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Sadiq Jafar

Sadiq Jafar

Managing Partner

Abu Dhabi & Dubai

+971 4 429 2999

s.jafar@hadefpartners.com

Sadiq is Managing Partner of Hadef & Partners. He has extensive corporate and commercial law experience, particularly in respect of inward investment, joint ventures, banking and finance, energy and infrastructure, and mergers and acquisitions. In addition to advising multinationals, Sadiq works closely with regional groups in the Middle East in relation to corporate strategy and succession planning.

Sadiq holds an LLB from the London School of Economics, London University. He qualified as a Barrister of Gray’s Inn, London in 1987 and later transferred to the Roll of Solicitors of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. Previous experience includes Associate at Clifford Chance from 1987 to 1993; and General Counsel of Crescent Petroleum until 1996. Other positions include: member of the Legal Practice Division (LPD) Nominations Committee of the International Bar Association (IBA); Officer / Middle East Liaison of the IBA’s Law Firm Management Committee; member of the Wealth Management Working Group of the Dubai International Financial Centre; member of the Legislative Committee of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority; member of the Advisory Board of the College of Law, University of Dubai; Chairman of the Development Advisory Board of Dubai College. Previous posts include: member of the Legal Practice Division Council of the IBA; Chairman of the Arab Regional Forum, a division of the IBA; Vice-Chair of the Law Practice Management Forum of the American Bar Association’s International Section; and member of the Advisory Board of Emirates Law, a quarterly publication of the Dubai Judicial Institute.

  • “Sadiq Jafar is very knowledgeable and very articulate of the legal landscape that he advises on. He summarises the situation and provides timely accurate and clear advice for the business to take a position on.”

    Legal 500, 2023

  • “Sadiq Jafar has a transparent approach to invoicing, cost and billing.”

    Legal 500, 2023

  • “A great all-round UAE finance practice who are always available and have a commercial and practical approach to service delivery.”

    Legal 500, 2023

  • Sadiq Jafar, Managing Partner of Hadef & Partners, has expertise at the interface of corporate work and family offices

    Legal 500, 2021

  • Sadiq Jafar is the Managing Partner of Hadef & Partners and regularly acts for domestic and regional family companies on group restructurings and corporate governance matters. He also advises international clients on the regulatory aspects of various commercial initiatives in the UAE.

    Chambers Global, 2021

  • Ranked as an Eminent Practitioner.

    Chambers Global, 2020

  • Ranked as a Notable Practitioner in the High Net Worth Rankings for Private Wealth Law.

    Chambers Global, 2020

  • He is regarded as “a really solid practitioner” who “runs a good shop”.

    Chambers Global, 2020

  • Sadiq Jafar is the firm's Managing Partner. Jafar has extensive experience working with substantial family businesses in the region, advising on structuring and success planning issues. Peers say he is a "good operator and knowledgeable," noting his offshore strengths.

    Chambers Global, 2019

  • Sources agree that he continues to be “a very strong name in the market”.

    Chambers Global, 2019

  • “Sources hold Sadiq Jafar in high regard as a ‘very responsive and very professional’ lawyer.”

    Chambers Global, 2017

  • Dubai office managing partner Sadiq Jafar forms an overwhelmingly positive impression on sources and is an important point of contact for many regional clients, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

    Chambers Global 2015

  • Hadef & Partners displays ‘a rare proactive approach and a welcome attention to client needs’. Sameer Huda is recommended, as is Sadiq Jafar, who is described by one client as ‘the wisest counsellor in the region’.

    Legal 500 2014

  • Described by client as ‘the wisest counsellor in the region’.

    Legal 500 2014

  • Sources highlight Dubai managing partner Sadiq Jafar as a "quality operator" and a strong choice for work referrals. He has a broad range of experience on corporate deals and energy and infrastructure projects.

    Chambers Global 2014

  • Sadiq Jafar is a key contact for the group, and is also the Dubai office's managing partner. (Capital Markets) Sadiq Jafar is managing partner of the Dubai office and continues to garner respect for his management skills and extensive local experience. (Corporate/Commercial)

    Chambers Global 2013

  • Shortlisted for Most Promising Newcomer Award - Private Practice 2021

    BY : The Middle East Legal Awards

    Lawyer : Mohammed Abbas

  • Shortlisted for Project Finance Deal of the Year 2015

    BY : IFLR MIDDLE EAST AWARDS

    Lawyer :