The United Arab Emirates has recorded a marked increase in cross-border financial crime cases over the past 18 months, driving growing demand for lawyers with both local expertise and internationally recognised legal credentials, according to analysis from within the legal sector.
The surge reflects the UAE’s expanding role in global financial oversight and its deeper cooperation with international law enforcement agencies as the country strengthens compliance with global regulatory standards.
Legal practitioners say the rise in complex, multi-jurisdictional cases—ranging from Interpol-related matters and anti-money laundering investigations to cross-border financial disputes—has exposed a skills gap in the market. Increasingly, cases before Dubai’s courts and regulatory bodies involve coordination across multiple jurisdictions, requiring a sophisticated understanding of both UAE law and international legal frameworks.
“We're seeing a fundamental shift in the types of cases coming through Dubai's legal system,” said Mohammad Al Najjar, founder of Mohammad Al Najjar Advocates and Legal Consultants, a Dubai-based firm specialising in cross-border financial crime and international cooperation matters. “Cases that once stayed within national boundaries now routinely involve coordination with multiple jurisdictions, requiring practitioners who understand both common law principles and UAE legal procedures.”
According to industry observers, the growing complexity of financial crime investigations has placed a premium on lawyers with international training. Al Najjar, who graduated from Middlesex University London with a Bachelor of Laws in 2012, is part of a widening group of Emirati legal professionals blending Western legal education with in-depth knowledge of regional legal systems.
His firm, established nearly a decade ago during an earlier phase of regulatory expansion, has seen a steady year-on-year increase in cross-border caseloads, particularly in matters involving international cooperation.
Recent high-profile cases have further highlighted the sector’s evolution. Al Najjar’s practice has handled sensitive matters involving international financial crime allegations, Interpol red notice challenges and multi-jurisdictional asset recovery. Such work often requires close coordination with authorities across different continents, while ensuring full compliance with UAE legal standards and due process protections.
In response to shifting market demands, UAE legal professionals are increasingly pursuing advanced international qualifications. Al Najjar is among senior practitioners preparing for postgraduate studies at institutions such as the University of Oxford, with a focus on international financial crime, regulatory compliance and cross-border litigation.
“This isn't just about individual career advancement,” Al Najjar said. “As the UAE continues positioning itself as a global financial hub with world-class regulatory infrastructure, the legal sector must evolve to match that ambition. That means practitioners who can operate seamlessly across legal systems while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.”
The trend extends beyond criminal defence. Legal analysts note rising demand for cross-border expertise in commercial disputes, regulatory compliance, international arbitration and corporate investigations, areas in which UAE-based lawyers are increasingly competing with international law firms for complex and high-value mandates.
Industry experts expect demand for internationally trained legal professionals to intensify as the UAE rolls out new regulatory frameworks, strengthens financial crime enforcement and deepens cooperation with global watchdogs. For Dubai’s legal sector, the ability to manage complex cross-border matters is rapidly becoming not just a competitive advantage, but a core requirement.
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