Message from the Founder
About the founder
Syed Mujtaba Hussain is the visionary founder and Managing Partner of Emirates Legal, a high-caliber boutique law firm headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. He also spearheads Emirates Legal Limited, a firm regulated by the Astana International Financial Centre in Kazakhstan.
Licensed by the Bar Council of India since 1995, Mujtaba holds consultancy licenses in both the UAE and the AIFC, Kazakhstan. He has earned the distinction of being a registered practitioner in the Courts of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), AIFC Courts in Kazakhstan, and various High Courts across India.
Under Mujtaba's leadership, Emirates Legal is authorized to litigate in the DIFC Courts, ADGM Courts, and the AIFC Courts. With a formidable presence in the courtroom, he has played a pivotal role in leading cases in both DIFC and Indian Courts. Furthermore, he has demonstrated unmatched expertise in arbitration, having served as lead counsel in 29 DIAC Arbitrations in the UAE and two in the DIFC, achieving 25 client-favorable awards.
A trailblazer in academia, Mujtaba is the first Muslim in India and the first Kashmiri graduate from the renowned National Law School of India University in Bangalore. He holds a Master’s degree in International law from the University of Essex, UK, and a second Master's focusing on International Commercial Arbitration from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. Mujtaba has been the recipient of prestigious scholarships and accolades including the H.W. & N. Robinson Scholarship from UC Berkeley, and the Pundit Foundation Scholarship as an outstanding Indian scholar. He has also been an esteemed member of the International Advisory Committee at Boalt Hall and currently serves as the coordinator for Boalt Alumni in the Middle East.
Mujtaba’s diverse practice spans advising both local and international clientele on matters such as private equity, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, real estate disputes, and more. He has successfully negotiated settlements and advised on multi-million-dollar projects in the Gulf and beyond. Some notable achievements include a 2 billion Dirham deal for a Chinese company with a top-tier Dubai real estate firm and a $150 million claim in the DIFC Courts. Most recently, he brokered a $180 million deal for a cement plant in the Middle East and secured a $200 million investment in a Kazakh cement plant.
Prior to launching Emirates Legal in 2009, Mujtaba had an illustrious career, which included working for a leading Indian law firm, appearing before the Supreme Court of India, serving the United Nations in Geneva, and holding the position of General Counsel at a premier investment bank in Dubai. A prolific speaker, Mujtaba frequently lectures across the CIS countries, Indian law schools, Eastern Europe, and throughout Asia. He has contributed thought leadership through papers and presentations at legal conferences worldwide.
Since its founding in 2009, Emirates Legal has reshaped the contours of legal practice in UAE. Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the firm has been a key player in the nation's rapid development. Beyond traditional legal advisory roles, Emirates Legal sees itself as a catalyst for change, shaping the future and navigating the intricate and fast-paced landscape of the UAE, an emerging global commercial hub.
The success story of the UAE exemplifies the remarkable outcomes that can be achieved through strong governance and transformative leadership. As the nation aims to be a global commercial epicenter, Emirates Legal has stepped up as an irreplaceable component, acting as a bridge between the fluctuating demands of global commerce and the unique needs of local and international businesses.
What sets the firm apart is its international acclaim, particularly in the field of Emerging Tech. Companies around the world looking for expert guidance on navigating the complex regulatory landscape of this sector often turn to Emirates Legal. The firm's deep understanding of these regulations facilitates innovation, making it easier for businesses to break into and grow in the market.
The firm also excels in Dispute Resolution, especially within specialized jurisdictions like the DIFC Courts. Emirates Legal offers an unparalleled grasp of multi-jurisdictional issues, enriched by a deep understanding of local customs and laws. Its strategies are designed not just to react to legal disputes but to proactively mitigate risks, thereby ensuring the best interests of its clients are protected efficiently.
At the core of the firm's practice lie four foundational principles: unwavering integrity, sound financial planning, relentless hard work, and groundbreaking innovative solutions. Far from being mere rhetoric, these values are actively reflected in every aspect of client interaction.
Emirates Legal extends its multidisciplinary services beyond mere litigation, offering expertise in corporate advisory, international arbitration, and intellectual property law. The firm positions itself as more than just a law firm; it is a strategic partner well-equipped to guide clients through the complexities of both global business operations and local nuances.
In conclusion, Emirates Legal is not just another law firm but a vanguard institution in legal practice, perfectly situated to guide you through the multifaceted world of international business and local requirements. The firm invites you to explore its diverse offerings and to collaborate in creating a future filled with promise, prosperity, and exceptional legal protection.
Syed Mujtaba Hussain