Introduction
Situated in the Persian Gulf and comprising 6 individual Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah. UAE is one of the most thriving economies in the MENA (Middle East/North Africa). Home to one of the leading international and cultural hubs in the Middle East, Dubai, UAE, plays an undoubtedly significant role in the region as the second-largest Arab economy after Saudi Arabia.
From tourism to oil and gas, this country has many lucrative opportunities for investment and business. Moreover, UAE offers an array of limitless opportunities for growth to people from all around the world. Therefore, many Iranians choose UAE as a destination for safe and sound business ventures and also as a second home to build a life. In this piece, we will briefly examine the UAE legal system and introduce some of the top 7 best Farsi-speaking lawyers in the United Arab Emirates active in this market.
UAE Legal Market
The legal services market in the UAE is constantly moving and transforming. With the fluctuations in the oil and gas price, Golf Corporate Council countries have devised innovative and ambitious plans to diversify their sources of income further, thus creating an array of opportunities for the legal market in various fields. The crown jewel of the UAE, Dubai, is home to many international law firms. The UAE is a key market for English law firms. After the UK and Hong Kong, UAE has the highest number of English and Welsh Practicing solicitors.
Some of the most in-demand practice areas in the UAE are Real Estate, Construction, Corporate, Banking and Finance, Debt Capital Market, Commercial/Intellectual Property, and Financial Services Regulatory.
Many international lawyers aspire to work in the UAE for its wealth of opportunities and dynamic market.
The UAE has an essentially civil law jurisdiction influenced by French, Roman, Egyptian, and Islamic law. There are two categories of lawyers in Dubai; First legal consultants who offer legal opinions and advice, register and liquidate companies, draft contracts and represent clients at arbitration tribunals.
Advocates, the second group of lawyers, can offer the same services as legal consultants and represent clients before Dubai courts, judicial authorities, security departments, family courts, and conciliation tribunals. It should be pointed out that UAE courts emphasise written advocacy.
Economically, Even though UAE, Like the rest of the world, witnessed a decrease in its GDP growth rate mainly due to the outcomes of Covid 19, it is expected to reach a 2.5% growth rate in 2022, supported by the government’s mitigation and recovery plans, higher oil prices and production capacity, improved business sentiment and a boost from Dubai Expo2021, as reported by the World Bank. This economic growth ought to bring even more changes in the legal market of the UAE.
Demographics
Due to the geographical proximity between Iran and the UAE, Persian settlement has a rich history, dating back to the 1810s. Prior to 1925, Persians mainly resided in the Trucial States, post which the formation of the union had been offered to Emirati citizenship. Currently, the UAE is home to about 500,000 Iranian expatriates, most of whom live and work in Dubai.
Requirements to Practice Law in the UAE
Any lawyer who desires to legally practise law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has to fulfil particular standards. This prerequisite relates to foreign lawyers intending to engage in law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and local lawyers in the UAE or lawyers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Foreign Lawyers
- Qualifications: Foreign lawyers should have a law degree from a recognised and approved university or law school equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in law in the UAE. Without a law degree, you can’t practice law.
- Experience: Generally, foreign lawyers are required to have at least a few years of practical law work experience in their native jurisdiction. The specific need usually varies depending on the UAE’s legal jurisdiction and the type of law practised. A minimum of two to five years of relevant job experience is generally required.
- Admission to the Bar: Foreign lawyers must be admitted to the bar in their home jurisdiction and hold a valid law licence. This usually entails passing the bar exam or completing other standards imposed by their country’s legal governing authority.
- Proficiency in Arabic: to practice law in UAE, one must be proficient in Arabic as Arabic is the official language of the UAE. To avoid or minimise any linguistic barriers, almost all the critical legal activities in UAE, such as court proceedings and legal documents, are usually done in Arabic. English proficiency is also crucial and is taken into because it is often utilised in international business transactions.
