VP Legal - UAE National

Michael Page; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading semi-government entity in Abu Dhabi seeks a seasoned legal advisor to lead contract negotiations and provide strategic legal guidance. The role requires a UAE National with over 10 years of experience in commercial law, particularly within real estate or related sectors. Join a collaborative team that influences Abu Dhabi's development landscape.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of post-qualification experience in commercial contracts.
• Strong command of English legal writing and attention to detail.
• Team-oriented mindset with collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts.
• Provide strategic legal advice on risk and compliance.
• Translate legal concepts into practical guidance.

Skills

Legal

Lawyer

Education

Common law qualification

Job description

You will lead legal reviews and negotiations across a range of complex commercial agreements, ensuring alignment with business goals while managing risk. Working within a collaborative and high-performing team, you will be expected to take a pragmatic approach to contract law, providing clear, business-friendly advice to internal stakeholders.

Client Details

A leading semi-government entity in Abu Dhabi.

Description

1. Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts in English
2. Provide strategic legal advice on risk, compliance, and contractual obligations
3. Translate legal concepts into practical guidance for business units
4. Liaise with external counsel when required, ensuring alignment with internal priorities
5. Support corporate governance, procurement, and regulatory functions as needed

Profile

1. UAE National (with Family Book)
2. 10+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE), with a strong foundation in commercial contracts
3. Background in large real estate developers preferred; alternatively, experience in sectors such as O&G, utilities, banking, hospitality, or government entities
4. Experience at a reputable law firm or in-house legal team with a commercial, problem-solving approach
5. Strong command of English legal writing and attention to detail (e.g., understanding the legal impact of punctuation or drafting nuance)
6. Team-oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively across departments
7. Common law qualification is a plus

Job Offer

1. Work with a forward-thinking, collaborative legal team in a high-impact organisation that shapes Abu Dhabi's real estate and development landscape
2. Play a strategic legal advisory role where your insights will directly influence commercial decisions, policy, and long-term partnerships

Skills

Legal, lawyer