Dubai, Sports Director (10 PQE plus), In House / inhouse within Sports & Entertainment

Ellis-Wake; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal recruitment agency is seeking an experienced sports and entertainment lawyer for an in-house role in the UAE. This position requires significant experience in commercial sports law, particularly regarding GCC and KSA regulations. The successful candidate will lead a team, manage legal aspects, and work on contracts and compliance. Ideal for those currently in the Middle East or looking to relocate from London.

Qualifications

• 10+ years PQE, preferably with GCC and KSA exposure.
• Experience in sports and entertainment law, including contracts and media rights.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of lawyers focusing on sports and entertainment law.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contracts.
• Build relationships with national football teams and organizations like FIFA.

Skills

Commercial sports law

Entertainment law

Regulatory compliance

Negotiating complex contracts

GCC and KSA experience

Job description

Overview

Exclusive and new for 2026 — a in-house sports role in the UAE at 10+ PQE. This will suit a general commercial sports and entertainment lawyer with GCC exposure, and notably KSA sport work. The role will suit someone already in the Middle East or looking to move from London. You will report to the senior director and your aim should be to drive forward the department and business line. You will be responsible for all legal aspects within the department, including the sector2;s restructuring and regulatory framework across the GCC. KSA experience is fundamental and all such experience will be considered a plus. You will lead a team of Arabic and English speaking lawyers and build a team with that in mind. Your experience should include advice on sports and entertainment law, including contracts, intellectual property, sponsorship, media rights, and regulatory compliance. Day-to-day work includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts and agreements. You will engage with relationships involving national football teams, FIFA, and the AFC. Fundamentally, you will build a team of experts focusing on the commercial legal aspects of sports and drive the business forward.

Location and Recruitment

Based in the City of London. The recruiter is Dan Wake (Director) of Ellis-Wake, a long-established legal recruitment agency in London and the South East of England. He regularly advises clients on the complexity of the legal market and strategic direction. If this role is of interest, please contact Dan Wake (Director) in confidence at or on ([phone]. Ellis-Wake acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.