The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department has reported a surge in the number of licensed international legal consultancy firms in the emirate during the first quarter of 2026.
The total number of licensed international firms reached 86 by the end of March, a 2.3 per cent increase compared to the end of 2025. The Department also recorded a 100 per cent sustainability rate in registration and licensing operations.
According to the Department’s quarterly report, 89 new legal consultants were registered during the first quarter, bringing the total number of practising legal consultants to 3,433 across 139 licensed legal consultancy firms.
International firms make up 61.8% of licensed legal consultancies in Dubai
International firms now account for 61.8 per cent of all licensed legal consultancy firms in Dubai. Legal consultants in the emirate represent 91 nationalities.
Dr Lowai Mohamed Belhoul, Director General of the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, said the growth and development of the legal sector demonstrates the vision and directives of the leadership of Dubai.
“The growth of international firms mirrors Dubai’s investment environment, which requires a range of legal expertise to support cross-border economic activity,” he said. “This diversity strengthens the investment ecosystem by ensuring access to legal services aligned with Dubai’s standing.”
Dr Belhoul said the Department is focused on providing enablers and policy frameworks through legislative agility, streamlined procedures and the digitalisation of services.
These measures, he said, are designed to strengthen competitiveness and reinforce Dubai’s position as a model for legal excellence.
