Senior Legal Counsel

UAE Tech Startup | Dubai, UAEAn exciting opportunity has emerged with a fast-growing international technology business expanding across the MENA region. We are seeking a commercially minded, hands-on Senior Legal Counsel to support regional growth, with a particular focus on the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.This is a broad role for someone who can balance the pace and ambiguity of a scaling business with the governance requirements of a larger corporate environment. The opportunityThis is not a narrow specialist role. You will be the key legal partner to the international business, supporting commercial activity, market entry and operational decision-making.You will need to be comfortable moving quickly, prioritising revenue-critical work and providing practical solutions rather than creating unnecessary process.What you’ll be doingDrafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, customer agreements and NDAsAdvising on employment law and people-related matters across international marketsSupporting market-entry activity, including trade licences, local compliance and Social Security considerationsAdvising stakeholders on regional legal and regulatory nuances across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and EgyptPartnering with commercial, HR, finance and operational teams on day-to-day legal mattersManaging and coordinating external counsel and specialist advisers where requiredActing as a bridge between a fast-moving international team and US-based legal stakeholdersCreating proportionate legal processes that enable the business to scale without slowing it downMentoring and supporting a junior legal team memberWhat we’re looking forQualified lawyer with substantial in-house legal experienceStrong commercial contract drafting, review and negotiation experienceA proven generalist background across commercial, employment and compliance mattersRegional experience in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and/or EgyptExperience supporting a startup, scale-up or high-growth businessAbility to work independently, manage ambiguity and balance competing prioritiesCommercial judgement, pragmatism and confidence engaging directly with non-legal stakeholdersComfortable taking ownership of urgent, revenue-critical mattersArabic reading, writing and language skillsAdvantageousExperience supporting market entry across MENAFamiliarity with trade licensing, employment structures and regulatory requirements in the regionCareer progressionThis role offers the opportunity to shape and grow the international legal function as the business expands into new markets. As the international division develops, the successful candidate will take on broader strategic responsibility and play a central role in supporting expansion across EMEA and beyond.What we offerA high-impact role within an ambitious technology business, working closely with senior international stakeholders. You will have the autonomy to make a tangible difference, exposure to complex cross-border work and the opportunity to help build a scalable legal function.Recruitment processThe role has recently opened, so please apply directly. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted to discuss the opportunity in more detail. The interview process will include online and face-to-face stages depending on location and availability.Your ConsultantMichael Deane is a Senior Recruitment Consultant specialising in placing C-Suite, VP and senior-level technical, commercial and business development professionals across the Middle East.