Leadership

Our executive team is backed by a dedicated group of seasoned lawyers and consultants, providing comprehensive support across multiple jurisdictions.

The partners leading the firm.

Mahmoud Abuwasel

Mahmoud Abuwasel

Partner - Disputes

mabuwasel@waselandwasel.com

I have litigated hundreds of matters in excess of hundreds of millions of USD in dispute. As counsel, instructing counsel, or co-counsel. Most of my litigation practice is disputes before the UAE Courts on-shore and off-shore (DIFC/ADGM), but I have also acted on matters before the NY Courts, English Courts, PRC Courts, Qatar Courts, Dutch Courts, and others.

I have represented parties in numerous arbitration proceedings seated in different jurisdictions, under various rules, including ICC, LCIA, LMAA, HKIAC, DIAC, QICCA, UNCITRAL, ICSID, and ad hoc arbitration. I have counseled parties in both commercial and investment arbitration.

I have been appointed as an expert witness on UAE law before courts and arbitral tribunals, including the NY Courts, the London Courts, and the Swiss Courts.

I am regularly covered across major global outlets, including NBC News, Axios, Law360, Yahoo! Finance, Thomson Reuters, LexisNexis, International Business Times, MSN, AOL, NewsNation, UPI, and Khaleej Times.

I regularly contribute analysis on topics ranging from corporate resilience to global tech policy for specialized platforms such as Tech Policy Press, The Compliance Digest, Business & Accountancy Daily, and Law.com. In addition to academic and industry publications.

I am the author of the seminal book on digital asset disputes in the United Arab Emirates titled ‘UAE Crypto Litigation’ which has been used as authority in court proceedings.

I am also the author of the lead tax disputes annual publication Tax Controversy UAE (Lexology Panoramic) since 2019 to date, in addition to Investment Arbitration Canada (Lexology Panoramic) from 2021-2024.

I hold a Master’s degree in Management with a course in Constitutional Law from Harvard University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Southern Queensland, and a Master’s in Islamic Law from Middlesex University.

I am a Supreme Court Solicitor (Victoria, Australia), and registered practitioner (DIFC, ADGM, UAE).

I am a Qualified Arbitrator by the ADR Institute of Canada and am empaneled with various arbitration centers as an arbitrator.

I am admitted and elected as a Full Member in the Practicing Category UAE Law with The Academy of Experts at 3 Gray’s Inn Square in London.

I have five kids and spend most of my time with them.

Email Me

The Story Behind My Career

I have always been interested in how different legal systems interact. I had the opportunity to train under some incredible mentors, including senior staff from the US Raegen and Bush administrations and a former Chief Justice of the UAE Federal Supreme Court. That experience gave me a unique perspective. I learned how to advocate like a Western lawyer, but also how to navigate the nuances and procedures of the Middle Eastern judicial system.

My Professional Journey

I realized early on that business does not stay within one country’s borders, so I did not want my legal practice to either. I made a point to gain qualifications and experience that bridged the gap between East and West. This journey took me from becoming a Solicitor in Australia to handling cases in the Gulf and testifying as an expert in New York. It has been about building a toolkit that works globally, not just locally.

My Background and Values

Outside of work, I am a father of five. Spending time with my kids is a huge part of my life. Professionally, I value directness. I do not believe in overcomplicating things with legal jargon. I prefer to give my clients a straight answer about where they stand and what their options are.

My Unique Methodology

My methodology is “The 360-Degree Defense.” I do not just look at the dispute in front of me; I look at the peripheral risks—tax implications, reputational fallout, and enforceability. I often employ a “reverse-engineering” approach to litigation: I start with the enforcement asset and work backward to determine the legal strategy. This ensures we never win a paper victory that translates to zero financial recovery.

My Perspective on Industry Trends

I see a massive shift toward “hybrid” dispute resolution. The rigid walls between litigation and arbitration are porous. Smart litigants are using court injunctions to tactical advantage in arbitration, and using arbitration awards to leverage settlement in parallel regulatory investigations. The era of choosing “just arbitration” or “just litigation” is over; the future belongs to those who can wield both simultaneously.

The Philosophy Guiding My Work

Precision over volume. I do not believe in scorching the earth with endless motions unless they serve a strategic end. My philosophy is to identify the critical path of a case, the one or two issues that will actually decide the outcome, and focus resources on winning those points.

How I Solve Complex Problems

I simplify. Legal disputes can feel overwhelming, but they usually come down to a simple narrative: who promised what, and what went wrong. I try to strip away the complexity to find that core story. Once we have a clear narrative, the legal strategy usually falls into place naturally.

How I Deliver Measurable Results

I am practical about costs. I try to provide an early assessment of the case so the client knows the probability of winning versus the cost of fighting. Winning is not just a verdict; sometimes it is a favorable settlement that lets the client get back to business. I measure success by the net value provided to the client.

The Value I Bring to Organizations

When an organization is sued in a foreign jurisdiction or faces a bet-the-company arbitration, panic is the enemy. I bring a calm, authoritative roadmap. I tell you exactly what the risks are, how much it will cost, and how we will win. I remove the mystery from the legal process.

How I Can Support Your Goals

I assist clients in resolving high-stakes disputes that impact financial stability or corporate reputation. Whether you require vigorous representation in court, strategic guidance in arbitration, or an authoritative expert opinion for a foreign tribunal, I provide the advocacy necessary to protect your interests.

My thoughts on the future of the field.

My insights