Job Description

Scope and Functions of the Role

The Legal Counsel is responsible for managing all legal affairs of the organisation across the UAE, Oman and KSA, providing strategic and operational legal support on corporate, commercial, employment, and regulatory matters. Operating as a standalone legal function, the role advises senior leadership, ensures compliance with local laws, mitigates legal risks, and oversees external counsel engagement. The Legal Counsel plays a critical role in enabling business growth, maintaining governance standards, and protecting the organisation's legal and reputational interests across multiple jurisdictions.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Legal Advisory

Act as the principal legal advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on all legal matters, with a focus on commercial, corporate, employment, and regulatory frameworks across UAE, Oman and KSA. Support business growth and regional expansion by structuring legally compliant models, reviewing cross-border risks, and identifying regulatory considerations early in the decision-making process. Interpret complex legal developments and provide timely, solution-oriented guidance to internal stakeholders.

Corporate & Commercial Governance

Draft, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial contracts including vendor and supplier agreements, real estate leases, consultancy arrangements, licensing, service-level agreements, NDAs, and MOUs. Oversee corporate documentation and governance for all legal entities, including company formations, renewals, shareholder resolutions, and board actions. Ensure full compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements in the UAE, KSA, and relevant free zone jurisdictions.

Employment Law & Internal Policy Compliance

Serve as the legal advisor on employment-related matters including contracts, handbooks, disciplinary actions, restructures, and terminations. Ensure adherence to local labour laws (UAE, Oman, KSA Labour Law), advising HR on lawful, defensible employment practices. Review and develop internal policies and protocols to ensure alignment with legal obligations and risk management standards.

Regulatory Engagement & Risk Mitigation

Proactively identify and mitigate legal and regulatory risks across jurisdictions, with robust documentation and issue tracking. Lead regulatory interactions with ministries, free zone authorities, and other government entities, maintaining strong institutional relationships. Respond to audits, inspections, and investigations by external authorities with accuracy, diligence, and preparedness.

Litigation, Disputes & External Counsel Management

Manage all litigation and dispute resolution matters in conjunction with external counsel; represent the company's position with clarity and integrity. Monitor legal spend, manage budgets related to legal engagements, and ensure value-based service delivery from external providers.

Additional Responsibilities

Perform other duties as directed by the line manager.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Law from a recognised institution; Master of Laws (LLM) preferred. Fully qualified lawyer with a minimum of 8-10 years' post-qualification experience, including demonstrable in-house legal exposure. Licensed or admitted in a recognised jurisdiction (UAE, Oman, KSA exposure essential).

Skills, Attributes and Experience

Deep working knowledge of corporate, commercial, employment, and regulatory law across UAE, Oman and KSA. Proven track record of managing legal affairs independently within a dynamic, multi-jurisdictional business environment. Fluency in both Arabic and English (spoken and written) is a mandatory requirement. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice for business stakeholders. Skilled in preparing legal opinions, briefings, and reports for internal decision-makers and external authorities. Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments, including HR, Finance, Operations, and senior leadership, to support strategic and operational decisions. Confident in managing relationships with regulators, external counsel, and government bodies. Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads, meet deadlines, and manage legal documentation efficiently. Proficient in the use of legal research databases, contract management systems, and Microsoft Office tools to support workflow, reporting, and compliance tracking.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Language:

Arabic (Required)
Application Deadline: 17/08/2025