Senior Legal Counsel

General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority - GCGRA; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to support its regulatory, corporate, commercial, contractual, enforcement and policy work. Reporting to the Head of Legal, the role requires a commercially minded, technically strong lawyer capable of managing complex matters and advising stakeholders.

Based in Abu Dhabi, you will help shape UAE gaming regulation, work with internal teams, regulators and industry, and ensure activities comply with laws and

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with a law degree and relevant experience.
• Experience advising on complex commercial, regulatory and corporate matters is essential.
• Knowledge of UAE law and regulatory frameworks is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality legal advice across regulatory, corporate, commercial, contractual and enforcement matters.
• Advise internal stakeholders and support regulatory decision‑making.
• Contribute to development of UAE gaming regulatory framework and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Legal drafting

Contract negotiation

Policy development

Stakeholder communication

Independent project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Law

Postgraduate legal qualifications

Job description

As a Senior Legal Counsel at GCGRA you will play a key role in supporting the Authority's legal, regulatory and operational mandate. Reporting to the Head of Legal you will provide high-quality legal advice across a broad range of matters including regulatory, corporate, commercial, contractual, enforcement, and policy-related matters.

The role requires a commercially minded and technically strong legal professional capable of independently managing complex legal matters, advising internal stakeholders, supporting regulatory decision-making and contributing to the development of the UAE's gaming regulatory framework.

The Senior Legal Counsel will work closely with internal departments, government entities, external counsel, and industry stakeholders to identify legal risks, develop practical solutions, and ensure the Authority's activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and international best practices.

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is the federal executive agency responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial gaming in the United Arab Emirates. We aim to drive sustainable growth by cultivating world-class commercial gaming operations and implementing efficient regulation grounded in the principles of integrity, innovation and responsible practices.

Established by Federal Law by Decree and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the GCGRA is the executive authority that holds exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license and supervise all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the UAE.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with a Bachelor's degree in Law.
• Additional postgraduate legal qualifications from reputable institutions are advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant legal experience gained within a leading international law firm, government entity, regulatory authority, or highly regulated industry.
• Proven experience advising on complex commercial, regulatory, and corporate legal matters, with the ability to manage diverse legal portfolios independently.
• Prior experience working at a Tier 1 international law firm or equivalent high-quality legal environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting government authorities, regulators, enforcement bodies, or regulated entities, including knowledge of regulatory powers, investigations, compliance frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms, is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of UAE legal and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to draft, interpret legislation and provide practical legal advice in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Experience in gaming, technology, financial services, digital platforms, or another highly regulated sector is advantageous.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• Fluency in English is a must, Arabic is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced regulatory environment.