Dubai is a global maritime hub with a growing demand for expert legal services in the shipping industry. Maritime lawyers in Dubai specialize in handling complex shipping disputes, marine insurance claims, vessel financing, and international trade issues.
Below is a list of the top 10 maritime lawyers in Dubai, known for their expertise in this highly specialized field.
1. Dr. Hassan Elhais – Al Rowaad Advocates & Legal Consultants
Dr. Hassan Elhais is a renowned maritime lawyer in Dubai with extensive experience in shipping contracts, cargo disputes, and vessel financing.
He provides legal guidance to shipowners, port operators, and logistics companies, ensuring compliance with UAE maritime laws.
He is a senior lawyer with AWTIF (previously known as Al Rowaad Advocates firm). This firm and its advocates are fully licensed to practice law across all Emirates in the UAE, including rights of audience before courts of first instance, appeal courts, and the Federal Supreme Court.
- Key Services: Maritime contract disputes, vessel sale and purchase agreements, marine insurance claims, shipping litigation.
- Experience: Over 18 years in maritime and commercial law.
- Located at: 29th Floor, The H Hotel Office Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 325 4000
- Website: alrowaad.ae
2. Alsuwaidi & Company
Alsuwaidi & Company has a dedicated maritime legal team assisting clients with shipbuilding contracts, port operations, and maritime dispute resolution. They are known for their deep understanding of UAE and international shipping laws.
- Key Services: Maritime litigation, ship financing, customs regulations, cargo claims.
- Experience: Over 25 years of experience in handling labor law cases in the UAE.
- Address: 252 Emarat Atrium Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 7273, Dubai
- Tel: +971 4 321 1000
- Fax: +971 4 321 1001
- Email: info@alsuwaidi.ae
- Website: alsuwaidi.ae
3. Davidson & Co
Davidson & Co has earned a trusted spot in Dubai’s maritime law space, thanks to its hands-on approach and deep understanding of the shipping industry.
The firm’s maritime team handles everything from vessel arrests and charter party disputes to marine insurance and regulatory matters.
What sets them apart is their ability to blend international legal standards with the nuances of UAE maritime law. Their lawyers are not just legal experts—they’re commercially minded problem-solvers who understand the pressures of the maritime world.
Clients value their clear communication, fast action, and practical strategies that keep business moving smoothly, even during legal storms.
- Key Services: Vessel registration, maritime arbitration, crew employment disputes, shipping contracts.
- Experience: Over 15 years in shipping and maritime law.
- Working Hours: Mon – Fri: 09:00 am – 05:30 pm
- Phone: +971 4 343 8897
- Address: PO Box 34002, Suite 504, Shangri La Offices, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
- Website: www.davidsoncolaw.com
4. Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants specialize in maritime transportation law and represent clients in cargo claims, vessel accidents, and shipping litigation. Their legal team provides comprehensive advisory services to shipowners and insurers.
What makes the firm stand out is its ability to handle both local and international maritime disputes with confidence and clarity.
Their team assists clients on issues like cargo claims, ship arrests, marine insurance, and port liabilities—always combining legal precision with commercial awareness.
The firm’s strong ties with regional maritime authorities and courts give clients an extra edge. It’s a go-to firm for practical, results-driven legal support in the ever-evolving maritime sector.
- Key Services: Port operations, marine insurance claims, maritime contract disputes, shipping finance.
- Experience: Over 20 years in the maritime sector.
- Address: Galadari Building, Al Ittihad Road, Dubai, UAE.
- Phone: +971 4 3778100
- Email: info@galadarilaw.com
- Website: www.galadarilaw.com
5. AWS Legal Group
AWS Legal Group is a leading law firm in Dubai with expertise in maritime law, offering legal support for ship financing, vessel documentation, and commercial shipping agreements.
What sets the firm apart is its niche focus on maritime arbitration and its strong relationships with regional port authorities.
Their team blends legal know-how with real-world industry insight, making them a solid choice for handling complex disputes, vessel detentions, cargo claims, and regulatory issues.
Clients appreciate their straightforward communication, prompt action, and practical advice tailored to the fast-moving maritime world. It’s legal guidance that keeps businesses anchored, even in rough waters.
- Key Expertise: Wet and dry shipping matters, vessel registration, maritime arbitration, marine insurance.
- Experience: Over 10 years in maritime law.
- Address: 1602, H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed road Dubai, UAE.
