Group General Counsel

Job Description

The General Counsel will provide legal support and advice on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters across the organization, its subsidiaries and joint ventures. The role involves drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on mergers & acquisitions, corporate structures, corporate governance, compliance with UAE and free zone regulations, and supporting management in strategic decision-making while mitigating legal risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing the group holding structure with subsidiaries across all sectors such but not limited to Manufacturing, Fintech, F&B, Retail.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts (shareholder agreements, joint ventures, service agreements, NDAs, financing agreements).
• Advise on corporate structuring, incorporation, and restructuring within UAE mainland, free zones (DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, etc.), and offshore jurisdictions.
• Support in due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiation, and execution of M&A deals.
• Draft and review transaction documents and assist in closing processes.

• Monitor changes in UAE laws, financial regulations, and industry-specific guidelines.
• Advise on compliance with Central Bank, Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA), ESCA, and data protection regulations (DIFC/ADGM DP Laws, UAE Data Law).
• Support in obtaining licenses and regulatory approvals : Payment services, Digital wallets, EMI / PSPs, Crypto / virtual assets (VARA where applicable)

• Advise on corporate governance practices.
• Draft board resolutions, minutes, and corporate policies.
• Identify potential legal risks and propose risk-mitigation strategies.

• Provide internal guidance on dispute resolution strategy and liaise with external counsel on disputes, arbitration, and litigation.

• Protect company IP: Trademarks, Copyrights, Software & proprietary technology
• Draft and review SaaS agreements, Software licensing, API agreements
• Advise on emerging technologies such as Blockchain, AI, Open banking

Data Protection, Privacy & Cyber Law

Ensure compliance with:

• UAE Data Protection Law (PDPL)
• GDPR (if applicable)

Draft and enforce:

• Privacy policies
• Data processing agreements
• Cybersecurity & information security policies

Advise on cross-border data transfers and cloud service

Role Responsibilities:

• Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB) from a recognized university; Master's (LLM) preferred.
• Experienced in overseeing corporate structure and governance at the holding entity
• Licensed to practice law in UAE or internationally
• 5–10 years of post-qualification experience, preferably in corporate/commercial law.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Companies Law, DIFC/ADGM legal frameworks, and regional business practices.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced corporate environment.
• Fluent in English (Arabic is a strong advantage).

• Strong business acumen with legal foresight and attention to detail.
• Strong exposure to FinTech, banking, payments, or crypto
• Effective communicator, negotiator with Ethical judgment and high professional integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team