< Previous30 June 2025law-middleeast.com COVER STORY We are growing fast, but always organically. We are not over- engineering our growth LME_Jun2025_26-33_Cover story_13630154.indd 30LME_Jun2025_26-33_Cover story_13630154.indd 3012/06/2025 13:1112/06/2025 13:11June 2025 31law-middleeast.com PARTNER CONTENT rapidly established itself as a vibrant new hotspot, boasting the BCDR arbitration centre and BCDR courts—and earning a reputation as the “Switzerland of the Gulf”. In short, the region’s arbitration landscape has been utterly transformed over the past decade. “It is truly a boom time for arbitration in the Middle East,” Youssef notes, emphasising that in Dubai, arbitration is not only fl ourishing but is also “strategically integrated into the city’s D33 economic agenda”. Indeed, the region is fast emerging as a global powerhouse in dispute resolution, drawing acclaim, and setting new benchmarks for excellence and growth, “but the journey is far from complete—there is still much to do, and much to achieve", continues Youssef. "In today’s fi ercely competitive global landscape, we must never settle or become complacent; there is always more and better. It never stops.” THE ALLURE OF INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION For Youssef, the appeal of international arbitration is deeply multifaceted. “It is incredibly cosmopolitan—a truly international community unlike any other. In our practice you not only build professional networks but also form genuine friendships with peers you see regularly. I am fortunate to have many lifelong friends in the fi eld, spanning diff erent age groups and hailing from the four corners of the globe.” The practice off ers a truly international lifestyle. Since the start of the year, his work has taken him to dynamic cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, Qatar, and Bahrain, among others. Today, he explains, your typical large-scale international arbitration involves hearings held in cosmopolitan venues, where the proceedings bring together parties, counsel, arbitrators, and experts from multiple jurisdictions. It is not uncommon for a single case to involve seven or eight nationalities and the interplay of several diff erent legal systems—for example, English law, Swiss law, and the laws of the Middle East all at once. This convergence of cultures, legal traditions, nationalities, and backgrounds demands a “special breed of international lawyers,” he says, adding: “This is why succeeding in international arbitration is hard if you do not embody the very qualities the fi eld represents: you must be truly cosmopolitan. You need to possess that certain je ne sais quoi that sets you apart and makes you diff erent.” FORGING A NEW PATH In April 2016, Youssef took a bold step by founding Youssef + Partners in Cairo. Motivated by a desire to disrupt what he saw as a traditional and slow-moving legal market, he recalls: “There was a real sense of stillness in the market, and I wanted to change that.” “When I returned to Egypt, nearly all of my friends and mentors asked, 'Why did you return?' But I was convinced that it was possible to create something new and truly diff erent in beloved Cairo. I believed you could be as global as it gets—while still building from your hometown.” “As the great Georges Abi Saab once told me, 'You can practise international law from anywhere, but your roots are always there and they continue to defi ne you'. This, I believe, is the true essence of cosmopolitanism: embracing the world beyond you while remaining deeply connected to your own roots,” he says. He envisioned a fi rm that would redefi ne the private practice landscape and off er a new generation of lawyers a local platform “indistinguishable from international law fi rms in terms of the work and the way it is done”. His goal was to create world-class opportunities for talented lawyers—allowing them to thrive at the highest level without ever needing to leave their home country, as he once did. The fi rm’s Cairo offi ce, personally designed by Youssef, mirrors the aesthetic and class of leading US and UK law fi rms and was even featured in the Arabic adaptation of the US legal drama Suits, known as Suits: Arabia. Notably, Youssef himself made a cameo appearance in the series, playing himself, 96% Youssef + Partners reports a high success rate LME_Jun2025_26-33_Cover story_13630154.indd 31LME_Jun2025_26-33_Cover story_13630154.indd 3112/06/2025 13:1112/06/2025 13:1132 June 2025law-middleeast.com COVER STORY with the renowned Arab actress Siba Mubarak introducing him on screen with the words, “he needs no introduction”. Youssef is quick to emphasise that, while the fi rm’s culture is demanding and results-oriented, it is also forward-thinking and deliberately steers clear of the traditional big law mentality of relentless overwork. Instead, the fi rm cultivates a dynamic and engaging environment, recently implementing a four-day work week during the summer to enhance wellbeing. Perhaps a defi ning characteristic of the fi rm is its singular focus. The fi rm exclusively handles arbitration and litigation matters, with only minimal corporate work for existing clients. This sharp specialisation distinguishes the fi rm in a market where most arbitration practitioners juggle multiple practice areas and have a broader palette. This sharp focus means the fi rm forgoes the cross-selling