Head of legal | Dubai Islamic Bank
Dr. Osama Issaq Al Haj
Head of legal | Dubai Islamic Bank
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?
Managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises requires a strategic and adaptable approach. I would approach it with a business continuity plan, we have created a BCP that outlines how legal issues will be managed. This includes preparing a back-up plan and designating teams or individuals responsible during absence of in-house lawyers.
Next would be an E-GRC framework; we conduct assessment of legal risks associated with the crisis. These involve how the crisis impacts contracts, statutory and regulatory requirements related to government bodies and the litigation cases.
Thirdly aligning legal strategy with business objectives is key. We have a legal strategy which is aligned to the broader business strategy. There is a detailed SWOT analysis conducted annually which takes into account the external and internal environment and our approach is tailored to support these objectives by mitigating risks and ensuring compliance without hindering business operations.
Lastly monitoring and adapting, continuously monitoring the situation and be prepared to adapt the legal strategy as needed. Crises are dynamic, and legal responses should be updated in response to new developments, changes in the regulatory environment, or shifts in business priorities.
By aligning the legal strategy with the organisation’s broader business strategy, I ensure that legal considerations support the overall goal of maintaining resilience and operational continuity during times of instability or crisis.
What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?
Recently, I have been involved in several key cases and transactions that highlight my role in managing complex legal issues and contributing to strategic business decisions. I recently led the defense in a high-profile litigation case where NMC healthcare and insurance providers around 23 cases onshore, ADGM case and in LCIA was involved in a dispute over Islamic facilities. My role included developing legal strategies, coordinating with external counsel, and representing the company in negotiations and court proceedings. The outcome was favorable and aligned with the company’s strategic interests.
I negotiated and drafted several critical contracts, including partnership agreements and vendor contracts. One notable transaction was the negotiation of a strategic facility agreement in relation to the aviation industry liked to Islamic Financial sector, which involved complex terms related to intellectual property and joint ventures. This partnership is expected to drive significant growth and innovation for our company.
These cases and transactions have provided valuable experience in handling diverse legal challenges and aligning legal strategies with broader business objectives. Each experience has contributed to strengthening my ability to navigate complex legal environments and support the organisation’s strategic goals effectively.
What is a topic of business (or otherwise) that you are passionate about?
We are honored to be bestowed with the ISO 9001:2015 accreditation. It is a testament to our dedicated and systematic approach in ensuring the overall quality management of our legal department. This ISO certification is a milestone achievement for us as it is a recognition of our commitment to consistently increase efficiency and quality across our department while adopting global best standards and practices.