling and well-structured?
Strategic Mindset: Do they identify opportunities for settlement, leverage forensic evidence, and defend aggressively when needed?
Client Handling & Transparency
Clients need clarity, not complexity. The best lawyers guide clients through the legal maze with honesty, empathy, and confidence.
What We Evaluated:
- Communication: Regular case updates, legal education, and strategic advice in plain language.
- Billing Transparency: Clear fee structures, payment plans, and no hidden surprises.
- Responsiveness: Timely responses to urgent matters and consistent follow-up.
Reputation & Professional Network
In the legal field, reputation is earned over years — through ethical conduct, landmark cases, and trust.
What We Evaluated:
Peer Endorsements: Are they respected by other top attorneys, judges, and firms?
Media Mentions & Publications: Are they invited to speak at forums or quoted in legal media?
Firm Culture & Mentorship: Lawyers like Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli mentor junior litigators and promote excellence at AAA Law Firm — making the next generation stronger.
Top 10 Best Lawyers in Dubai: Comparison Chart
Here is a comprehensive comparison to help you find the best lawyers in Dubai:| Law Firm in Dubai | Years of Experience | Primary Practice Areas |
| Ahmad Abdulla Ahli (Former chief justice Dubai Supreme Court) | 27+ years | Real Estate, Commercial, Intellectual Property, Criminal, Banking & Finance, Employment, Personal Status |
| Habib Al Mulla | 30+ years | Corporate Law, Arbitration & more |
| Essam Al Tamimi | 40 years | Business Law, Commercial Disputes & more |
| Mohammed Al Dahbashi | 35 Years | Financial, Regulatory, Civil Litigation & more |
| Ibrahim Khouri | 40+ years | Construction & Civil Law & more |
| Ali Al Zarooni | 40+ years | Trade Law, Maritime & Commercial Law & more |
| Ahmad Bin Hezeem | 40+ years | Insurance, Banking, Regulatory & more |
| Nasser Malalla | 40+ years | Maritime Law, Criminal Defense & more |
| Khalid Al Mazemi | 40+ years | Employment, Labor Disputes & more |
| Yousef Al Bahar | 40+ years | Criminal Law & more |
The 10 Best lawyers in Dubai of 2025
Ahmad Abdulla Ahli
Best Lawyer in Dubai & Leading Advocate
According to clients and peers in the legal industry, Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli stands out as one of the best lawyers in Dubai. His unmatched reputation stems from his long-standing judicial background, commanding courtroom presence, and results-driven legal strategies.
You may be wondering — why is Mr. Ahmad considered #1?
- First, he brings over 27 years of experience as a former judge, giving him deep insight into how decisions are made — and how to shape arguments that win.
- Second, under his leadership, AAA Law Firm has become a powerhouse in real estate and commercial litigation, securing victories in high-stakes disputes.
- Third, Mr. Ahmad believes in mentorship and direct client interaction. Every case is personally reviewed, with strategies discussed in team meetings — a rarity in today’s fast-paced legal environment.
Mode of Practice: Full-time courtroom litigation and legal consultation
Recommended For: Business owners, developers, investors, and individuals involved in civil, commercial, or real estate disputes
Signature Case Handling Process
| Stage | Description |
| Client Onboarding & Strategy Huddles | Initial meetings focus on case facts, document review, and legal planning with Mr. Ahmad and his core team. |
| Real Estate Dispute Resolution | Focused litigation in property ownership, breach of contract, delayed handover, and off-plan project disputes. |
| Commercial & Corporate Lawsuits | Handling of complex shareholder conflicts, contract breaches, and financial disputes. |
| Court Representation & Drafting | Strong, judge-friendly submissions and seasoned advocacy in all UAE courts. |
| Evidence Analysis & Forensics | Integration of forensic evidence and expert testimony where required. |
| Client Communication & Case Tracking | Transparent updates, strategic advice, and tailored legal solutions. |
Client-Centric Approach & Legal Value
Mr. Ahmad’s practice isn’t just about winning cases — it’s about empowering clients with clarity and confidence. His firm operates on a model of fair fees, complete transparency, and a commitment to client education throughout the legal journey.
