The idea of packing up and starting fresh abroad often begins as a vague daydream — something you’ll do one day. But for a growing number of in-house lawyers, “one day” is arriving sooner than expected.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are fast becoming hotspots for legal talent looking to shake things up. Whether it’s the promise of a better work-life balance, tax-free salaries or year-round sun, the appeal is clear.

So what does making the leap actually look like? We’ve gathered some candid advice and insider know-how to help you decide if relocating to the UAE is your next smart move.

The job market: shiny, but competitive

Let’s get the honest bit out of the way: competition is fierce. Applications are plenty. Hiring managers can be picky. And yes, some are still hung up on Magic Circle credentials or top-ranking universities.

But here’s the upside: that mindset is changing. Fast.

More and more GCs in the region are international, commercially minded, and actively looking to build diverse teams. Experience, adaptability and cultural intelligence are gaining ground over pedigree.

That said, location matters — a lot. It’s much easier to land a job if you’re already in the UAE. This is a face-to-face culture, and many roles get filled through in-person networking and WhatsApp chats long before they hit LinkedIn.

Want to stand out? Here’s how

You don’t need wasta (local slang for “connections”) to get noticed. But you do need to be proactive:

• Be there. Even for a short trip. Set your LinkedIn location to the UAE and get a local SIM. It shows commitment and makes it easier for employers to act quickly.
• Start talking. Opportunities often start with a casual coffee. Tap your existing network, ask around on LinkedIn, and show up to local events.
• Show regional awareness. If you’ve lived, studied or worked in the UAE, say so. If not, show genuine interest and openness to adapt.
• Target hot sectors. Tech, AI, healthtech, data protection and legal ops are in high demand — especially in fast-growth businesses.

What’s it like to work there?

It depends. There’s no one-size-fits-all culture — but here are a few common threads:

• Speed and accessibility matter. WhatsApp is often the go-to business tool. If you can manage stakeholders and communicate clearly, you’ll thrive.
• Offices aren’t dead. Remote work isn’t the norm, and many employers expect regular in-person presence. Hybrid exists, but flexibility varies.
• Pay can be attractive. Packages are often more generous than UK equivalents, and tax-free salaries can go a long way.
• The legal community is tight-knit. You’ll quickly build a new circle. The in-house scene is small, friendly and surprisingly interconnected.

Family, flexibility and freelancing

If you’re bringing the whole crew, you’ll want to plan carefully. Healthcare is private, schools are expensive, and maternity leave is shorter than in the UK. But many employers offer family-friendly benefits to help ease the transition.

As for flexibility, freelancing isn’t a thing in the UAE legal market — you’ll need to be employed and sponsored. That said, secondments and fractional roles are on the rise, especially in legal teams that value agility.

One tip: be ready to start quickly. The market moves fast and decision-makers often want you yesterday.

The bottom line? Momentum matters

Relocating to the UAE as an in-house lawyer isn’t a pipe dream — it’s a practical option with real rewards. But it’s not for the passive.

If you’re even slightly tempted, get yourself on a plane. Feel the pace. Meet the people. Attend a legal meet-up or two. And start having conversations.

You’ll soon know whether the move is right for you — and who’s already there to help you land softly.