- Registration: generally, foreign lawyers in the UAE are required to register themselves with the applicable legal authority or regulatory body. Lawyers in Dubai, for instance, must register themselves with the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (LAD) and lawyers in Abu Dhabi are required to register themselves with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
- Excellent Standing and Character: Foreign lawyers must have excellent standing in their native jurisdiction and be morally upright. This could include giving character references, certificates of good behaviour, or other evidence proving their competence to practise law in the UAE.
- Residency and Visa: Foreign lawyers who wish to practise law in the UAE must obtain residency and work permits. This usually entails acquiring sponsorship from a law firm or legal entity in the UAE and obtaining the necessary visa. Basically, home Nation Lawyers (GCC Lawyers): GCC lawyers, including those from the UAE and other GCC countries, may be qualified to practise law in the UAE via other methods.
- Reciprocity: lawyers may be qualified for reciprocity if they are from the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which generally allows them to legally practise law in the UAE without fulfilling any additional requirements. Conventions and agreements among the UAE and the GCC countries have made this feasible.
- GCC Lawyers Registration: GCC lawyers are required to register with the UAE’s competent legal authority. The registration process necessitates the submission of papers which, in turn, prove their qualifications, employment experience, and good standing in their home jurisdiction.
Specific requirements and procedures for practising law in the UAE may usually differ based on the emirate and legal jurisdiction. To guarantee compliance with the unique requirements and processes applicable in their chosen practice area and jurisdiction inside the UAE, foreign lawyers should engage with the necessary legal regulatory authorities or seek help from a legal professional.
Obtaining a Practising Permit in UAE
To practice in the UAE, lawyers must register with the Legal Affairs Department (LAD) and obtain a practising permit. Some requirements that the lawyer must fulfil to become eligible for the permit are:
- Hold a law degree from a recognized university.
- Have at least 3 years of legal experience.
- Have a good standing in their home jurisdiction.
- Pass an examination, which is administered by the LAD to become eligible to access the laws and legal system of UAE.
In addition to these requirements, the lawyer is also expected to be sponsored by any local legal department or law firm in the UAE. Here, the sponsor becomes responsible for the activities undertaken by the foreign lawyer within the UAE. This also means that it is not possible for foreign lawyers to practice independently in the UAE. Rather, they are only allowed to work under the supervision of a locally qualified lawyer. Additionally, they are also not allowed to represent clients in a court of law.
Farsi Speaking Lawyers in the UAE
This section will look at some of the most prominent Iranian lawyers or law firms in the UAE. It is worth mentioning that most of these layers are based in Dubai.
Shahram Safai
He is an Iranian lawyer in Dubai with 20 years of experience and is a leading legal expert. Sharam advises clients on real estate, construction law, and related litigation/ arbitration. In addition, he has extensive experience advising on the sale and purchase transactions, hotel management structuring and transactions, leasing, jointly owned property strategies, documentation, joint ventures, and shareholder transactions.
Karam Ali Bahrami
He is a legal counsel in the UAE, Member of the House of Representatives of the Supreme Council of Al-Mohammed al-Arabi. He is a Former Judge of the Iranian Judiciary and an official member of the International Bar Association and Lawyers. Services offered by his group cover various categories such as family law (UAE personal status law), real estate law, legal regulation of partnerships and commercial contracts, criminal law, and so on.
Lutfi & Co
Lutfi & Co is a leading professional law firm located in Dubai. Their practice areas include family disputes but are not limited to divorce cases, arbitration, banking, and finance, construction and property, corporate law and commercial, employment and labour, and insurance.
Babak Hojat
He has over 14 years of experience at an Immigration Law Firm and has extensive experience with issues related to the very professional law firm’s Middle East clientele. Mr. Hojjat specialises in Investment Visa Category.
