Our vision
To lead in excellence of performance, with our clients’ legal interests always first.
Our story
Local depth, international standards
Since its establishment in 2002, Al Ketbi has gained a prestigious reputation in the UAE. This is demonstrated by the range of legal issues we deal with under UAE law and by our growing international practice, representing companies, government institutions and individuals in the Middle East.
We are one of the fastest-growing law offices in central Dubai. That growth comes from a simple mission: to provide a reliable, accurate and practicable legal service. As a Dubai-based firm — in the business capital of the Middle East — we have a proven record of handling multi-jurisdictional matters across the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Our strength lies in understanding the local legal and regulatory environment. Coupled with advice delivered in line with international legal standards, it lets us provide the most cost-effective, practical and commercial advice to achieve our clients’ goals.
Litigation is a right guaranteed to all people under the Constitution of the UAE. Our team of legal advisers and lawyers brings over 40 years of experience litigating in all courts throughout the UAE — civil, commercial, real estate, rental, labour, guardianship, inheritance and family law — before the Family Courts, Courts of First Instance, Appeal Courts, the Court of Cassation and the Federal Supreme Court.
Our mission
To raise the standard of legal performance by applying the best local and international practices, and to deliver the best results for our clients.
Our values
Honesty and transparency. Strict confidentiality. Quality to international standards.
The chairman
H.E. Dr. Khalifa Bin Huwaidan Al Ketbi
Lawyer and legal consultant, former Member of the Federal National Council, and founder of the firm in 2002.
H.E. Dr. Khalifa Bin Huwaidan Al Ketbi is a distinguished lawyer and legal consultant with over 15 years of experience before the UAE courts. He holds a Master’s degree in Law from the Dubai Police Academy.
He comes from the well-known Al Ketbi family and is widely recognised as a prominent public figure in the UAE, owing to his extensive involvement in governmental and non-governmental organisations.
He previously served as a Legal Officer in the Emirate of Sharjah, as a Member of the Federal National Council, and as Chairman of its Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, contributing to the review and development of national legislation.
In 2002 he founded Khalifa Bin Huwaidan Al Ketbi Advocates & Legal Consultants, which has grown into one of the country’s leading law offices, with offices in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
- Former Member, Federal National Council of the UAE
- Chairman, Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee
- Chairman, Committee of Public Utilities
- Member, Advisory Council of the Emirate of Sharjah
- Legal Advisor, Department of Administrative and Financial Control
- Deputy President, International Islamic Parliament, and Member of its Bureau
- Chairman of the Board, Dhaid Cultural and Sports Club
- Member, Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Advisors
- Awarded the Federal National Council Tag by the President of the UAE
The chairman
Milestones & honours
How we are organised
Four departments, one team
Litigation
- Civil
- Labour
- Criminal
- Inheritance
- Execution
- Administrative
- Commercial — intellectual property, bankruptcy, general
- Quasi-judicial — financial, banking, taxation, funding, insurance
Legal department
- Contracts
- Legal advisory
- Documentation
Alternative dispute resolution
- Arbitration — engineering, maritime, real estate, commercial
- Mediation
- Conciliation
Administration & finance
- HR, archive, secretariat and reception
- IT, PRO and training
- Procurement, collections and accounting
- Governance, auditing, payroll and budgeting
Expertise
All practice areas
What we do
Litigation & dispute resolution
Representing clients in civil, commercial, labour and administrative disputes before every level of court in the UAE.
5 specialismsCriminal law
Defending clients at every stage of criminal proceedings — police, prosecution and all levels of court.
Corporate & commercial
Supporting companies from formation to growth: contracts, governance, intellectual property and restructuring.
3 specialismsBanking & financial services
Advice and representation for banks, financial institutions and their customers, in transactions and in civil and criminal cases at every level of court.
2 specialismsInsurance
Advice and litigation for insurers, reinsurers and policyholders, from regulation and transactions to coverage disputes.
Real estate & construction
Developers, contractors, owners and tenants — from off-plan disputes to major construction claims.
Family, inheritance & personal status
Sensitive matters handled with discretion: family disputes, guardianship, wills and the division of estates.
Arbitration & ADR
Arbitration, mediation and conciliation — effective, swift routes to resolving a dispute outside the courtroom.
3 specialisms
Offices
Three emirates, one firm
Confidential · Clear · Practical
Let’s talk about your matter.
Begin with an initial consultation: we listen, assess your legal position and propose a clear course of action.