Habib Al Mulla

Dr. Al Mulla is one of the UAE's most respected legal authorities. He has over 41 years of experience in UAE law and has drafted many of the modern legislative structures in place in Dubai today. Dr Habib is a strong advocate for the modernization of UAE Laws. He is a frequent commentator on legislative, economic, and social issues in the country, and is often commissioned to draft and advise on laws at both the federal level and in the Emirate of Dubai. Dr. Al Mulla has held several leadership positions throughout his distinguished professional career, reflecting his lasting influence on the UAE’s legal landscape.

Dr. Al Mulla serves on the Board of Directors of the Dubai International Chamber, the Board of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) Academy, the Board of Trustees of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, and the Technical Decisions Board of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration.

Previously, he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), where he also chaired the Legislative Committee.

Dr. Al Mulla pioneered the concept of financial free zones in the UAE and was the chief architect of the legal framework establishing the DIFC, the first financial free zone in the country. He held several prominent government positions, including as a member of the UAE Federal National Council, the Legislative Committee responsible for reviewing federal laws, and the Economic Committee overseeing the Union’s fiscal and economic policies. He was also Director of the Institute for Advanced Legal and Judicial Studies in Dubai, responsible for training judges and prosecutors, and President of the UAE Lawyers Association.

He has handled numerous high-profile cases both within the UAE and internationally. As an international arbitrator and a leading expert in UAE law, Dr. Al Mulla is frequently called to testify before foreign courts and international arbitration tribunals on UAE laws and Arab laws in general.

→ Chair, UAE Branch, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)

→ Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dubai International Arbitration Centre (2015–2019)

→ Member, ICC Institute and UAE National Committee of ICC

→ Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)

→ Member, Expert Committee, TECOM Free Zone, Dubai

→ Chairman, Dubai Financial Services Authority (2003–2006)

→ Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, American University in Dubai

→ Member, Board of Trustees, Dubai School of Government

→ Member, Federal National Council (2000–2002)

→ Board Member, Academy of AIAC

→ Member, Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)

→ Board Member, Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA)

→ Board Member, Dubai International Chamber

→ Board Member, Academy of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)

→ Board Member, Board of Trustees of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA)

→ Member, Technical Decisions Board of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)

→ Member, International Arbitration Subcommittee of the Russian Arbitration Center (RAC)

→ Member, Panel of Arbitrators for the Hainan International Arbitration Court (HIAC)

→ Member, Special committee at the Syrian Investment Authority (SIA)

Dr. Habib is a prolific and insightful author whose work spans law, economics, and culture in the UAE. He has contributed to respected international platforms such as GAR Live, offering commentary and analysis on arbitration and legal developments. His published body of work includes numerous books and articles that reflect decades of scholarly engagement with the evolution of the UAE’s legal and economic landscape.

Among his signature contributions is the acclaimed two‑volume collection "Harvest of a Lifetime", which brings together his extensive writings on law, politics, economics, and society in the UAE. In the corporate and regulatory space, he authored a widely referenced book on the UAE’s Corporate Tax regime, providing a clear and practical explanation of Federal Decree‑Law No. 37 of 2022—a resource valued by practitioners, businesses, and policymakers seeking clarity on the new tax framework.

Showcasing the breadth of his interests, Dr. Habib also ventured into cultural writing with "A Foodie’s Guide to the World of Gastronomy", a work that blends global culinary appreciation with his signature analytical style. His publications collectively reflect a deep intellectual curiosity and an ability to translate complex topics into accessible, compelling narratives for both legal professionals and wider audiences.

Arbitrator Appointment:

→ Chair, private arbitration regarding a major construction project in Oman

→ Sole arbitrator in ICC arbitration in Qatar on a large-scale construction project between two Middle Eastern companies

→ Co-arbitrator in ICC arbitration in Qatar between an Indian and a UAE company regarding a major construction project

→ Sole arbitrator in DCCI arbitration over a construction contract dispute between two UAE companies

→ Co-arbitrator in multi-million-dollar DIAC arbitration concerning a twin-tower development in Dubai

→ Co-arbitrator in PCA multi-million-dollar arbitration over a sugar project in Mauritania

→ Co-arbitrator in UNCITRAL arbitration over a power generation project in Jordan

→ Party-appointed arbitrator in ICC arbitrations in London over iron ore supply contracts between Indian and UAE companies

Counsel Appointment:

→ Co-counsel to the Government of Dubai (with an international law firm) in port concession disputes under ICSID and DIAC rules

→ Counsel to a respondent in DIAC arbitration over AED 500 million Dubai development project

→ Counsel in a series of private arbitrations over AED 100 million subcontracting disputes in major Dubai construction projects

→ Counsel in ICC arbitration for a global top 100 technology company in a AED 50 million dispute over works at Dubai International Airport

→ Counsel in DIAC multi-million-dirham disputes involving schools, hotels, oil fields, and landmark projects in the UAE

Expert Appointment:

→ UAE law expert in ICC arbitration concerning the satellite industry

→ UAE law expert in DIFC arbitration on bankruptcy and damages

→ UAE law expert in major case before Hong Kong courts

→ UAE law expert in UK High Court case on banking and real estate transactions

→ UAE law expert in ICC arbitration concerning technology supply agreements