Some of the other qualified lawyers and legal advisors practising in UAE who are not necessarily Iranian are listed below; if you ever had a family lawyer or needed one:
Ayham Othman
Ayham A. Othman is currently the Corporate Dep—director and the Co-Managing Partner of Clout Legal Consultancy Firm in the United Arab Emirates. Ayham has brought to the firm’s practice over 14 years of experience in corporate and commercial legal matters and civil and commercial litigation, in addition to his negotiation and mediation recognised skills. His pragmatic and results-driven approach has made him a trusted advisor to national and regional corporations and many prominent members of the UAE and Jordan business landscapes.
He currently represents large and mid-sized corporations specialising in manufacturing, distribution, agency, hospitality, media, real estate, pharmaceutical and health care. His experience has allowed him to assist and safeguard such companies in their lengthy legal process, commercial transactions, commercial disputes, insolvency, liquidation, compensation for damages, financial claims and general corporate and commercial matters, and in drafting complex legal wills.
Eslam Ammar
Mr. Eslam Ammar is the legal manager for Manar Al Khaleej international holding group for (construction, real estate, scaffolding, manufacturing, transportation, etc.) in UAE. He is the founder of Eslam Ammar Law Firm in Egypt and a partner of two law firms in the UAE. He has been an arbitrator in employment/labour disputes at Mohre and is an experienced legal advisor with 12 years of experience. He has been working in different fields of law as a legal manager for many corporations and has a strong knowledge of the law. His master’s degree is in Business and Commercial Law. He speaks Arabic and English.
Family Lawyers in Dubai| Divorce Lawyers in Dubai
Obtaining comprehensive legal advice related to family law matters is possible through an experienced family lawyer or divorce attorney in Dubai. It is mainly Federal Law No. 28 of 2005, as amended by the Federal Decree No. 29 of 2020, that regulates and governs the family law aspects in Dubai.
In the United Arab Emirates, divorce proceedings are seen to be inclusive of dialogue about the financial rights of the wife through alimony. Alimony is one of the many financial rights of the wife, which is also one of the main aims of divorce proceedings. The divorce proceedings involve three steps:
- The first step is negotiation with each other on the terms of separation, including spousal support and property division.
- The second step is the settlement negotiations and settlement agreement, where the facilitator helps you and your spouse to reach an agreement. In case no agreement has been reached by the parties involved, the judge in court proceedings makes a decision.
- The third step is the court hearing, where the parties make their respective case in court.
Divorce cases can be daunting in UAE, especially for non-Arabic speakers. The discussion in court involves discussion on the UAE law, Sharia law, child custody and custody agreements, inheritance laws, personal status law, post-nuptial agreements, legal documentation alimony, domestic violence, and other family law matters.
Highest Rated Divorce Law Firms in Dubai and UAE
Some of the best divorce lawyers in Dubai is a part of the following law firms:
Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Al Rowaad Advocates are best known for their sharia-compliant divorce lawyers and local laws and have established lawyers across UAE. The lawyers can assist in the separation process, child custody and financial settlements. The firm has received multiple awards over the years, including the Law Firm of the Year award.
BR Law Firm
With an experience 12 years of in legal practice, the legal firm has expertise in various fields, including family cases and divorce law. They have handled divorce cases and have been advising clients across UAE over the years. They are best known for quickly resolving client disputes, keeping in mind the client’s interest and providing expert legal advice. They have handled cases related to domestic violence, child custody, alimony, and maintenance claims.
TWS Legal Consultants
They are licensed under the Legal Affairs Department of Dubai and the Dubai Ruler’s Court. They mainly deal with cases related to mutual divorce and separation, along with financial settlements, handling custody agreements, and guardianship of children. The firm is also open to having consultation appointments over a video call, depending on the preference of the party for family matters. Their high success rate for negotiations and exceptional legal strategies, and help in legal documents have given clients confidence in their abilities.