Fees: Custom quotes based on case complexity. Payment flexibility offered.
Transparency: Clear roadmaps, realistic expectations, and no hidden costs.
Client Support: End-to-end support for court filings, POAs, and procedural guidance.
Practicing Areas
Case Outcomes & Recognition
95%+ Client Satisfaction Rate
Represented high-net-worth individuals, major construction companies, and business groups in multi-million-dirham cases
Known for securing injunctions, asset recoveries, and verdict reversals at trial and appeal stages
What Clients Say
Clients describe Mr. Ahmad as “Best Lawyer in Dubai”, known for his ability to predict courtroom dynamics and adjust strategies on the go. Many have credited him with “changing the direction of their cases completely”.
“He doesn’t just represent you — he defends your future. Every meeting feels like a masterclass in law.” – Corporate Client, Dubai
Mentorship & Legal Innovation
Unlike traditional law firms, Mr. Ahmad personally trains his associates. His firm culture promotes independent thinking, legal research, and ethical practice. The result? A dynamic legal team capable of taking on Dubai’s most challenging cases.
2. Dr. Habib Al Mulla
With over three decades of legal practice and a remarkable influence on the development of UAE laws, Dr. Habib Al Mulla is a towering figure in Dubai’s legal scene. As the architect of several key legislative reforms and a founding partner of the UAE office of Baker McKenzie, his reputation extends far beyond the courtroom.
Why Dr. Habib Al Mulla Makes the List
Extensive Legal Footprint: Dr. Al Mulla has advised on some of the UAE’s most significant legal reforms and regulatory frameworks.
Global Exposure: As part of Baker McKenzie, a top-tier international firm, he merges global expertise with deep local knowledge.
Versatile Legal Scope: From corporate governance to finance law, he handles diverse matters with intellectual clarity and commercial insight.
Client Portfolio & Fee Insight
- Client Type: Fortune 500 companies, sovereign wealth funds, family offices
- Fees: Premium services commensurate with international standards. Typically suited for high-value commercial matters.
While Baker McKenzie offers a strong support structure, it’s important to note that personalized attention on day-to-day litigation may vary compared to boutique firms. Clients seeking elite-level legal planning and regulatory insight will, however, find in Dr. Al Mulla a rare and reliable advisor.
3. Essam Al Tamimi
A pioneer in the UAE legal field, Essam Al Tamimi is the founder and senior partner of Al Tamimi & Company, the largest and one of the most established law firms in the Middle East. With more than 35 years of regional experience, his leadership has transformed Al Tamimi into a dominant force in corporate and commercial law.
Why Essam Al Tamimi Makes the List
- Regional Scale, Local Depth: Essam built the firm from the ground up, establishing offices across 10+ countries with a strong UAE foundation.
- Corporate Powerhouse: His team handles some of the region’s largest M&A deals, compliance matters, and cross-border disputes.
- Client Diversity: He advises multinationals, telecom giants, real estate developers, and banks with the same precision.
Reputation & Legal Impact
Built the first regional law firm model that meets international standards in the Middle East
Frequently ranked in global legal directories like Chambers & Partners and Legal 500
Regular contributor to legal reform discussions and business councils
4. Mohammed Al Dahbashi
A dynamic legal strategist and co-founder of ADG Legal, Mohammed Al Dahbashi is known for his modern, client-focused approach to litigation and advisory. With over 20 years of legal experience, he has become a trusted name in commercial disputes, regulatory matters, and financial litigation across the UAE.
Why Mohammed Al Dahbashi Makes the List
- Innovative Legal Tactics: He’s recognized for combining deep legal analysis with commercially viable solutions, especially in complex disputes.
- Client-Centric Approach: Offers direct involvement in cases and ensures regular communication — a rare trait in mid- to large-scale firms.
- Versatility: Handles litigation, cross-border enforcement, and regulatory investigations with equal finesse.
