Department profile
Hadef & Partners

Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates

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Hadef & Partners

Rankings

About

Provided by Hadef & Partners

We have a proud history of working with the UAE Federal and Emirate Governments and their related bodies, departments and entities. We understand how these government institutions work, their legal needs, and the importance of being a trusted advisor. 

Our team is regularly appointed to advise the UAE Government on various legislative and policy matters across various disciplines and matters. Some of our work in this area, includes: 

  • Advising on the UAE Constitution
  • Allocation of authorities among Federal and Emirate-level institutions
  • Effective exercise of government functions and powers
  • Issues relating to conflict of laws
  • Incorporation and structuring of government departments, institutions and commercial entities
  • Drafting and interpretation of Federal and Emirate-level laws and regulations
  • Advising on compliance with regulatory requirements by UAE government bodies, departments and related entities
  • Providing all ancillary advice to the UAE government.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs - United Arab Emirates

Spotlight

What the Team is Known For

Hadef & Partners is a leading Emirati law firm which is a standout name in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi office is home to a notable regulatory and government advisory department which has substantial experience assisting with legislative drafting, often involving financial or tax regulations, as well as providing guidance on issues in anti-corruption law. The team complements its expertise in these areas with experience in public law and public international law.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Its blend of technical knowledge and practical experience enables the department to navigate complex regulatory environments with confidence and agility.

    Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

  • I believe what truly distinguishes this department is the depth and diversity of expertise within the team.

    Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

  • The team knows the legal and regulatory framework well, understands the different laws and how they interconnect, and has a good grasp on how it is interpreted, so has a practical knowledge as well.

    Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

  • The team shares the mindset of being collaborative and working in what I consider to be the right manner, and has made the effort to create personable relationships, which makes things more seamless.

    Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

  • The lawyers are able to anticipate issues, which is a very important skill in this practice.

    Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Dina Mahdi
    Dina Mahdi

    Dina Mahdi

    Dina Mahdi heads the regulatory and government advisory team within Hadef & Partners, and is based in Abu Dhabi. Her broad practice spans assisting with the drafting of tax legislation and advising on anti-corruption and bribery regulations.

    • Dina Mahdi is someone who leads from the front. Her level of commitment is second to none, and she manages to navigate things incredibly well, setting a really high example.

      Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

    • She is driven, detail-oriented, happy to be collaborative, open and willing to do what is best.

      Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

    • Dina Mahdi consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a collaborative approach. She communicates effectively with team members and is reliable when handling tasks.

      Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

    • She is very smart and dedicated. She never takes a decision without fully understanding the issue and its consequences, which provides comfort to her clients and third parties working with her.

      Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

    • She is comfortable in pushing back and arguing a position, because there is always logic behind her pushback, which leads to a better discussion and helps us to always do the right checks.

      Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal
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  • Faraj A Ahnish
    Faraj A Ahnish

    Faraj A Ahnish

    Faraj Ahnish is one of the co-founders of Hadef & Partners, and is a pivotal figure in the development of its Abu Dhabi office. His extensive experience has encompassed advice on legislative drafting, often in the financial sector.

    • His knowledge, experience and connections are a treasure.

      Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal

    • Faraj A Ahnish is a good adviser who is honest and straightforward.

      Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Hadef & Partners (2)

United Arab Emirates

  • Profile image of Dina Mahdi

    Dina Mahdi

    Head of Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs

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  • Profile image of Faraj A Ahnish

    Faraj A Ahnish

    Head of Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs

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Members

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