Our vision
To provide leading legal services in line with international laws and standards, while maintaining the values and professional ethics required to defend our clients' rights.
About the firm
More than thirty years of legal practice in the United Arab Emirates
Who we are
A full-service law firm based in Dubai
Bader Hamad Al Zaabi Advocates & Legal Consultants is a full-service law firm based in Dubai, serving clients across the United Arab Emirates and, through correspondent firms abroad, in a number of overseas jurisdictions. The firm advises on the commercial and personal consequences of a legal problem as well as on the law that applies to it.
In more than thirty years of practice, the firm has acted for individuals facing criminal charges, for families in divorce and succession matters, for business owners at every stage from formation to sale, and for banks, insurers and corporate clients on regulatory and financial exposure. Matters often cross more than one category, and handling the criminal, civil, commercial and regulatory sides in one firm keeps the strategy consistent.
The firm is organised into practice groups, each led by lawyers who work in that area every day, supported by a case follow-up and execution department that stays with a matter until the file is closed. Our advocates hold rights of audience before the UAE courts, including the Court of Cassation, and the firm is registered in Part I of the DIFC Courts' Register of Legal Practitioners.
- Arabic
- English
- French
- Hindi
Our mission
To achieve results that meet our clients' expectations through commitment and dedication, and to protect the name and standard the firm has built over the years: realistic advice at the outset, thorough preparation, and responsibility for the file from instruction through to enforcement.
Our values
The standards we apply to every matter
Integrity
We give clients an honest assessment of their position, and decline instructions we cannot properly serve.
Confidentiality
Client information is handled with strict discretion; sensitive matters stay within the team that needs to know.
Diligence
Files are documented, deadlines are tracked and evidence is assembled ahead of the hearing, not during it.
Responsiveness
Urgent criminal and commercial matters are dealt with outside office hours, and clients are updated at each stage.
Commercial judgement
We weigh cost, time and recovery prospects against the legal merits, and recommend settlement where it produces the better result.
Excellence
We hold our work to international professional standards and invest continuously in developing our lawyers.
The firm at a glance
- Head office
- Office 3403, 34th Floor, Burj Al Salam Tower, Trade Centre 1, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
- Practice model
- Full-service: contentious and non-contentious, individual and corporate clients.
- Team
- Emirati advocates with rights of audience before all UAE court levels, supported by legal consultants qualified in a range of overseas jurisdictions and by paralegal staff.
- Forums
- Courts of all seven Emirates, including the Dubai Courts and the federal courts, at first instance, appeal and cassation, together with the Rental Dispute Centre, the Public Prosecution, the DIFC Courts, and arbitration before DIAC, the ICC and the LCIA.
- DIFC Courts
- Registered in Part I of the DIFC Courts' Register of Legal Practitioners, authorising the firm to issue and conduct proceedings before the DIFC Courts.
Why clients choose us
Matters affecting liberty, business, family and reputation
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Local depth, international reach
Emirati advocates in the UAE courts daily, alongside internationally qualified consultants and correspondent firms abroad.
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Connected problems handled together
A criminal complaint often has a civil claim behind it; a family dispute often raises property and succession questions.
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Onshore and DIFC, one team
Part I registration with the DIFC Courts alongside rights of audience in the onshore courts.
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Immediate response on urgent matters
Police station attendance, travel bans, ship arrests and attachment applications are same-day work.
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We stay on the file until you are paid
A dedicated follow-up and execution department pursues recovery after judgment, where many matters otherwise stall.
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Clarity on cost
Fees are agreed in writing at the outset, with the basis of charging, likely disbursements and stages set out first.
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Advice you can act on
In plain language, in Arabic, English, French or Hindi, with the practical options and their consequences.
How we work
From first consultation to enforcement and closure
Matters follow the same sequence whatever the practice area, so you know at each point what has happened, what comes next and what it will cost.
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Consultation
We meet you in person or remotely and listen to the full picture before offering a view.
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Case assessment
We review the documents and the law, and identify strengths, weaknesses and evidence gaps.
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Strategy and engagement
We agree the objective, route, timeline and fee basis in a written engagement letter before work begins.
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Preparation
We assemble the file: evidence, expert input, translations and submissions.
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Representation
We act for you before the police, prosecution, courts, tribunals and regulators, updating you at each hearing.
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Resolution
By judgment, award or settlement, we secure the outcome and explain what it means for you.
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Enforcement and closure
Our execution department pursues recovery and implementation until the file is closed.
Fee arrangements
We offer hourly, fixed-fee and staged arrangements depending on the matter, together with retainers for clients who need continuing support. Whichever basis applies, the fee structure, expected disbursements and scope are set out in writing before we begin, and material changes are agreed in advance.
Sectors
Sustained experience across sectors
- Banking & financial services
- Construction & infrastructure
- Real estate & hospitality
- Shipping & logistics
- Aviation
- Energy & natural resources
- Insurance
- Technology & telecoms
- Retail & consumer
- Healthcare
- Government & public sector
- Private individuals & families
Contact
Discuss your matter
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