advantages enjoyed by full- service fi rms. “In most fi rms, arbitration work primarily comes from established corporate clients, so launching a boutique arbitration practice independent of a corporate arm was a bold move.” This shift aligned with a global movement: boutique law fi rms specialising in arbitration were emerging and reshaping the global arbitration landscape. Youssef + Partners led the charge in the MENA region, proving that deep expertise— not a broad service menu—drives results. CEOs and general counsel soon recognised the top choice for corporate matters is not always the best for disputes. The age of the one-stop- shop was waning; specialisation had become the key to winning in arbitration. WINNING FOR CLIENTS Youssef + Partners has a proven track record of delivering outstanding results for its clients. “Winning is not just a goal for us—it is a mindset,” he explains. “We immerse ourselves deeply in every case, and the team becomes an integral part of the client’s journey to success." "We take each case personally—in the best possible sense. I call it 'positive obsession'. This is what empowers us to excel in the courtroom and consistently deliver outstanding results,” he continues. “Clients come to us for the tough cases—the ones others might avoid—and we often prevail against the odds. It is always a big responsibility because your eff orts as counsel contributes signifi cantly to millions of dollars moving right or left.” He also explains the impact of some of the big cases the fi rm takes on often extends far beyond the immediate parties or the outcome in the hearing room. A landmark award can set a precedent that shapes the entire industry, or infl uences how future disputes are resolved. For instance, he cites the 'Bassem Youssef' arbitration—the largest and fi rst media broadcasting dispute of its kind in the MENA region—which sent ripples through the industry for years to come. “Many of our cases, to our pride, come from former opponents who, after seeing us prevail, later choose us as their counsel,” says Youssef. “They saw us in action. They were impressed. They respected us.” LEADERSHIP AND LOOKING AHEAD Youssef’s leadership style is focused on empowerment and humility. “Build a team so strong it is impossible to know who the boss is,” he advises. “The team should work as a fi ghting unit,” says Youssef, who in his spare time undertakes Aikido—a Japanese martial art he began practising while pursuing his JSD in New Haven in 2002. Many of our cases, to our pride, come from former opponents who, after seeing us prevail, later choose us as their counsel LME_Jun2025_26-33_Cover story_13630154.indd 32LME_Jun2025_26-33_Cover story_13630154.indd 3212/06/2025 13:1112/06/2025 13:11June 2025 33law-middleeast.com PARTNER CONTENT “Yes, my name is on the door and in the submissions, but I always make sure it appears last—after every lawyer, even the most junior,” he explains. The fi rm thrives on a dynamic, youthful team, and Youssef is deeply committed to nurturing their independence. “We foster a culture where merit and excellence are non- negotiable—mediocrity has no place here.” “I never impose deadlines; everyone is expected to self-manage and deliver their absolute best, no reminders needed,” he adds. Looking ahead to 2026, which marks the fi rm’s tenth anniversary, Youssef envisions sustained and purposeful growth. “We are growing fast, but always organically,” he says. “We are not over-engineering our growth. Building strength is as important as building size. This is why the Gar 30 features a select group of agile, high-performing boutique law fi rms—lean, dynamic, and relentlessly eff ective.” Youssef is keenly aware of the pitfalls that can accompany rapid expansion. He cautions that “many fi rms fall into the trap of wanting to add numbers to the team simply to tick a vanity box, but this approach will most likely leave the team weaker if such growth is not backed by a genuine, natural imperative to grow”. When asked whether he is considering expanding into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, he replies thoughtfully, saying: “In the years ahead, geographical boundaries will fade even more, and where your arbitration practice is located will become increasingly irrelevant. Yet, I am always open to possibilities— so, never say never...” WORDS OF WISDOM As the only Middle Eastern and arbitration lawyer on the prestigious Harvard Law School advisory board, where he helps shape the future of the global legal profession, Youssef—hailed by Legal 500 as a “leading light of international arbitration”—stands as a beacon of inspiration. His journey provides invaluable lessons for those who aspire to leave a mark on the world of law, rising lawyers, and seasoned professionals alike. “Do not over-engineer your career,” he advises with conviction. “Embrace the journey, go with the fl ow, and focus on the process rather than obsessing over the outcome.” His words resonate as a call to authenticity and adaptability in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. “Never imitate or copy others," he continues. "You lose the imitation game the moment you start playing it. Instead, pursue your own path. Do your own thing. Most importantly, do not take yourself too seriously and enjoy the journey.” Refl ecting on the qualities he values in colleagues, team members, and close allies, he says: “I admire humility and a relaxed attitude. In this fi eld, your average practitioner is impressive, and the top players are true giants—yet the very best remain humble and never take themselves too seriously. So, pursue success relentlessly, but stay grounded, and keep perspective. Our community’s collective psyche and unwritten rules naturally sideline and push to the periphery those who lack this spirit.” Further, he emphasises that a growth mindset is essential. “It is also what keeps you growing. The moment you think, 'I have made it', you stop striving, you stop learning, and you lose your edge.” Youssef underscores the vital importance of choosing the right fi rm and, above all, the right boss. “Above everything, choose carefully who you work with. That is my golden advice. The people around you—your boss and colleagues—can either elevate you or hold you back. Your workplace should be a launch pad to greatness, not a weight that drags you down. Choose wisely; your professional future is shaped by this one decision more than any other.” “The one thing you want to avoid is the scenario of an enemy from within,” he cautions. “Your energy, focus, and fi repower must be directed outward, towards the real challenge: your opponent.” $7.6B The current docket of managed claims at Youssef + Partners LME_Jun2025_26-33_Cover story_13630154.indd 33LME_Jun2025_26-33_Cover story_13630154.indd 3313/06/2025 09:0313/06/2025 09:0334 June 2025law-middleeast.com ANALYSIS The nation's investor-friendly policies have solidifi ed its status as a preferred destination for private capital UAE’S PRIVATE EQUITY BOOM: NAVIGATING GROWTH, GOVERNANCE AND RISK Private equity plays a key role in economic growth by providing capital, enabling restructuring, and supporting business expansion across key industries. In the UAE and the GCC region, private equity investments have contributed to economic diversifi cation and advancing national initiatives such as UAE Vision 2031. However, the success of private equity transactions depends on careful due diligence, stringent governance, and eff ective risk management to ensure long-term sustainability. Private equity provides the necessary capital for businesses to scale, innovate, and enhance operational effi ciencies. In the UAE, sectors such as technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and real estate have witnessed signifi cant private equity-driven growth. The UAE’s investor-friendly policies, including tax incentives in free zones, effi cient regulations, and strong legal frameworks, have solidifi ed its position as a preferred destination for private capital. However, for private equity investments to generate or produce positive outcomes, stringent housekeeping is essential. This includes robust due diligence, regulatory compliance, correct fi nancial reporting, and effi cient governance structures. Due diligence is the foundation—the basis of any private equity transaction—because it ensures that investors accurately assess fi nancial records, compliance with UAE corporate laws, and hidden liabilities. Insuffi cient due diligence can lead to infl ated valuations and legal disputes that could ruin investment value. Equally important is corporate governance, which directly impacts investor confi dence and business sustainability. Strong governance frameworks mitigate risks related to fraud, mismanagement, and confl ict of interest. That is why the UAE’s corporate governance standards, enforced by regulatory bodies such as the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Security and Commodities Authority (SCA), enhance transparency and accountability, and this ensures that private equity-backed fi rms operate with integrity and honesty. Despite its potential, private equity comes with signifi cant risks. The Abraaj scandal in 2018 serves as an important reminder of the consequences of poor governance and regulatory oversight. Once a leading fi rm in the region, Abraaj collapsed By Michael Kortbawi Senior partner and co-founder at BSA Law $3.1B The amount raised by Mubadala Capital for its latest private equity fund LME_Jun2025_34-35_Private Equity_13626015.indd 34LME_Jun2025_34-35_Private Equity_13626015.indd 3411/06/2025 12:3711/06/2025 12:37June 2025 35law-middleeast.com ANALYSIS logistics sector, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, ADQ, made a signifi cant move by acquiring a majority stake in a leading logistics company, Aramex. This consolidation aims to enhance logistics capabilities and aligns with the UAE’s vision to become a global logistics hub. In parallel, Mubadala Capital, the asset management of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, has raised $3.1 billion for its latest private equity fund. This shows that the private equity industry is still active, and growing. On the other hand, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) established XRG, an investment company focusing on international gas, chemicals, and low-carbon energy investments. XRG aims to double its asset value in the next decade, signalling a major commitment to diversifi cation in the energy sector. The real estate sector has also witnessed major investments, such as Modon Holding’s (then Q Holding’s) multi-billion-dollar acquisition of a prominent real estate developer. These high- profi le transactions signal that, even in the wake of past challenges, the UAE