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Dr. Faraj Ahnish

Dr. Faraj Ahnish

Founding Partner

He is recognised in the business and legal community as a trusted and experienced adviser to governmental institutions and the private sector alike. He is admired for his integrity and ethical approach to business. He is licensed to appear before all Federal Courts of Appeal of the UAE. Since 1990, Dr. Faraj has been responsible for Hadef & Partners’ day to day direction and administration. He has extensive experience in various company and commercial affairs including having assisted the founders in incorporating many of the premier governmental and public listed companies in the UAE.

Dr. Faraj has authored many publications, including The International Law of Maritime Boundaries and the Practice of States in the Mediterranean Area, published by Clarendon Press of Oxford, 1993.

He graduated in law from the University of Benghazi and completed his LLM in International Law at Hull University. He went on to complete a PhD in International Law at the University of Cambridge.

  • “He is highly experienced and he knows literally everyone in the market. He's been around for a number of years and been responsible for some of the key developments in the legislation. I would say he is a very solid, resourceful and respected senior lawyer.”

    Chambers Global, 2023

  • “Dr Faraj constantly impresses us with his vast knowledge of the legalities, rules, regulations and policies in the UAE and internationally.”

    Chambers Global, 2022

  • “Dr. Faraj demonstrates the highest standards in the legal profession with his sound counsel across multiple areas of law, and on who’s immeasurable knowledge we rely on.”

    Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General at Emirates Nature-WWF

  • “Dr Faraj is a stand out figure in the UAE legal profession.”

    Simon Copleston, Group General Counsel & Board Secretary at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

  • “He’s just thoroughly professional and always offers good counsel. He has a wide knowledge and a good network of people in the region.”

    H.E. Younis Haji Alkhoori, Under Secretary of Ministry of Finance

  • Recommended as a "Leading Lawyer." (Faraj Ahnish)

    LEGAL 500 2014

  • Winner for UAE Employment Law Firm of the Year 2022

    Winner for UAE Employment Law Firm of the Year 2022

    BY : Chambers Middle East Awards

    Lawyer : Lucy MelvilleRachel HillSuzanne Gingles

  • Honourable mention for Employment Lawyer of the Year 2022

    Honourable mention for Employment Lawyer of the Year 2022

    BY : LexisNexis Women in Law Awards

    Lawyer : Rachel Hill

  • Employment Team of the Year 2021

    Employment Team of the Year 2021

    BY : The Oath Middle East Legal Awards

    Lawyer : Rachel Hill

  • Shortlisted for Most Promising Newcomer Award - Private Practice 2021

    BY : The Middle East Legal Awards

    Lawyer : Mohammed Abbas

  • Winner for Managing Partner of the Year

    Winner - Managing Partner of the Year 2020

    BY : IFLR Middle East Awards

    Lawyer : Dr. Faraj Ahnish

  • Young Lawyer of the Year 2014

    Young Lawyer of the Year

    BY : DIFC Court Users Committee Awards 2014

    Lawyer : Omar Al Heloo