The legal community of the Middle East converged at the luxurious Shangri-La Dubai on Oct. 17, 2024, for the highly anticipated 4th Annual ALB Middle East Law Awards.
This prestigious event, a cornerstone of the region's legal calendar, showcased the pinnacle of legal talent and innovation, bringing together an impressive gathering of over 130 organisations from across the Middle East and beyond.
The 2024 ceremony marked a significant milestone in the awards' history, boasting a remarkable 60 percent increase in participation compared to the previous year. This surge in engagement underscored the growing prominence of the Middle East's legal sector on the global stage.
Submissions flooded in from a diverse array of countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan. Adding to the international flavour, the awards also attracted entries from beyond the region, including the United Kingdom, India, and China, further cementing its status as a truly global event.
Amantha Chia, Senior Director of the Legal Media Group at Thomson Reuters, emphasised the event's significance in her opening speech: "This remarkable increase in entries not only reflects the growing prestige of these awards but also demonstrates the thriving spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our legal landscape."
The awards ceremony featured an impressive array of 40 categories, recognising excellence across various legal specialities and practice areas. Some of the most eagerly anticipated awards included Managing Partner of the Year, Middle East In-House Team of the Year, Litigation Law Firm of the Year, and Young Lawyer of the Year. The diversity of categories reflected the multifaceted nature of the legal profession in the Middle East, from corporate law to dispute resolution, and from Islamic finance to energy and natural resources.
As the night unfolded, winners in various categories were announced, each representing the pinnacle of legal excellence in their respective fields. Among the most prestigious awards, ROSHN Group claimed the title of Middle East In-House Team of the Year, showcasing their exceptional legal acumen and strategic contributions to their organisation.
The coveted Middle East Law Firm of the Year award was presented to Khoshaim & Associates, recognising their outstanding performance and significant impact on the region's legal landscape.
In the country-specific categories, Afridi & Angell emerged victorious as the UAE Law Firm of the Year, affirming their position as a leading legal powerhouse in one of the region's most dynamic markets.
Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Donya Fredj of G42 being honoured as the In-House Lawyer of the Year, recognising her exceptional leadership and contributions to her organisation's legal strategy.
The prestigious Managing Partner of the Year award went to Bader El Jeaan of MEYSAN, acknowledging his outstanding leadership and strategic vision in guiding his firm to new heights.
These winners exemplified the high standards of legal practice and innovation that the ALB Middle East Law Awards aim to celebrate, showcasing both organisational and individual excellence in the legal field.
The ceremony not only celebrated individual and firm achievements but also provided a valuable platform for networking and collaboration among legal professionals from different jurisdictions. This cross-border interaction underscored the Middle East's growing importance in the global legal landscape and fostered connections that could lead to future partnerships and collaborations.
The full list of winners can be viewed here.