and the broader region remain an appealing destination for private equity investments. Private equity continues to be a force in the UAE’s economic landscape, but accurate due diligence and adherence to corporate governance and risk mitigation are essential for sustainable success. All in all, the UAE and the broader region are a prime destination for private equity, set against a dynamic regulatory environment. The UAE and the broader region are a prime destination for private equity, set against a dynamic regulatory environment due to fund misuse and mismanagement of investor capital. This led to fi nancial losses for investors and loss of credibility of the private equity industry in the region. In response, UAE regulators introduced a series of stricter governance measures that included enhanced due diligence requirements, independent audits, and tighter fund governance standards. Such reforms were designed to restore investor confi dence and to make sure that similar failures would be prevented in the future. Another major concern in the sector is the market dominance of private equity-backed fi rms, which can create monopolistic tendencies. Recognising this risk, the UAE enacted the New Competition Law in 2023, to prevent anti- competitive practices. The law grants regulators the authority to review mergers and acquisitions, ensuring that they do not create unfair market advantages and harm competition. To mitigate these risks, investors and fi rms must adopt comprehensive compliance measures, risk diversifi cation strategies, and legal protections in contracts. To further protect investments and promote ethical business practices, ensuring regulatory alignment and conducting third party audits are possible solutions. The UAE’s private equity landscape is evolving, as shown by large-scale acquisitions and high- profi le transactions that have shaped the market. Despite the 2018 setback, the private equity market in the UAE continues to demonstrate resilience and dynamism. For example, in the LME_Jun2025_34-35_Private Equity_13626015.indd 35LME_Jun2025_34-35_Private Equity_13626015.indd 3511/06/2025 12:3711/06/2025 12:3736 June 2025law-middleeast.com FEATURE Whether on secondment or looking to stay, Dubai associate Inshaal Ahmad shares the seven need-to-knows, from tax to tradition to technology 7 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN MOVING TO WORK AS A LAWYER IN THE UAE LME_Jun2025_36-39_Listicle_13626076.indd 36LME_Jun2025_36-39_Listicle_13626076.indd 3613/06/2025 09:0313/06/2025 09:03June 2025 37law-middleeast.com FEATURE If you are thinking about moving to the UAE for work, there are a few things you need to know. To break it down for you, here are seven things (‘T’s) you need to know before making the move as a lawyer: TAX When you work in the UAE, you do not pay tax—unless you have your own business. As of June 1, 2023, companies now pay corporate tax of 9% for taxable income above AED 375,000. Inshaal Ahmad However, there is still no tax on personal income. So, if you are coming to work in the UAE, you will still enjoy paying absolutely no income tax. Even if you move here on the same salary as you were back home, you will enjoy a signifi cant rise in take-home pay, especially if you are from high tax countries such as the UK or mainland Europe. However, there is a slight catch. Once you get used to not paying income tax, it is very diffi cult to want to start paying it again. In other words, it is likely that once you come to the UAE you might not be able to leave as you will likely be taking a massive cut in take-home pay if you move back. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that while you may not be offi cially paying income tax, there are plenty of hidden costs of living in the UAE which are arguably quasi-taxes. These include traffi c fi nes, especially when you are a new driver unaccustomed to the rules. TRAVEL One of the main reasons I moved to the UAE was to explore the surrounding countries in the Arabian Peninsula, Asia, and Africa. Travellers in Europe will know how cheap it is to fl y around the continent on EasyJet and Ryanair, often for the same price as (or even cheaper than) a domestic train ticket. The UAE’s answer to budget air travel is Wizz Air in Abu Dhabi and FlyDubai in Dubai. While you may not be offi cially paying income tax, there are plenty of hidden costs of living in the UAE which are arguably quasi-taxes LME_Jun2025_36-39_Listicle_13626076.indd 37LME_Jun2025_36-39_Listicle_13626076.indd 3713/06/2025 09:0413/06/2025 09:0438 June 2025law-middleeast.com FEATURE You can get Wizz Air fl ights from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, which was featured in the opening scene of one of the latest Mission Impossible fi lms, for next to nothing. Wizz Air has a range of interesting and exotic destinations including Uzbekistan, Armenia, and the Maldives, to name a few. If you live in Dubai, all you need to do is hop on the airport bus from Ibn Battuta bus stop in Dubai and pay AED 35 for the one-hour bus ride straight to Abu Dhabi airport. If you are willing to spend a little bit more on your fl ights, Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s busiest and best-connected airports. There is hardly anywhere in the world you cannot get to from DXB. It is all well and good if fl ights are cheap but you also need time off work to actually