Reputation & Strategy
- its agile, litigation-driven structure, with a team that acts swiftly and strategically
- Often engaged in matters requiring urgent injunctions, asset freezing, or defense against aggressive claims
5. Ibrahim Khouri
With more than 25 years of legal experience, Ibrahim Khouri has earned a reputation as a go-to lawyer for construction law, civil litigation, and government-related disputes. His deep understanding of infrastructure and public sector matters makes him one of the most sought-after lawyers for contractors and developers operating in the UAE.
Why Ibrahim Khouri Makes the List
Specialized in Construction & Civil Law: Mr. Khouri’s practice is centered around resolving large-scale disputes in the real estate, engineering, and construction sectors.
Strong Government Litigation Experience: He is frequently involved in cases that require navigating governmental regulations and administrative decisions.
Bilingual Legal Command: Fluent in both Arabic and English, offering seamless litigation in all UAE courts, including submissions before Arabic-speaking judges.
Client Base & Fee Profile
Regularly represents engineering firms, developers, and project owners in court and arbitration
Known for document-heavy litigation and the ability to distill technical reports into persuasive legal arguments
Fees: Based on matter complexity; typically offers project-based fee arrangements for large-scale cases
6. Ali Al Zarooni
Known for his commanding presence in the courtroom and sharp litigation style, Ali Al Zarooni is one of the UAE’s most trusted names in commercial, maritime, and trade law. As Managing Partner of Horizons & Co, he has built a formidable litigation-focused practice that caters to high-value disputes and international trade conflicts.
Why Ali Al Zarooni Makes the List
- Deep Litigation Experience: Mr. Al Zarooni has personally handled and led major litigation involving shipping disputes, commercial fraud, and international trade violations.
- Recognized Maritime Law Specialist: With the UAE being a logistics hub, his specialization in maritime law makes him indispensable to clients in shipping, freight, and logistics.
- Direct Court Representation: He is known to appear regularly before all levels of UAE courts, offering a hands-on approach unlike many senior-level partners in larger firms.
Client Base & Fee Profile
- Mr. Al Zarooni represents regional trade groups, international carriers, and UAE-based exporters/importers
- His firm is often retained for emergency reliefs like injunctions and vessel arrests
- Fees: High-value disputes attract fixed litigation packages or retainer-based billing; efficient and result-focused
7. Ahmad Bin Hezeem
A prominent figure in Dubai’s legal community, Dr. Ahmad Bin Hezeem is the Managing Partner of BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP. With a unique background that includes serving as the former Director General of the Dubai Courts, he brings rare insight into the UAE legal system — combining deep public sector experience with high-level private practice.
Why Ahmad Bin Hezeem Makes the List
- Authority in Regulatory & Banking Law: Known for advising on banking, insurance, and compliance matters, he helps organizations navigate UAE’s financial and regulatory landscape.
- Public Sector Legal Acumen: His background in court leadership provides clients with unmatched procedural foresight and a deep understanding of how the legal system operates from the inside.
- Trusted by Institutions: Frequently retained by financial institutions, insurers, and public sector entities to handle sensitive and high-stakes matters.
Client Base & Fee Profile
Services are tailored for large corporates, financial entities, and institutional clients
Often retained for long-term advisory retainers and policy-level consulting
Fees: Structured around annual retainers or milestone-based billing for high-value advisory services
8. Nasser Malalla
A recognized name in maritime, transportation, and criminal law, Nasser Malalla is widely respected for his ability to navigate highly sensitive cases involving shipping offenses, white-collar crimes, and regulatory breaches. As the founder of Nasser Malalla Advocates, his hands-on approach and reputation for courtroom precision have made him a trusted counsel for both corporate clients and individuals.
Why Nasser Malalla Makes the List
Specialist in Maritime & Criminal Law: One of the few lawyers in Dubai with deep expertise in transport-related offenses, port authority disputes, and criminal cases tied to corporate operations.
Defender in High-Stakes Trials: Known for defending clients in complex white-collar cases involving fraud, embezzlement, and forgery — especially when linked to logistics, customs, or maritime operations.
Fast-Action Litigator: Offers rapid legal responses in urgent situations, such as ship arrests, criminal charges, or customs detentions.
