Dubai’s legal sector recorded steady growth in early 2026, with a rise in international consultancy firms highlighting the emirate’s continued appeal as a global hub for legal expertise.
The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department reported that the number of licensed international legal consultancy firms reached 86 by the end of the first quarter, marking a 2.3 percent increase compared to the close of 2025. The Department also achieved a full sustainability rate in its registration and licensing operations during the period.
New registrations contributed to the sector’s expansion, with 89 legal consultants added in the first three months of the year. This brought the total number of practising legal consultants in Dubai to 3,433 across 139 licensed firms.
International firms now represent 61.8 percent of all legal consultancy firms in the emirate, reflecting Dubai’s ability to attract global talent and expertise. Legal professionals in the city come from 91 nationalities, reinforcing its position as a diverse and internationally aligned legal marketplace.
Dr. Lowai Mohamed Belhoul, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, said the sector’s growth reflects the leadership’s long-term vision to strengthen one of Dubai’s key service industries. He noted that the expansion of international firms aligns with the emirate’s evolving investment landscape, where demand for specialised legal services continues to rise.
The Department continues to support this momentum through policy flexibility, streamlined procedures and the digitalisation of services, aimed at enhancing competitiveness and reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a global centre for legal excellence.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
