Why International Media Turn to Dr. Hassan Elhais for UAE Legal Insight

In the United Arab Emirates, where rapid modernization intersects with deeply rooted legal traditions, few figures have succeeded in bridging both worlds as effectively as Dr. Hassan Elhais. The UAE's laws are changing faster than almost anywhere else, combining elements of Sharia, civil, and common law into a unique hybrid system. For international audiences trying to understand what these laws mean in practice, clarity is scarce. That is why journalists from The National, Bloomberg, Associated Press, and U.S. News repeatedly turn to Dr. Elhais.

"The UAE's legal system reflects its ambition. It is young, fast-moving, and increasingly global in consequence," Dr. Elhais has said. "The challenge is to translate that complexity into language people can act on."

An Interpreter of Law for a Global Audience

Dr. Elhais's influence has grown steadily through nearly two decades of legal practice. Since joining Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy in Dubai in 2006, he has advised on more than 70,000 cases involving expatriates, foreign investors, and multinational corporations. His expertise spans family, civil, and criminal law, and his work often determines how global audiences perceive justice in the Emirates.

His firm, once known as Al Rowaad Advocates, reflects Dubai's cosmopolitan legal reality. It serves clients from across continents, helping them navigate matters such as extradition, commercial fraud, and international child custody. For many foreigners living in the UAE, Dr. Elhais is not only a lawyer but also a guide through an unfamiliar legal landscape.

Through his frequent commentaries, he has interpreted the UAE's most significant legal reforms, including the corporate tax framework introduced in 2023, the amended Anti-Narcotics Law of 2024, and the expanding family law provisions for non-Muslims. For editors abroad, his ability to explain local policy shifts in global terms has made him indispensable.

Criminal Law as a Mirror of Modernization

Criminal law has become one of the clearest indicators of how the UAE balances modernization with moral governance. In this area, Dr. Elhais has developed a formidable reputation. His legal practice covers financial crimes, drug offenses, cybercrime, forgery, and extradition. These cases frequently involve overlapping international jurisdictions, making them not only legal disputes but also diplomatic puzzles.

One of his notable victories involved preventing the extradition of a Russian woman accused of fraud. He successfully argued that under Article 20 of the UAE Criminal Procedures Law, the statute of limitations for misdemeanors had expired, rendering the request void. In another high-profile case, he secured the acquittal of a Dubai resident who was charged with drug possession for carrying cannabis-infused chocolates. The defense relied on the 2024 revisions to the UAE's anti-narcotics legislation, which decriminalized possession of products containing trace amounts of cannabis for first-time offenders.

His approach has redefined how evidence and legal procedure are interpreted in an increasingly international context. "Legal reform here happens quickly," he notes. "A single judgment can determine how fairness is understood for years to come."

His expertise also extends to white-collar offenses such as money laundering and embezzlement. In a commercial dispute involving alleged mismanagement of a real estate fund, his reliance on clear contractual obligations and factual evidence led to the case being dismissed, underscoring his reputation for precision and restraint in courtroom advocacy.

Public Educator and Trusted Source

While Dr. Elhais's courtroom record forms the foundation of his credibility, his wider public engagement amplifies it. He has authored more than 300 articles for regional and international platforms such as Lexis Middle East, JD Supra, Chambers and Partners, and Mondaq. His writings cover everything from anti-money-laundering compliance to child relocation disputes.

He is a frequent contributor to UAE radio and television programs, including Dubai Eye 103.8's "The Agenda" and Al Aan TV, where he discusses legal developments in accessible terms. "Access to justice begins with access to information," he often says. "If the law remains obscure, it cannot protect."

Dr. Elhais also provides expert opinions to foreign courts in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Australia. He is listed by several embassies as a recommended legal consultant for nationals facing proceedings in the UAE. His work bridges legal systems that might otherwise remain opaque to one another.

Recognition and Global Engagement

Over his career, Dr. Elhais has earned more than 30 international awards. He has been named Legal Consultant of the Year by organizations including Corporate LiveWire, Corporate America Today, and KMH Media Group. For three consecutive years, he has been ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners in Family Law for High-Net-Worth individuals in the UAE.

Beyond accolades, his participation in international legal conferences has helped shape global understanding of Middle Eastern law. From Paris and Tokyo to Cape Town and Vienna, he has delivered lectures on topics such as child abduction, cross-border enforcement, and financial compliance. His memberships include the American Bar Association, the International Bar Association, and the European Criminal Bar Association, signaling recognition by both Western and regional legal communities.

Why His Voice Endures

At a time defined by disinformation and legal uncertainty, journalists value Dr. Elhais for his ability to distill complexity without oversimplifying it. His commentaries reflect both a scholar's precision and a practitioner's pragmatism. Editors trust him because he approaches every issue with evidence, clarity, and restraint.

"The law is not a weapon," he says. "It is a framework that helps us understand how to live together."

For international media attempting to decode the UAE's evolving justice system, that framework is essential. And for those seeking to understand how law shapes life in one of the world's most ambitious nations, Dr. Hassan Elhais remains the most reliable interpreter of its intent, its progress, and its humanity.