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- Now, Dubai’s becoming a hotspot for Indian law firms too!
- 20% of lawyers in UAE firms are Indian, and big names like Khaitan & Co and Luthra & Luthra are making moves.
- Why? The UAE’s $3.5 billion legal services market is too good to miss! (First reported by Financial Express)
Indian law firms with UAE presence
As reported by Asian Legal Business, in 2023 at least five such Indian firms set up operations in the UAE.
- AKS Partners,
- Goswami & Nigam,
- Singularity Legal,
- Vidhisastras Advocates & Solicitors,
- Parin Legal
In early 2024, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM) opened an office in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Kochar & Co on the other hand has been present in the UAE for several years.
Harry Chawla, Managing Partner at Luthra & Luthra, in an interview with Financial Express, reveals the tough reality – his firm has already lost two senior lawyers to high-paying UAE roles!
Upcoming entrants in 2025
- Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas (SAM)
- Khaitan & Co
- Luthra & Luthra
But why are Indian law firms eyeing the UAE?
Booming business ecosystem
With its strategic location, increasing media presence, and commitment to innovation, the country has become a magnet for international companies looking to expand.
Over the past year, the UAE has witnessed some of the highest deal-making activity worldwide, creating exponential opportunities for law firms.
Legal professionals are now catering to an expanding clientele that spans multiple industries, including aviation, finance, and media.
A thriving tech hub
Dubai’s regulatory framework has been particularly welcoming to emerging sectors like cryptocurrency and fintech.
The UAE’s advanced policies in these areas have attracted numerous Indian tech companies looking to establish a presence in the region.
As these businesses expand, the demand for legal services—ranging from regulatory compliance to dispute resolution—has consequently increased.
UAE is gradually modernizing its legal framework
Thus making it easier for foreign lawyers to practice in certain areas.
Recent legislative changes have eased licensing requirements. This has allowed international law firms to establish branches without local sponsors.
Foreign lawyers can now practice in specialized UAE jurisdictions without being UAE nationals.
Also read: UAE’s new medical & pharmaceutical laws: Non-compliance fines upto $272,000
Stronger India-UAE bilateral relations
The improved bilateral relationship between India and the UAE has also fueled business collaborations, leading to an increase in legal work.
- Trade between India and the UAE reached $84.5 billion from April 2022 to March 2023.
- India is the UAE’s largest trading partner for non-oil exports, making up nearly 14% of the UAE’s global non-oil exports.
- India’s exports to the UAE grew by 17.6%, totaling approximately $18 billion between April and October of FY22.
- Imports from the UAE to India surged by 33%, reaching $32.3 billion during the same period.
Increasing foreign investments in the UAE
As per a Financial Express Report, following the 2023 G20 summit, major Indian corporations like Reliance Industries, Adani Group, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and ReNew Energy Global are making significant investments in the UAE.
The legal industry thrives on proximity to clients, and with many Indian companies expanding into the UAE, law firms are naturally following suit.
India-MENA corridor
Key driver of this surge is the UAE’s strategic role as a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The country has established itself as a major financial and logistical hub.
Cost advantage: UAE vs. Global Legal Hubs
A major draw for Indian firms is the comparative cost advantage that the UAE offers over traditional legal hubs like London, New York, and Singapore.
- London and New York: Conducting business here can be prohibitively expensive.
- Singapore: The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) offers a cost-effective alternative, but Dubai takes it further—providing arbitration services at one-third the cost.
UAE: The emerging arbitration hub
Dubai is rapidly becoming a hub for arbitration and infrastructure projects, offering massive growth potential.
Indian law firms with expertise in dispute resolution have a golden opportunity to expand in the UAE market.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have leading arbitration centers such as:
- Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC)
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Arbitration Centre
- DIFC-LCIA (Dubai International Financial Centre – London Court of International Arbitration)
Favourable tax and regulatory framework
Tax incentives
Regulatory support
The UAE offers numerous free zones, such as:
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), provides benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and a supportive regulatory framework.
Law Regulating the advocacy and legal consultancy profession
Also, On 2 January 2023, a new UAE law “Federal Law 34/2022 regulating the advocacy and legal consultancy profession” came into force. This was followed by the implementation of several administrative decisions in Dubai.
Wrapping up
Santanu Ghosh, Senior Partner at ANB and Managing Partner located at RAKEZ Business Zone-FZ, RAK tells Financial Express,
“I am inundated by queries from VCs, portfolio management companies and mutual funds from India wanting to enter the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).”
This economic surge has had a profound impact on the legal sector, driving demand for specialized legal services across various industries.
FAQ
Q: What are the key legal sectors driving growth in the UAE?
- Corporate law
- Dispute resolution
- Tax advisory
- Intellectual property
- Technology law
All of the above are among the fastest-growing practice areas. Why? Due to increased foreign investment and business expansion.
Q: How does the UAE’s legal system differ from common law jurisdictions?
The UAE follows a mix of civil law and Islamic law, making dual-qualified lawyers (with expertise in both civil and common law) highly sought after for cross-border transactions.
Q: What are the top law firms operating in the UAE?
Leading firms include,
- Clifford Chance
- Baker McKenzie
- Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
- Allen & Overy
- Clyde & Co
- Al Kabban & Associates
- Al Tamimi & Company
- DLA Piper
- Dentons
- Hogan Lovells
- Baker Botts
- Linklaters
Q: What are the most in-demand legal services in the UAE?
- Corporate law
- Dispute resolution
- Arbitration
- M&A advisory
- Tax law
- Intellectual Property
- Fintech regulations
Q: What do Partners earn in a law firm in Dubai?
Compensations for legal professionals vary based on factors such as experience, firm size, and specialization.
According to Payscale, Partners typically earn between AED 368,000 and AED 1,000,000 annually, with an average salary of approximately AED 480,000. Partners at premier international law firms in the UAE can expect annual earnings ranging from USD 750,000 to USD 1.5 million.
Q: What are the salary expectations for legal professionals in the UAE in 2025?
According to Robert Half UAE’s 2025 Legal Salary Guide, one can expect an annual remuneration of,
Chief Legal Officers/Head of Legal/General Counsels
25th Percentile – $262,000
50th Percentile – $310,000
75th Percentile – $406,250
Regional Legal Counsels earn,
25th Percentile – $175,000
50th Percentile – $225,000
75th Percentile – $275,000
Legal Managers earn,
25th Percentile – $130,000
50th Percentile – $153,500
75th Percentile – $191,750
Legal Counsels (6-9 years’ experience) earn,
25th Percentile – $150,000
50th Percentile – $170,000
75th Percentile – $192,000
Legal Counsels (3-5 years’ experience) earn,
25th Percentile – $85,000
50th Percentile – $103,750
75th Percentile – $125,000
Paralegals earn
25th Percentile – $60,000
50th Percentile – $65,000
75th Percentile – $76,250
Legal Assistants earn
25th Percentile – $55,000
50th Percentile – $65,000
75th Percentile – $75,000