- Phone: +9714332 5928
- Email: support@testing.aws-legalgroup.com
- Website: www.aws-legalgroup.com
6. Fichte & Co
Fichte & Co is a premier maritime law firm in Dubai, assisting clients with complex shipping disputes, charter party agreements, and cargo claims. Their legal team provides strategic solutions to shipowners and maritime businesses.
- Key Services: Maritime litigation, ship finance, marine insurance disputes, port regulations.
- Free Consultation: Free initial consultation available, especially for corporate and immigration issues.
- Address: 23rd Floor, Rolex Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 116637, Dubai, UAETowers, Dubai, UAE.
- Email: info@fichtelegal.com
- Phone: +971 4 435 7577
- Website: fichtelegal.com
7. Hadef & Partners
Hadef & Partners brings a strong mix of local understanding and legal precision to marriage and family law cases in Dubai.
As one of the UAE’s homegrown law firms, they have spent decades building trust by offering specialized maritime legal services, including vessel arrest, salvage claims, and marine trade compliance. Their expertise extends to international shipping regulations.
Their lawyers handle sensitive matters with care while offering clear, actionable advice grounded in both Sharia and civil law. Clients value their thoughtful approach and deep respect for personal circumstances.
And finally, The firm’s lawyers hold rights of audience before all UAE courts, including the Court of Cassation, which speaks volumes about their courtroom experience and legal credibility.
- Key Services: Shipping finance, cargo claims, maritime arbitration, port customs regulations.
- Experience: 40 years
- Address: Hadef & Partners LLC, Level 5, Building 3, Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 429 2999
- Email: info@hadefpartners.com
- Website: hadefpartners.com
- Location: Click here to see the map
8. Saif Al Shamsi Advocates & Legal Consultants
Saif Al Shamsi Advocates & Legal Consultants stands out in Dubai’s maritime legal scene for its deep understanding of UAE shipping laws and international maritime standards. The firm has built a solid reputation among shipping companies and marine insurers for its sharp, results-driven counsel.
What makes them different? They blend traditional legal values with forward-thinking strategies—essential in a fast-moving maritime world. Whether it’s vessel registration, shipping disputes, or marine insurance claims, their team approaches each case with clarity and commitment.
Clients appreciate their personalized attention, multilingual support, and ability to simplify even the most technical maritime matters with confidence and care.
- Key Services: Marine insurance claims, ship mortgage disputes, vessel leasing agreements, crew labor disputes.
- Experience: Over 15 years in shipping and logistics law.
- Address: Office 401, Bay Square, BLD- 01, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE. P.O. Box 116564
- Phone: +971 4 346 9262, +971 4 346 9272
- Email: info@alshamsilegal.com, hr@alshamsilegal.com
- Website: www.alshamsilegal.com
9. HFW (Holman Fenwick Willan)
HFW brings decades of global maritime expertise right into the heart of Dubai’s legal landscape. The firm is a go-to name for clients in the shipping and trade sectors, offering precise legal solutions that are both practical and commercially savvy.
What sets HFW apart is their hands-on industry knowledge—many of their lawyers come from maritime backgrounds themselves. This means they speak the language of shipowners, charterers, and insurers, not just legalese.
Whether it’s cargo claims, collisions, or port disputes, their advice is direct, dependable, and grounded in real-world experience. That’s what keeps clients coming back.
- Key Services: Marine insurance claims, ship finance, vessel acquisitions, offshore projects, charter agreements.
- Experience: Over 135 years globally, with a significant presence in Dubai.
- Address: Level 8, Building 6, Emaar Square, Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 53934, Dubai
- Phone: +971 4 423 0555
- Location: click here to see on map
- Website: www.hfw.com
10. Al Tamimi & Company
Al Tamimi & Company stands among Dubai’s top law firms, providing expert legal assistance in maritime finance, offshore energy projects, and international shipping contracts. Their maritime division in Dubai serves clients across the Middle East.
Renowned for their professionalism and in-depth understanding of UAE law, the firm is committed to securing fair and timely solutions for clients facing sensitive family matters. Read more..
- Expertise: Shipping finance, offshore projects, cargo disputes, vessel acquisitions, marine trade regulation.
- Free Consultation: They offer free consultations on select legal matters, particularly for corporate clients.
- Address: 6th Floor, Building 4 East, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai, UAE
- Website: www.tamimi.com
- Email: info@tamimi.com
- Phone: +971 (0)4 364 1641
Conclusion
These top maritime lawyers in Dubai provide specialized legal services to shipowners, charterers, port operators, and logistics companies.
Whether dealing with vessel financing, shipping contracts, or maritime disputes, their expertise ensures the best legal solutions in the dynamic shipping industry.