Faraj A Ahnish

Practice Areas

Commercial Contracts (United Arab Emirates),

Regulatory: Government & Public Affairs (United Arab Emirates)

Career

Dr Faraj Ahnish was recognised in 2023 with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Chambers and Partners.

Dr. Faraj Ahnish has practiced for over 40 years and his experience in drafting and advising on UAE Government regulation is second to none. He is recognised in the business and legal community as a trusted and experienced adviser to governmental institutions and the private sector alike and his integrity and ethical approach to business is hugely admired.

Dr. Faraj has unmatched relationships throughout the Abu Dhabi and Federal governments. He is responsible for drafting a significant amount of the current legislation and has advised on a wide range of governmental initiatives. As a result, he has advised on the preparation of various Abu Dhabi laws and Emiri Decrees concerning the establishment and incorporation of major governmental and semi-governmental institutions including leading entities such as Mubadala Development Company and Aldar Properties

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

Dr. Faraj is licensed to appear before all Federal Courts of Appeal and Cassation of the UAE. 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, one of two Founding Partners of our firm has been at the helm of our practice for four decades and during this time has become one of the most trusted and respected advisors to Federal and local Government and heads our Government Regulation practice.

Hadef & Partners has been involved in the highest profile matters in the UAE and remains the law firm of choice for the Federal Government as well as many major corporates operating in the region. Unlike many of our peers, we have been appointed by the Federal Government to advise on significant legislative drafting which have had and continue to have substantial impact upon the business landscape of the UAE.

Experience

Dr Faraj 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.