The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department announced a notable increase in the number of licensed international legal consultancy firms operating in the emirate during the first quarter of 2026.
By the end of March, the total count of licensed international firms rose to 86, reflecting a 2.3% uptick from the close of 2025. The Department also achieved a full sustainability rate in its registration and licensing processes.
The quarterly report revealed that 89 new legal consultants were registered during Q1, raising the total number of practising consultants to 3,433 across 139 licensed legal consultancy firms.
International firms now represent 61.8% of all licensed legal consultancy firms in Dubai, highlighting the emirate’s ongoing success in attracting global legal talent and enhancing its professional landscape. These consultants operate within a robust, world-class regulatory framework.
The report further noted that legal consultants in Dubai come from 91 nationalities, reflecting a broad spectrum of legal expertise and systems. This diversity points to a highly integrated, multinational legal environment that aligns with Dubai’s position as a leading global economic centre.
Dr. Lowai Mohamed Belhoul, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, stated that the steady expansion and long-term advancement of the legal sector—one of the emirate’s key service industries—illustrates the strategic vision and direction of Dubai’s leadership.
He added that the rise in international firms is indicative of Dubai’s vibrant investment climate, which demands diverse legal expertise to support increasingly complex, cross-border transactions. This diversity, he noted, plays a crucial role in strengthening the investment ecosystem by ensuring access to specialised legal services that match Dubai’s global stature.
