Zara Merali

Zara Merali is a senior lawyer, based in Dubai, who helps lead Freshfields' global investigations practice in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Zara focuses her practice on white-collar criminal defense, crisis management, anti-fraud enforcement and investigations, asset recovery and related litigation.

Zara helps clients navigate critical issues involving allegations of bribery, fraud, market manipulation, money laundering, terrorist financing, and reporting obligations. Zara also advises clients on GCC economic sanctions and export controls, data privacy and cybersecurity, as well as matters related to anti-corruption and anti-money laundering compliance.

Zara has worked in MENA for 13 years, and prior to that, she worked for leading firms in London and Toronto.

Zara serves on the DIFC Courts’ Pro Bono Committee and represents some of the firm’s pro bono clients which include leading international organisations.

Juris Doctor, Osgoode Hall Law School (Canada), junior editor for the Osgoode Hall Law Journal.

M.Phil., Columbia University (New York).

M.A.; Hons. B.A., University of Toronto.