travel. Apart from your annual leave, moving to the UAE will mean you will enjoy heaps of public holidays scattered throughout the calendar. Many expats use these public holidays to plan long weekends and mini adventures. As an example, there were 14 public holidays in the UAE in 2023. TRAFFIC Dubai is famous for its luxury cars. In areas such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and the Palm Jumeirah, it would be unusual not to see a mix of Bentleys, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris parked, or more likely, stuck in traffi c. One element of driving which is almost impossible to avoid is getting fi ned—especially, if you are a new driver in Dubai. For example, if you change lanes without indicating, you are liable for an AED 400 fi ne. Crossing a red light is also not a good idea because you will have to pay AED 50,000. Although public transport such as the Dubai Metro is available, if you really want to experience Dubai fully, you will need a car. There are still many places in Dubai which are not accessible by public transport. Just beware of the traffi c during peak hours and the fi nes! TAN If you are planning to move to Dubai, you will already know that it is sunny almost all day, every day, all year around. However, you might not know that when it rains, it pours—as the UAE uses cloud seeding to manufacture rain. While in theory it sounds good to have some rain now and then, the roads get fl ooded and cars even get washed away or destroyed by the fl ooding. In reality, rain is just a footnote in 2022 The year Inshaal Ahmad moved from the UK to the UAE LME_Jun2025_36-39_Listicle_13626076.indd 38LME_Jun2025_36-39_Listicle_13626076.indd 3811/06/2025 12:3811/06/2025 12:38June 2025 39law-middleeast.com FEATURE he UAE’s sunny weather. You can count the number of rainy days in the year on one hand. If there is anything you need to worry about, it is not the rain—it is the heat. When I fi rst arrived in February 2022, I was told that it is so hot during the summer that you cannot even walk around at night, let alone during the day. I thought this was an exaggeration at the time but, as the summer months arrived, I soon realised it was not. From June through to September, life in Dubai is indoors and air-conditioned, or spent abroad in cooler climates, as many do. This means that Dubai can seem a little quieter and the roads a little emptier during the peak summer months. Despite this, Dubai Mall and other hotspots are packed with tourists from all over the world even during the hottest points of the year. TRADITION Dubai is arguably less traditional than many places in the Middle East. After all, Emiratis account for around 10% of the UAE’s population. Despite the diversity of Dubai and the openness to expats, there are still cultural norms and rules which need to be adhered to. In Muslim countries, off ering to shake a Muslim woman’s hand should be avoided. While they may shake hands with men, it is up to them to decide to off er the handshake. This rule should be adhered to when interacting with Emirati women and other Muslim women who are visibly Muslim, e.g. who wear a headscarf. Further, while it is permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars, it is punishable to drink in public places. Dubai is strict about public drunkenness and places where alcohol is sold and consumed usually have blacked out windows so that they cannot be viewed from the outside. In addition, swearing or using explicit language is prohibited in the UAE and using specifi c words carry a punishment of up to a year in prison and fi nes as high as AED 10,000. So, if you want to stick around in Dubai, make sure you abide by the laws of the land. TASTE When it comes to food, there is nothing you cannot get in the UAE. Dinner in Dubai can cost as little as AED 20 to AED 2,000 (or more). You can fi nd authentic hole-in-the-wall Middle Eastern and South Asian restaurants in the older areas such as Barsha, Deira, Karama, and Satwa. On the other hand, if you want to try the fanciest restaurants in DIFC without breaking the bank, there are plenty of brilliant business lunches to tick off . Most of these restaurants off er a two or three-course lunch for around 110 to 150 AED per person. On the weekends, brunches are popular among expats and include a wide range of food and drinks in most of the expat hotspots such as Dubai Marina. TECHNOLOGY Although in the 1970s Dubai was hardly more than a desert, it is now the high-tech capital of the Middle East. Convenience is king in Dubai as you can pretty much order anything from the tap of a smartphone. For food, the main delivery services are Careem and Talabat. If you need a cleaner or laundry done, you can download apps such as Justlife. You can even order fuel to your doorstep with CAFU, whose trucks deliver fuel to you any time of the day for the same price as the petrol stations. Also, if your car needs a trip to the mechanic, you can book a chauff eur to drive your car (with or without you) on the Zofeur app. Quoting the famous line from the Apple advert from 2009, “There’s an app for that”, in Dubai, there truly is. From June through to September, life in Dubai is indoors and air- conditioned, or spent abroad in cooler climates, as many do LME_Jun2025_36-39_Listicle_13626076.indd 39LME_Jun2025_36-39_Listicle_13626076.indd 3911/06/2025 12:3811/06/2025 12:38Next >