ProConsult Advocates & Legal Consultants
The team is well-versed in Sharia Law, making them the best divorce lawyers in Dubai for divorce in Muslim couples. Additionally, they also provide their services to expatriates. This means they can represent their clients in national laws pertaining to divorce in other countries.
The firm effectively handles domestic violence cases and family law cases such as custody and alimony cases. The firm has a combination of Egyptian, Indian, Lebanese, and Pakistani lawyers in Dubai.
FranGulf
They know the sensitivity of divorce cases and try to make the process as stress-free as possible. They guide each step of the legal process. Further, they provide the most cost-effective methods for divorce proceedings. Negotiating financial remuneration from the other party in a divorce case is also possible if you require financial support. If you do not wish to proceed with court proceedings, you can opt for conciliation, mediation, or negotiations. Their lawyers are proficient in Arabic, English, and Hindi language.
Aramas Family Law
This boutique law firm achieves positive family law settlements and offers the best possible experience throughout the challenging period of the legal battle. Their speciality includes expat family law matters and divorce lawyers worldwide, including Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, Oman, etc.
Along with this, the firm is a member of the resolution, an organisation of specialist family lawyers committed to a constructive approach to family law.
Hamdam Alshamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants
The firm manages all major legal matters and especially specialises in professional legal advice to clients on family and divorce law matters. The firm consists of some of the best family lawyers in Dubai. They explain the entire regulatory framework and legal procedures and help achieve the best possible solution for family law services. They are fast-paced workers who do not compromise quality in the process, so they are considered one of the finest firms in Dubai, UAE.
To know more about hiring Iranian lawyers in other parts of the world, such as Italy, Turkey, and the UK, please make sure you explore LegaMart’s blog.
What Should You Consider When Looking for an Iranian Lawyer in the UAE?
Just like when looking for Iranian lawyers from any other jurisdiction, you must take into account:
First the language skills of the potential lawyer. Fluency in both spoken and written Persian and Arabic is a must.
The second factor that should be considered is the lawyer’s level of familiarity with and grasp of the laws and regulations of the UAE. You must consider that in Dubai, only Dubai nationals can appear in court, and foreign lawyers, including Iranian lawyers who don’t have UAE nationality, can practice local law. A lawyer who’s a national of one of the other Arab Gulf Cooperation Council countries can, in certain circumstances, get a license to practice and appear in the Dubai courts. Lawyers must be licensed to practice law in the federal courts by the Ministry of Justice and Emiri Diwan in the other Emirates.
Last but certainly not least, you must consider how much work experience a lawyer has in their field of practice.
These are the important factors you must be aware of and consider before choosing a lawyer in the UAE.
Conclusion
At the moment, the growing market of UAE is attracting several investors from around the world to establish a safe and profitable business. As an entrepreneur, business investor, or simply a sole investor looking for residency in UAE, don’t forget to benefit from the consultation of a trusted lawyer and keep in mind those three factors we mentioned earlier. You can reach out to the approved lawyers we mentioned, and if you didn’t find your desired one and are seeking legal advice and legal solutions by the best legal consultant, the right advice, and someone who meets your requirements, take a shot with Legamart’s lawyer search engine and find the best lawyer matching your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to get a divorce in Dubai?
The fee typically ranges between Dh20k – Dh44,000. It shall differ from the negotiation of the financial agreement or for the resolution of any disputes about children.
Is it legal to get divorced in Dubai?
Yes, the process for getting divorced in Dubai is fairly simple. The Personal Status Court issues marriage papers to foreigners and Emirati expats within a month. The procedure includes counselling and negotiations between the parties.
Can expats divorce in UAE?
Non-muslims in the United Arab Emirates are entitled to divorce in their home country. In exceptional situations, they can petition the court of UAE as well.
Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce in Dubai?
You have a right to obtain legal representation for the proceeding, though that’s never compulsory. The official languages of the courts are Arabic, but translators are provided. When a judge issues a divorce decree, spouses will get a divorce certificate. Either side can appeal in court.
