How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

As the group chief legal counsel at Aujan Group Holding, I work very closely with the management team in periods of instability and crisis. I adopt a proactive and adaptable legal strategy that aligns closely with the company’s broader business objectives. During these difficult periods, the legal department’s role extends beyond day-to-day legal services. I focus on creating a resilient legal framework that supports flexible decision-making, ensuring business continuity while safeguarding stakeholder interests. This involves constant engagement with other departments to assess risks in real-time and providing legal solutions that reinforce our overall business strategy.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

In addition to handling the day-to-day legal work and demanding environment, the legal team has been engaged in very critical transactions and court cases. The latest is a refinancing deal worth approximately AED1 bn, sale of one of the group’s landmark hotels in Dubai, investing in various classes of real estate assets and funds in various jurisdictions. The legal team handled high value disputes and lately won a major court case recovering more than USD$ 10m of receivables.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in the region over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?

Regulatory changes in fast developing markets such as the UAE and KSA, the evolving digital landscape and geopolitical issues will be key challenges. The legal landscape is becoming more complex, with increased scrutiny from regulators and a growing emphasis on compliance. To address these challenges, it is important to maintain strong relationships with local regulators and promoting a culture of compliance within the organsation. The increase in cyberattacks and need for data protection will require GCs to prioritise their focus on data privacy and cybersecurity. GCs need to work closely with in-house IT and cybersecurity advisors to establish solid data protection measures, comply with data protection and privacy regulations, and respond effectively to data breaches, cyber and ransomware attacks.

What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation?

The legal department plays an important role in promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) within Aujan Group. We ensure that the group’s operations are not only legally compliant but also ethically aligned with our CSR goals. This includes reviewing contracts and supplier agreements to ensure they reflect our commitment to sustainability, fair labor practices, and environmental responsibility. Moreover, we actively participate in shaping CSR initiatives by collaborating with other departments to integrate responsible business practices into our operational framework.