Chief Legal Counsel — UAE/GCC Transactions & Strategy

Client of Hanson Search Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Client of Hanson Search Ltd in Dubai seeks a General Counsel to lead the group’s legal affairs across the UAE and international markets, reporting to the Group CEO. You will act as a trusted adviser to the Board and executive team, balancing commercial pragmatism with sound risk management.

You will build and mentor a high-performing in-house legal team, steer major transactions, oversee governance and company secretarial practice, and manage disputes with external counsel to deliver value.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with senior post-qualification experience, gained in a leading international law firm and senior in-house roles.
• Significant experience in the UAE or the wider GCC, with a strong understanding of the regional legal and regulatory environment.
• Track record of leading complex, high-value transactions and advising at Board level.
• Proven leadership of legal teams and the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders.
• Arabic language skills are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the group s legal strategy and act as principal legal adviser to the CEO Board and executive committee.
• Oversee major transactions including M&A, joint ventures, investments and complex commercial agreements across the UAE and international markets.
• Ensure the group operates within the UAE onshore and free zone legal frameworks including DIFC and ADGM where relevant.
• Provide legal input on corporate governance, Board matters and company secretarial practice.
• Manage disputes and litigation strategy and select and oversee external counsel to deliver value for money.
• Build, lead and mentor the in-house legal team setting clear standards and a commercially focused culture.

Job description

Client of Hanson Search Ltd in Dubai seeks a General Counsel to lead the group’s legal affairs across the UAE and international markets, reporting to the Group CEO. You will act as a trusted adviser to the Board and executive team, balancing commercial pragmatism with sound risk management.

You will build and mentor a high-performing in-house legal team, steer major transactions, oversee governance and company secretarial practice, and manage disputes with external counsel to deliver value.