Legal Director

We are seeking for an experienced Legal Director to join our growing team in Dubai UAE The Legal Director is responsible for leading all legal and contractual matters across the organization ensuring compliance with UAE laws and international standards This role oversees both corporate legal governance and project-specific legal support for EPC contracts mitigating risk while enabling business growth and operational excellenceKey ResponsibilitiesCorporate Legal GovernanceAct as the principal legal advisor to the CEO Board and senior managementDevelop and implement the company s legal strategy aligned with business objectivesEnsure full compliance with UAE federal laws international regulations and industry standardsOversee corporate structuring joint ventures mergers amp acquisitions and shareholder agreementsManage corporate governance frameworks policies and proceduresHandle regulatory matters licensing and interactions with authorities e g ADNOC free zones ministries Supervise external legal counsel and manage legal budgetsEPC Project Legal ManagementLead legal support for EPC contracts across the lifecycle tendering execution close-outReview draft and negotiate major contracts including EPC EPCM contracts Subcontracts and vendor agreements Consortium and joint venture agreements Framework agreementsProvide legal advice on contract risk allocation liabilities and dispute avoidance strategiesSupport commercial and project teams during bid preparation and contract negotiationsEnsure compliance with FIDIC and other internationally recognized contract standards commonly used in Oil amp Gas projectsClaims Disputes amp ArbitrationDevelop claims management strategies and oversee dispute resolution processesHandle disputes involving delay claims variation orders cost overruns and performance issuesRepresent the company in arbitration litigation and mediation proceedingsCoordinate with external counsel on complex cases particularly under UAE law and international arbitration forums e g ICC LCIA DIAC ADCCACCompliance amp Risk ManagementEstablish and enforce compliance programs including anti-corruption anti-bribery and ethics frameworksMonitor legal and regulatory changes impacting the oil amp gas and EPC sectors in the UAE and GCCConduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategiesEnsure compliance with international sanctions export controls and ESG-related legal requirements when applicableContract amp Commercial AdvisoryProvide proactive legal support to project managers and commercial teamsReview variations claims notices and subcontractor disputesAdvise on insurance indemnities and liability clausesEnhance contract management processes to minimize legal exposureTeam Leadership amp Stakeholder ManagementLead and develop the in-house legal team Provide training to business units on contract awareness and legal riskAct a key interface between legal commercial finance and operations teams Build relationships with external stakeholders including authorities partners and clientsQualificationsBachelor's degree in Law (LLB); Master's degree (LLM) preferred.
Admission to practice law in a recognized jurisdiction.15+ years of legal experience, with at least 7 10 years in EPC / Oil & Gas industry.
Proven experience in handling large-scale EPC projects in the Middle East.
Strong background in FIDIC contracts and international knowledge of UAE legal framework and GCC business practices.
Key CompetenciesStrategic thinking and business acumen. Strong negotiation and drafting skills. Expertise in contract law and construction law. Risk management and problem-solving. Stakeholder management and leadership. High ethical standards and integrity.
Preferred Industry ExposureOnshore EPC contracts.
Large infrastructure / energy projects.
Joint ventures and consortium operations.