Essa Ahmad

Legal Advisor, Director of Legislative Directorate The Supreme Legislation Committee of the Emirate of Dubai and Adjunct lecturer in law at Paris-Pantheon-Assas University, Dubai DIFC campus, teaching undergraduate course “UAE legal system”.

Education and Qualifications

• PhD Candidate, International Arbitration Law, University of Leicester, research area: Standard of Arbitrator Impartiality and Independence.
• 2018: [LLM] International Business Law, City University of London, Research dissertation title "To what extent are arbitrators' immune to challenge? A comparative study"
• 2015: [MsC] Construction Law & Dispute Resolution, British University in Dubai, Research dissertation title Unforeseen Physical Conditions and their legal implications in construction – a comparative study”
• 2013: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, RICS Accredited Mediator in property, land and construction disputes.
• 2013: Institute of Training and Judicial Studies, Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice - UAE Advocacy License.
• 2011: [LLB IN LAW] UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

Career History and Experience

Current: Adjunct lecturer in law at Paris-Pantheon-Assas University, Dubai DIFC campus, teaching undergraduate course “UAE legal system”.

Current: Legal Advisor, Director of Legislative Directorate The Supreme Legislation Committee of the Emirate of Dubai

• Revise and draft, in terms of form and content, all draft legislation and regulations  proposed by the Government of Dubai, ensure they do not contradict the current legislation in force, ensure that legislative provisions are simple, applicable, and aligned with the strategic plans of the Emirate.
  
  
• Draft and provide legal opinion and advice with respect to inquiries submitted to the SLC by the Government of Dubai or by Government Entities in relation to legislative provisions.
• Draft explanatory notes with respect to interpretation of the provisions of the legislation in force in the Emirate.
• Participate in representing the Government of Dubai in committees formed to discuss and draft federal laws and regulations.
• Revise and draft MoUs & agreements the Government of Dubai or any of its entities are party to.

Current: Member of Financial Markets Law Enforcement Committee in the Emirate of Dubai

• Follow up the critical issues that may affect the reputation and economy of the Emirate of Dubai and that are referred to the Securities and Commodities Authority by the local markets and the concerned entities in the Emirate; and represent these markets and entities before the SCA in relation to these issues.
• Prepare special reports on the critical issues that may affect the local markets, and present the same to the competent entities in the Emirate.
• Propose and consider legislation and legal and judicial systems to regulate financial markets with a view to developing the securities and commodities markets and trading; and submit the same to the competent entities in the Emirate to take the necessary action in respect thereof.

Current: Member of Complaints and Grievances Committee Dubai International Marine Club

• Interview the employee in respect of the Work-related Offence attributed to him or her, and interview any other employee involved in such an offence.
• Hear the statements of witnesses, experts, and specialists.
• Review the files and documents, and request any information and data relevant to the subject matter of the Work-related Offence referred to it.
• Determine the Work-related Offences referred to it.
• Impose the appropriate Disciplinary Penalty on the Employee upon establishing that he has committed the Work-related Offence attributed to him or her.

2014: The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department – Ruler's Court

• Government Contracts and Agreement Directorate
• Review and draft contracts and agreements to ensure that they are compliant with the provisions of Government of Dubai Procurement Law.
• Provide assistance in drafting and reviewing all documents relating to the Government tender and procurement process;
• Provide assistance to the Government and its entities with respect to all aspects of negotiations with suppliers and service providers until such time as an agreement has been concluded and the final contract drafted;
• Provide legal opinions and advice with respect to enquiries submitted to the Department by the Government or by Government Entities in relation to any legal issue or statutory provision;
• Prepare and review contracts and agreements entered into by the Government or by Government Entities based on the request of such entities, and represent them in the negotiations relating to the same; and
• Review all memoranda of association of corporations and companies established by the Government, or by Government Entities or to which they are a party.

2011- 2013: Judicial Officer & Notary Public Dubai Courts

• Notarizing Contracts, Affirmations, Power of Attorneys, Notifications and various documents that requires notarization.
• Execution Department: Enforcement orders, Precautionary interim orders, attachment and sales over tangible and intangible assets.
• Centre for Amicable Settlements of Disputes: Bank disputes - Request for appointing a specialized expert - Civil, Commercial and Real Estate disputes.
• Family Court: court hearings, execution and enforcement, heritance and amicable settlements.
• Labor Court: Amicable Settlement, court hearing, reviewing and research.
• Department of Civil and Commercial Case Management (Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal): case management Civil, Commercial, Real Estate.

Publications

• Arbitrator Immunity, Emirates Law Business and Practice Magazine, Vol 4, 2016, p54, available at Lexis Middle East.
• Mediation: the UAE model, Emirates Law Business and Practice Magazine, Vol 11, 2018, p55 available at Lexis Middle East.

Arbitration Appointments

• Sole arbitrator in an ad hoc arbitration nominated by DIAC involving a default payments of service contract (2023).

Area of Expertise

• Real Estate and construction disputes.
• Commercial and civil disputes.
• Rental law.
• Arbitration law
• Government procurement contracts.
• Administrative Law.
• Explanation of UAE laws

Admissions to Practice Law

• UAE