Department profile
Horizons & Co Law Firm

Dispute Resolution: Domestic

Global Guide 2026 : United Arab Emirates


Horizons & Co Law Firm

Rankings

About

Provided by Horizons & Co Law Firm

 Dispute resolution is our strength. We specialise in the efficient and effective resolution of legal issues and disputes.

Our litigation team offers advice and representation on all aspects of civil, commercial, and criminal law, and are licensed to operate in all the UAE courts. This includes the DIFC and ADGM, as well as the federal, Dubai and Abu Dhabi judicial systems up to and including the Court of Cassation and the Federal Supreme Court. We are especially renowned for our abilities in cases involving government and semi-government entities and for real estate and construction, financial, insurance and employment disputes. 

Our arbitration experts have handled numerous significant, complex, and high-value arbitration cases, and take pride in our considerable success. Collaborating with some of the UAE's foremost experts, we enhance the strength of the cases we handle to attain the best possible outcome for our clients in commercial, banking and financial services, construction and real estate disputes among others. We have particular experience of acting in major arbitration matters before the DIAC, ADCCAC, TAHKEEM (Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre), IICRA (International Islamic Centre for Reconciliation and Arbitration) and the ICC.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Dispute Resolution: Domestic - United Arab Emirates

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Horizons & Co is an established Emirati law firm with a well-attested presence in the local courts. It is a popular choice for international counsel seeking local disputes expertise, and is noted for its growing bench of litigators in both the local and DIFC Courts. The firm has strong experience in banking and construction disputes, including with regard to arbitral award enforcement. It also frequently acts on real estate matters.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Horizons & Co represented the Bahrain branch of ICICI Bank in a dispute pertaining to its attempted recovery of USD12.5 million in funds provided by the bank under a working capital facility.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Horizons & Co provides comprehensive and in-depth advice, showing a good understanding of the law and the processes in the UAE courts.

    Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal
  • The firm consistently demonstrates a strong ability to handle complex matters, particularly in the context of high-value disputes involving international clients and sensitive legal issues.

    Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal
  • I think Horizons is one of the best at dealing with commercial disputes with an insurance angle.

    Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Ali Al Zarooni
    Band 1Ali Al Zarooni

    Ali Al Zarooni

    Ali Al Zarooni is a leading Emirati advocate whose name carries considerable respect in the market. He is an immensely experienced figure who has particularly in-depth expertise in real estate and construction disputes.
    • What distinguishes Ali is his deep understanding of the nuances of the UAE court system, his strategic foresight and ability to deliver practical, commercially driven solutions.

      Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal
    • I have been impressed with Dr Al Zarooni's strategic insight and courtroom experience.

      Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal
    • Ali Al Zarooni is one of those people who looks at the bigger picture and helps pave the way forward.

      Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal
  • Band 3Lilas Al Akhras
    Band 3Lilas Al Akhras

    Lilas Al Akhras

    Lilas Al Akhras advises high-profile clients across a range of commercial and criminal disputes. She possesses particular experience in financial crime matters and also assists with employment-related issues.

    • Lilas Al Akhras is highly knowledgeable, understands the legal processes extremely well and is consistently responsive and accessible.

      Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal
    • Lilas demonstrates excellent judgement in handling matters involving reputational or operational risk, and communicates legal issues clearly to international clients unfamiliar with the UAE system.

      Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal
    • Lilas Al Akhras is a highly capable litigator who combines strong technical skills with excellent case management and client service. She is hands-on, detail-oriented and consistently responsive.

      Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal
    • Her advice is always very clear and she has a huge amount of knowledge regarding local laws and regulations. She lives and breathes the law and is very tactical, which is what we like about her.

      Dispute Resolution: Domestic respondentGlobal

Ranked Individuals at Horizons & Co Law Firm (2)

United Arab Emirates

Members

Provided by Horizons & Co Law Firm

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