Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Legal Counsel with extensive corporate and M&A experience to support strategic business initiatives within the security and defense sector. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of UAE laws, strong contractual expertise, and hands-on experience in complex negotiations, particularly within military and security services environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, including due diligence, structuring, negotiation, and execution.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts, particularly related to security and military services.
• Prepare and review Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), execution agreements, and strategic partnership agreements.
• Lead contractual negotiations and legal clause discussions with local and international stakeholders.
• Provide legal advisory on UAE laws and regulatory compliance, particularly within the defense and security sectors.
• Advise on procurement regulations and import/export laws relating to military and security equipment.
• Support dispute resolution matters and liaise with external counsel when required.
• Conduct and review legal translations (Arabic–English).
• Ensure corporate governance compliance and risk mitigation across business operations.

Skills

Experience & Qualifications Required

• Minimum 10 years of overall corporate legal experience.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience within the UAE.
• Proven track record in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A).
• Demonstrated experience drafting contracts for security and military services.
• Strong background in contractual negotiations and legal clause structuring.
• Extensive experience drafting and reviewing MoUs and execution agreements.
• Advanced knowledge of UAE laws and regulatory frameworks.
• Preferably knowledgeable in procurement regulations and import laws related to military and security equipment.
• Familiarity with Common Law principles (UK legal system preferred).
• Experience in legal practice and/or litigation is an advantage.
• Experience in legal translation (Arabic–English).
• Professional fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken).