UCL LAW FIRM, Office 2901, X3 Tower, JLT Dubai, Dubai (2026)

27/05/2026

Today, Muslims around the world celebrate one of the most important holidays in Islam — Eid al-Adha.

This holiday is connected with the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who showed deep faith and readiness to fulfill the will of the Almighty. In Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha symbolizes devotion, mercy, gratitude, and the willingness to share with those in need.

During the holiday, it is customary to gather with family and loved ones, perform prayers, help those in need, and give special attention to charity. One of the important traditions is sharing food with relatives, neighbours, and those who particularly need care and support.

For many countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, Eid al-Adha is not only a religious holiday, but also an important part of cultural and social life, bringing people together around the values of respect, generosity, and mutual support.

The team of UCL الدكتور خالد علي الحضرمي congratulates everyone celebrating this bright holiday. May it bring peace, prosperity, the warmth of loved ones, and the joy of good deeds.

26/05/2026

Philipp Korotin has joined our team as Partner and Head of the M&A Practice.

For UCL الدكتور خالد علي الحضرمي, this is an important step in developing our international transactional expertise and strengthening the areas related to corporate law, cross-border transactions, investment projects, and asset ownership structuring.

Philipp’s experience combines international legal advisory work with in-house business experience. This background is particularly valuable for projects where legal precision must be combined with an understanding of the commercial logic of the transaction, the regulatory environment, and the client’s strategic objectives.

The strengthening of our M&A practice reflects the broader development strategy of UCL الدكتور خالد علي الحضرمي: we continue to expand our team, reinforce key practices, and develop expertise that is in demand among international businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices.

We welcome Philipp to the team and wish him every success in his new role.

04/05/2026

Dubai Legal Run 2026

On May 2, Dubai’s legal community gathered at Kite Beach for the annual Dubai Legal Run charity run.

UCL الدكتور خالد علي الحضرمي team traditionally acted as a co-organizer of the run. The initiative was supported by more than 20 representatives of Dubai’s legal community.

Together, we were able to raise funds, which were donated to «Podari Zhizn», a foundation that helps children with cancer and other serious illnesses. We thank everyone who cared enough to participate and contribute to this important charitable cause.

Every donation is real help for those who need it. Together, we can do more.

27/04/2026

Grand Opening of UCL الدكتور خالد علي الحضرمي Moscow Office

On 22 April, a landmark event took place in the historic interiors of the Lobanov-Rostovsky Estate — the official opening of the Moscow office of the international law firm UCL الدكتور خالد علي الحضرمي. On the same day, the UAE–Russia Business Council (Russian Business Council), operating under the auspices of Dubai Chambers, was formally launched.

The event was held with the support of the Delo Group of Companies and became a notable occasion in the context of UAE–Russia business cooperation, bringing together representatives of the business community, legal market, government authorities, international institutions and industry associations.

Among the distinguished participants were:
• H.E. Dr Mohammed Ahmad Sultan Essa Al Jaber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to the Russian Federation;
• Alexey S. Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation;
• Abdulla Baqer, Regional Director at Dubai Chambers;
• Senior executives of the Delo Group of Companies;
• Representatives of leading organisations operating at the intersection of international business, logistics, investment and cross-border legal advisory.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the United Arab Emirates to Sergey N. Shishkarev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Delo Group, in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of UAE–Russia trade and economic cooperation. This symbolic gesture underscored the high level of mutual trust and the important role of Russian business in strengthening bilateral ties.

During the business programme, speakers addressed the prospects for deepening cooperation, expanding trade relations and creating new investment opportunities. The opening of UCL’s Moscow office reflects a growing demand for high-quality legal expertise, while the establishment of the Business Council is intended to serve as an additional platform for companies interested in developing business across the UAE–Russia corridor.

Firmly believing that culture serves as a bridge between nations, the organisers placed special emphasis on the cultural programme. Guests enjoyed performances by an Arab orchestra, a string quartet and a ballet featuring excerpts from Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. A special highlight of the evening was a performance by the musical ensemble Soprano Turetsky.

The combination of business and cultural elements created an atmosphere in which the formality of the occasion was balanced by a warm and welcoming tone, reflecting the growing momentum of cooperation between Russia and the UAE.

01/03/2026

To our clients, partners, and colleagues,

We are closely monitoring the situation in the UAE and hope that your families remain safe and well. We would also like to reassure you that UCL الدكتور خالد علي الحضرمي continues to operate in full operational mode.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or if you need support. Our team remains available and responsive.

27/02/2026

UCL ON AIR: The Eastern Wind of Change

The UCL team is going live and invites you to our online conference UCL ON AIR!

Live on air, UCL partners will share what’s behind the rebrand, highlight the firm’s key updates, and discuss the hottest topics of the past few months. The detailed agenda and speaker information are available in the cards.

Conference agenda:

10:00–10:20 Opening remarks by Dr. Khaled Ali Alhadhrami, Alexander Kukev, and Namru Bakaev. The new brand, the firm’s philosophy, and positioning.

10:20–10:50 Landmark court cases of 2025 and early 2026: UAE mainland courts vs. DIFC Courts. Sergey Levichev, Partner, Head of International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, and Dr. Khaled Ali Mohammed Al-Hadhrami, Co-Founder.

10:50–11:20 UAE private foundations as tools for asset protection and succession planning. How to choose the right free zone for setting up a foundation: DIFC, RAK ICC, and ADGM. Governance, confidentiality, and other key considerations. Angelika Taranova, Partner.

11:20–11:50 Taxation of foundations in the UAE: tax “transparency” and CRS information exchange, multiple tax residencies of beneficiaries, and the tax aspects of foundation redomiciliation. Denis Shushin, Partner, Head of Tax.

11:50–12:20 International payments: how to build a resilient structure today. Which jurisdictions still work? Tamrin Darbakov, Partner, and Girish Gopal, Partner, Director of the Mauritius office.

12:20–12:30 Closing remarks and acknowledgements.

11 March 2026
10:00–12:30 (Moscow time)

Register via the link: https://ucl-lawfirm-events.timepad.ru/event/3844764/

Event languages: Russian and English.
The event is free of charge. Registration is required.

26/02/2026

UCL expands its presence in the Middle East: Launching practices in Oman and Bahrain

As part of strengthening our regional expertise in the Middle East, we are launching practices in the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain—jurisdictions that have become key hubs for international trade and investment.

The development of these practice areas is led by UCL Partner Tamrin Darbakov and UCL Senior Manager Sergey Ratoziy.

"The launch of practices in Oman and Bahrain is a logical continuation of UCL’s strategy to build a network of jurisdictions that provides clients with flexibility in international structuring and access to the GCC region’s banking infrastructure. We are seeing growing interest from investors and corporations in Islamic financial instruments, trading platforms, and new logistics routes.

Our goal is to offer clients comprehensive solutions combining legal support, compliance, and financial infrastructure,” comments UCL Partner Tamrin Darbakov on the firm’s geographic expansion.

UCL is also strengthening its expertise in Banking and Financial Infrastructure and Cross-Border Support.

More details on all services are available on our website - https://ucl.ae/news/ucl-expands-its-presence-in-the-middle-east/

20/02/2026

UCL الدكتور خالد علي الحضرمي Strengthens Its Dispute Resolution Practice

UCL continues to strengthen its dispute resolution practice, expanding its team to provide even more effective support to clients in complex commercial, corporate, and investment disputes before international arbitration tribunals and national courts. The development of the practice is driven by a combination of deep legal expertise, well-calibrated procedural strategy, and rigorous project management.

The practice team has been joined by Leyla Kanametova, a specialist in international and investment arbitration, as well as cross-border litigation.

Leyla has a strong academic background, including a Master’s degree in International Economic Law and Policy from MGIMO University, a Distinction in International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London, and specialised programs at BPP University covering international commercial arbitration, ADR, and the fundamentals of common law.

Leyla has passed all required qualification examinations and is currently awaiting admission as a solicitor.

Leyla spent over six years in London, working at leading law firms, where she was involved in some of the most complex and high-profile disputes on the market. Her experience includes representation and case management before the courts of England and Wales at all levels, as well as comprehensive work on both litigation and arbitration strategies.

Her professional experience also includes advising and representing clients in arbitrations under the LCIA, ICC, and LMAA Rules, as well as participation in major investment arbitration proceedings recognised among the most complex and significant international disputes. Leyla has acted in multi-jurisdictional matters, including corporate, sanctions-related, and investment disputes.

