General Counsel / Head of Legal : Investment Firm

Qataryello; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced legal professional to provide strategic legal advice and oversee all legal functions within the organization. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience, including senior leadership roles, and strong knowledge of contractual law. Arabic language skills are preferred. Relocation to Abu Dhabi is required.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of professional Legal experience, with a senior or executive leadership role.
• Comfortable operating as the stand-alone legal.
• Familiarity with capital markets and DIFC/ADGM litigation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to senior executives.
• Oversee all legal functions and ensure compliance.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key legal agreements.
• Serve as Company Secretary.

Skills

Legal experience

Corporate governance

Regulatory compliance

Litigation management

Contractual law knowledge

Arabic language skills

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent degree

Job description

Our client is a leading Abu Dhabi-based investment firm with a diversified portfolio spanning real estate, hospitality, and other strategic sectors. With a strong presence across the UAE and neighbouring markets, the company is focused on delivering long-term value through high-quality developments and smart investment strategies. It is recognised for its commitment to innovation, growth, and contributing to the region's economic development.

• Provide strategic legal advice to senior executives and the board on compliance, risk, and business direction.
• Oversee all legal functions, including corporate governance, commercial agreements, employment law, regulatory compliance, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property.
• Ensure the organisation adheres to all applicable laws and sector-specific regulations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate key legal agreements and documentation.
• Manage disputes, litigation, and regulatory matters in coordination with external legal advisers.
• Serve as Company Secretary, supporting board activities such as meeting preparation, minute-taking, and formal resolutions.
• Lead risk management initiatives and implement policies to mitigate legal exposure.
• Supervise the in-house legal team and maintain strong relationships with external law firms.
• Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on legal and regulatory matters relevant to the business.
• Stay up to date with legal developments affecting the organisation's operations and industry.
• 12+ years of professional Legal experience, with at least 2-3 years in a senior / executive leadership role
• Comfortable operating as the stand-alone legal, with ability to manage and utilise external counsel, where appropriate
• Familiarity with capital markets
• Ability to manage DIFC / ADGM transaction litigation
• Available to join within 1-2 months from date of offer acceptance
• Must be based in Abu Dhabi now or willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi for the role
• Strong knowledge of contractual law (major vertical is real estate but also financial services and oil & gas are useful)
• Arabic language skills (written and verbal) strongly preferred
• Sector / industry experience and knowledge within M&A / PE / Finance, Real Estate / Construction or Shipping & Logistics
• Strong preference for someone with understanding of the legal mechanics for setting up investment funds
• Strong preference for someone with experience at a reputable law firm
• Strong preference for someone with experience within Private Equity

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