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 excellence. Key Responsibilities Corporate Legal Governance Act as the principal legal advisor to the CEO, Board, and senior management. Develop and implement the company s legal strategy aligned with business objectives. Ensure full compliance with UAE federal laws, international regulations, and industry standards. Oversee corporate structuring, joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions, and shareholder agreements. Manage corporate governance frameworks, policies, and procedures. Handle regulatory matters, licensing, and interactions with authorities (e.g., ADNOC, free zones, ministries). Supervise external legal counsel and manage legal budgets. EPC Project Legal Management Lead legal support for EPC contracts across the lifecycle (tendering, execution, close-out). Review, draft, and negotiate major contracts, including EPC / EPCM contracts, Subcontracts and vendor agreements, Consortium and joint venture agreements, Framework agreements. Provide legal advice on contract risk allocation, liabilities, and dispute avoidance strategies. Support commercial and project teams during bid preparation and contract negotiations. Ensure compliance with FIDIC and other internationally recognized contract standards commonly used in Oil & Gas projects. Claims, Disputes & Arbitration Develop claims management strategies and oversee dispute resolution processes. Handle disputes involving delay claims, variation orders, cost overruns, and performance issues. Represent the company in arbitration, litigation, and mediation proceedings. Coordinate with external counsel on complex cases, particularly under UAE law and international arbitration forums (e.g., ICC, LCIA, DIAC, ADCCAC). Compliance & Risk Management Establish and enforce compliance programs, including anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and ethics frameworks. Monitor legal and regulatory changes impacting the oil & gas and EPC sectors in the UAE and GCC. Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies. Ensure compliance with international sanctions, export controls, and ESG-related legal requirements when applicable. Contract & Commercial Advisory Provide proactive legal support to project managers and commercial teams. Review variations, claims notices, and subcontractor disputes. Advise on insurance, indemnities, and liability clauses. Enhance contract management processes to minimize legal exposure. Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management Lead and develop the in-house legal team. Provide training to business units on contract awareness and legal risk. Act as a key interface between legal, commercial, finance, and operations teams. Build relationships with external stakeholders, including authorities, partners, and clients.

Desired Candidate Profile

Bachelor'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 arbitration. Deep knowledge of UAE legal framework and GCC business practices. Key Competencies: Strategic 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 Exposure: Onshore EPC contracts. Large infrastructure / energy projects. Joint ventures and consortium operations.