The practice has also welcomed Rahaf Alsaidi, a promising lawyer specialising in civil and commercial disputes.
Rahaf is a graduate of the United Arab Emirates University Faculty of Law, distinguished by outstanding academic achievements. She has completed internships with leading law firms in the UAE, has experience working in the UAEU Legal Clinic on pro bono matters, and has actively participated in moot court competitions, including the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, preparing submissions for both claimant and respondent. Her achievements include regular inclusion on the Dean’s Honorary List.

The addition of Leyla Kanametova and Rahaf Alsaidi marks an important step in further strengthening UCL’s dispute resolution practice and significantly enhances the team’s ability to handle the most complex cross-border disputes and investment projects, which require a high level of legal expertise and precise procedural ex*****on.

Sergey Levichev, Partner and Head of UCL’s Dispute Resolution Practice, comments on the team expansion:
“I am absolutely delighted with this addition to our team. We are deliberately building a dream team — the best of the best on the market. Our colleagues bring unique experience in handling some of the most complex and sensitive disputes, and their arrival significantly strengthens UCL’s expertise and market position in dispute resolution.”

19/02/2026

With sunset on 17 February 2026, one of the most significant periods in the life of the Muslim world begins — the holy month of Ramadan. The first day of fasting this year falls on 18 February and will last until the evening of 19 March. This is a time of profound spirituality, self-discipline, and renewal of faith. For Muslims, it is not merely a period of abstention, but one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Key Traditions of the Month

• Fasting (Sawm). During daylight hours, the faithful abstain from food, drink, and smoking. Meals are taken twice: Suhoor (before dawn) and Iftar (after sunset). It is preferable to break the fast with water and dates, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Spiritual Practice. The last ten days of Ramadan are the most sacred, during which many men observe spiritual retreat (I'tikaf).
• Who Observes the Fast. Fasting is obligatory for adults who are of sound mind and physically healthy. Travellers, the ill, pregnant and nursing women, as well as women during menstruation, are exempt from fasting.

Ramadan leaves its mark not only on personal life but also on the economy, particularly in countries with a Muslim majority, such as the UAE. Research has even shown an influence on the judicial system: during this period, Muslim judges are more likely to deliver acquittals, a phenomenon attributed to the emphasis on mercy.

For business and daily life in the UAE during Ramadan, characteristic features include:
— Reduced and flexible working hours.
— Delays in the operation of government bodies and banks.
— A shift in marketing strategies: special promotions and discounts, extended evening retail hours.

The UCL team congratulates all Muslims on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. May it strengthen your faith and fill your home with warmth and unity!

13/02/2026

UCL invites candidates to apply for an internship in its International Regulatory Practice and Dispute Resolution Practice. Descriptions for both internships are below:

1) Intern – International Regulatory Practice

Responsibilities:
Analyze regulatory requirements and updates across different jurisdictions;
Prepare legal overviews, research notes, and memoranda in response to client requests;
Support the preparation of client alerts and presentations;
Assist the team in supporting international projects (compliance, licensing, and interaction with regulators).

We are looking for:
A strong interest in regulatory matters and international law;
Solid legal research skills and confidence working with primary sources (legislation, guidelines, regulator practice);
High attention to detail and excellent English proficiency.

We offer:
A paid internship at an international law firm;
Hands-on work on real client matters and mentorship support;
The possibility of continuing cooperation after the internship based on performance.

Important details:
The internship starts on 1 April 2026.
This is a paid internship.
The internship is on-site and will take place at our Dubai office.
You can apply and submit your CV via email at: [email protected]

2) Intern – Dispute Resolution Practice

Responsibilities:
Conduct legal research on court litigation and arbitration matters;
Assist in preparing procedural documents (case strategies/positions, draft motions, legal opinions, etc.);
Analyze case law and compile digests/collections on specific issues;
Support project coordination (structuring case materials, fact-checking, preparing exhibits/appendices).

We are looking for:
A strong interest in dispute resolution and international arbitration;
Solid skills in working with legal sources (legislation, case law, court/arbitral institution guidance);
High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and excellent English proficiency;
Ability to structure information and meet deadlines.

We offer:
A paid internship at an international law firm;
Hands-on involvement in real matters and practical training under a mentor’s guidance;
The possibility of continued cooperation following the internship based on performance.

Important details:
The internship starts on 1 April 2026.
This is a paid internship.
The internship is on-site and will take place at our Dubai office.
You can apply and submit your CV via email at: [email protected]

More details on our website - https://lnkd.in/dHftE7mq

UCL LAW FIRM

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