MEA Legal & Contracts Lead for AI & Defense

Harmattan AI; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Harmattan AI, a next‑generation defense prime, is seeking a full‑time Legal Counsel in Abu Dhabi to support sales and business teams across Arabic‑speaking markets.

Qualified attorney with ~5 years of experience in law firms and in‑house/tech or defence is required; native Arabic and fluent English are essential, and eligibility for security clearance is required. You will draft and negotiate defence contracts and advise on AI, data, cybersecurity and governance.

Qualifications

• Qualified attorney or in-house counsel with ~5 years of relevant experience in law firm and in-house/tech or defence.
• Native-level Arabic and fluent professional English.
• Eligible for security clearance or authorization for the role.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate commercial, partnership, supply and procurement agreements, including defence‑procurement documentation
• Support complex negotiations with defence ministries, armed forces, public‑sector bodies and industrial partners
• Build scalable contracting standards, playbooks and approval processes
• Advise on legal and regulatory issues around autonomous and AI‑enabled defence systems; export‑control, sanctions and trade‑compliance matters
• Advise on AI, data, cybersecurity and IP issues affecting the business
• Support entity governance, board documentation and statutory filings across Arabic‑speaking markets
• Support employment matters and manage pre‑litigation disputes with early risk assessment
• Act as principal legal advisor for expansion across Arabic‑speaking markets; coordinate external local counsel and manage legal spend

Skills

Arabic

English

Legal drafting

Education

Law degree

Job description

Harmattan AI, a next‑generation defense prime, is seeking a full‑time Legal Counsel in Abu Dhabi to support sales and business teams across Arabic‑speaking markets.

Qualified attorney with ~5 years of experience in law firms and in‑house/tech or defence is required; native Arabic and fluent English are essential, and eligibility for security clearance is required. You will draft and negotiate defence contracts and advise on AI, data, cybersecurity and governance.