Client Base & Engagement Style
- Serves marine insurers, import/export businesses, and individuals charged under UAE criminal or maritime codes
- Frequently collaborates with technical marine consultants for evidence and damage claims
- Fees: Flexible fee options for corporate clients; fixed fee structures for criminal defense stages
9. Khalid Al Mazemi
A respected figure in employment law and civil litigation, Khalid Al Mazemi has built a reputation as a strong advocate for both employers and senior-level employees in the UAE. With over 18 years of experience, he is well-versed in handling labor disputes, wrongful termination claims, executive contract breaches, and internal corporate investigations.
Why Khalid Al Mazemi Makes the List
- Specialist in Labor & Employment Law: Mr. Al Mazemi is widely known for defending high-profile employment disputes and complex severance negotiations.
- Balanced Perspective: He represents both sides of the employment relationship — offering clarity, strategy, and fairness to contentious matters.
- Strong Litigation & Mediation Background: Combines legal strength in court with effective settlement negotiation skills, making him a preferred choice for corporates aiming to avoid reputational damage.
Client Base & Legal Engagement
Represents multinational corporations, startups, and individual employees — particularly C-suite executives
Frequently retained by HR departments for preventive legal advisory and contract structuring
Fees: Reasonable and transparent, especially for employment mediation and court representation
10. Yousef Al Bahar
A prominent figure in criminal defense litigation, Yousef Al Bahar is well-regarded for his representation in serious criminal cases, including narcotics charges, cybercrime, financial fraud, and violent offenses. Known for his commanding presence in the courtroom, he has successfully defended clients in some of the UAE’s most sensitive and high-profile criminal trials.
Why Yousef Al Bahar Makes the List
Criminal Law Expertise: Mr. Al Bahar is among the few UAE lawyers with in-depth experience in defending clients in major criminal cases at both trial and appeal stages.
Trusted by Individuals and Corporates: Whether representing high-net-worth individuals or employees facing criminal allegations, his defense strategies are detailed, aggressive, and evidence-based.
Media-Sensitive Case Management: Often called upon for matters that involve media coverage, expat defendants, or reputational risk, he offers discretion alongside strong legal protection.
Strengths & Recognition
- Highly respected among expatriate communities, particularly for those unfamiliar with the UAE legal system
- Often delivers reduced sentencing, acquittals, or favorable plea arrangements
- Featured in legal media for successfully overturning high-stakes convictions
Consult the Best Lawyer in Dubai Today
Choosing the right lawyer can mean the difference between a favorable outcome and costly delays. The gap between legal theory and courtroom execution is vast — and only a few advocates have the experience, credibility, and insight to bridge it successfully.
Based on our comprehensive analysis of legal talent in Dubai, Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli leads this list as the most trusted legal strategist — offering unmatched courtroom experience, client-focused advocacy, and results that speak for themselves.
Whether you’re facing a real estate dispute, commercial litigation, or a criminal charge, now is the time to consult with the best legal mind in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best lawyers in Dubai for real estate and commercial disputes?
Among the best lawyers in Dubai, Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli stands out for his unmatched expertise in real estate and commercial litigation. With over 27 years of experience as a former judge, he offers strategic courtroom advocacy and high success rates in complex disputes.
How much do the best lawyers in Dubai typically charge?
The legal fees charged by the best lawyers in Dubai vary depending on case type, complexity, and court level. Leading firms often provide structured fee agreements or retainers for transparency.
Do I need a senior legal expert or will a junior lawyer be enough?
For high-value disputes or sensitive matters, hiring a senior expert from among the best lawyers in Dubai is strongly recommended. Senior advocates bring strategic insight, deep legal knowledge, and proven courtroom skills, ensuring a higher chance of success.
Are consultations with the best lawyers in Dubai expensive?
Not necessarily. Some of the best law firms in Dubai offer initial consultations starting from low price, and many deduct this fee if you proceed with legal services.
Why should I choose a private lawyer instead of in-house legal support?
Hiring from the best lawyers in Dubai gives you access to independent legal strategies, objective advice, and courtroom representation — especially valuable in disputes, negotiations, or criminal investigations. Independent legal counsel provides focused attention and avoids internal bias.
