Legal Counsel - Technology

Confidential, Dubai; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel – Technology in Dubai to draft and negotiate technology and commercial agreements, advise on data protection and cybersecurity, and guide AI-related governance within a dynamic, innovation-driven business.

You will work with senior leadership and technical teams to translate complex regulations into practical business solutions, manage external advisers, and support partnerships and ventures.

Qualifications

• Law degree from a reputable university; qualified lawyer.
• 5–8 years post-qualification experience with substantial UAE exposure.
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating technology, IT and commercial agreements.
• Practical knowledge of UAE data protection, privacy and cybersecurity regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication; ability to engage senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate technology and commercial agreements (SaaS, cloud services, software licensing, IT outsourcing, data processing).
• Advise on data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, and cross-border data transfers under UAE rules.
• Provide guidance on emerging technologies, including AI, in business contexts.
• Support partnerships, research collaborations, joint ventures and innovation initiatives.
• Assess contractual risks and advise on protections (liability, SLAs, data security, termination).
• Manage technology agreements through their lifecycle including renewals and disputes.
• Develop and maintain legal templates, policies, governance frameworks and negotiation guidelines for technology and data.
• Collaborate with senior management and technical teams to deliver pragmatic legal advice.
• Supervise external advisers and mentor junior legal staff.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Legal drafting

Data protection knowledge

English communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Law degree

Job description

Confidential Opportunity | Legal Counsel – Technology

Location: Dubai, UAE

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel – Technology to join a growing organisation operating within an innovative, research-driven and commercially focused environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded legal professional with strong expertise in technology, IT contracting, data protection and emerging technologies. The successful candidate will provide practical legal advice, manage complex contractual matters and work closely with senior leadership and technical stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of technology and commercial agreements, including SaaS, cloud services, software licensing, IT outsourcing and data processing agreements.


• Advise on data protection, privacy, cybersecurity and applicable UAE regulatory requirements, including cross-border data transfers.


• Provide legal guidance on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and their application within business and operational environments.


• Support strategic partnerships, research collaborations, joint ventures and innovation-related initiatives.


• Assess contractual risks and advise on appropriate legal and commercial protections, including liability, service levels, data security and termination provisions.


• Manage technology agreements throughout their lifecycle, including negotiations, renewals, variations and dispute resolution.


• Develop and maintain legal templates, policies, governance frameworks and negotiation guidelines relating to technology and data.


• Work closely with senior management, business and technical teams to provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice.


• Manage external legal advisers and supervise and mentor junior legal team members.

Essential Requirements

• Law degree from a reputable university and qualified lawyer.


• Minimum 5–8 years of post-qualification experience, with substantial experience in the UAE.


• Strong experience drafting and negotiating technology, IT and commercial agreements.


• Practical knowledge of UAE data protection, privacy and cybersecurity regulations.


• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.


• Proven ability to manage complex legal matters independently and engage effectively with senior stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within technology, innovation, research and development or a related environment.


• Exposure to strategic partnerships, research collaborations or joint ventures.


• In-house legal experience or experience advising commercially driven organisations.

What We Are Looking For

A pragmatic and commercially astute legal professional who combines strong technical legal expertise with sound business judgement. Someone comfortable taking ownership, navigating complex matters and translating legal and regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.

Interested in exploring this opportunity?

Please note that this is a confidential recruitment assignment. Further details about the organisation will be shared with shortlisted candidates.