Awatif Al Khouri

Practice Areas

Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri is highly recommended and frequently referenced in the United Arab Emirates. She is recognized for her extensive expertise in high-stakes litigation, family law, commercial law, criminal law, and civil law. She has established a distinguished career in the UAE legal landscape for over three decades as the founder and principal of Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, representing individual and corporate clients before all levels of the UAE judiciary, from the Courts of First Instance to the Federal Supreme Court.

Professional Memberships

Mrs. Awatif’s professional affiliations reflect her commitment to excellence and her active engagement in the legal community.

- A member of TaG Law Alliance

- Member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers

- A member of the European Attorneys

- The Lawyers Union in Dubai Court

- The Ministry of Justice

- The International Bar Association, where she is a member of the Family Law Committee,

- The American Bar Association, where she serves as an associate member on the Family Law Committee.

Publications

Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri is recognized as a trailblazer in UAE law, with her extensive professional affiliations reflecting her leadership and influence in the legal community by The Oath. Her expertise in handling complex matters, including securing embassy approvals and representing foreign nationals, has been highlighted by Gulf Times. Additionally, the firm’s notable successes, such as significant criminal case outcomes and acquittals, have been featured in major UAE publications, including Khaleej Times and The National.

Personal

Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri earned her bachelor's degree in law from the esteemed University of Hassan II in Casablanca. Proficient in Arabic, English, and French, her language skills allow her to effectively cater to a diverse clientele. Over the past 20 years, Mrs. Awatif has represented such esteemed clients as Shell Petrol L.T.D., Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, HH Sheikh Saeed Bin Hasher Al Maktoum, and the University of Middlesex. She commenced her legal training and qualification in Dubai, initiating her practice in 1989 with several UAE law firms before establishing her own law firm in 2003. The firm has expanded into one of the UAE's most reputable full-service law practices under her leadership, providing strategic advocacy and solid legal services in criminal, civil, family, corporate, and commercial matters.

Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy is consistently praised by clients for providing legal services that exceed expectations. Mrs. Awatif’s compassion and empathy throughout the legal process, as well as the firm's extensive knowledge, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail, are all emphasized. Numerous clients have observed that Mrs. Awatif's personal supervision of their cases offers a substantial sense of assurance, alleviating tension during situations that are frequently intricate and challenging.

Her exceptional communication skills are also emphasized by clients, who appreciate her ability to listen attentively, provide straightforward explanations, and guarantee that they comprehend each phase of their case. Her commitment to providing legal and personal support to clients has left a lasting impression, offering the firm profound gratitude and a high recommendation for those seeking trustworthy, compassionate, and results-driven legal guidance.

Work Highlights

A 23-year-old salesman in Dubai, who initially reported a robbery at his International City apartment, was charged with setting up a gambling den after police found money, playing cards, and credit cards. He claimed a gang had assaulted him and stolen Dh20,000 while he and his friends were playing cards.

Represented by Awatif Al Khouri of Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, the defendant denied the charge, arguing that his apartment was not a public gambling venue and the cash found was not proven to be from gambling. The Dubai Court of First Instance cleared him of the gambling-related charge.

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A client was effectively represented by Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri of Awatif Shoqi Advocates in an extortion case before the Dubai Criminal Court. Mrs. Awatif initiated legal proceedings after her client was threatened with reputational damage and blackmailed for Dh1 million subsequent to the termination of their relationship. The accused was convicted as a result of her representation, and she was subsequently sentenced to three months of imprisonment, followed by deportation.

Additionally, she pursued a civil claim for compensation on behalf of her client, thereby illustrating her organization's dedication to safeguarding clients from emotional distress, reputational harm, and coercion.

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A 47-year-old British man of Indian descent was granted a divorce by a Dubai court in accordance with the UAE Federal Personal Status Law (Federal Law No. 41 of 2022), which is based on Indian marriage law from 1955. After the court received evidence that the mother was mentally incompetent to care for their two children, aged 8 and 6, the husband was granted custody. The court ruled in his favor.

The case, which was represented by Mrs. Awatif Al Khouri of Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, underscored the mother's history of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as her refusal to receive treatment. The court's decision represents an uncommon instance of the application of a foreign law in UAE personal status cases to safeguard the welfare of minors.

Clients

Mrs. Awatif has represented such esteemed clients as Shell Petrol L.T.D., Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, HH Sheikh Saeed Bin Hasher Al Maktoum, and the University of Middlesex.

Expert in these Jurisdictions

United Arab Emirates

Languages Spoken

Arabic, French and English

Awards