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The Evolving Role of the Legal Function: A Strategic Comparison Between the Middle East and Common Law Models

January 1970

Abstract

Across today’s corporate world, the legal function has moved from the background to the centre of business life. It is no longer a department that reacts once decisions are made, but a partner that shapes them, balancing opportunity, governance, and risk. This article compares how that transformation unfolds in two different but connected regions: the Middle East and common law jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom. Although the legal traditions, governance structures, and business cultures differ, both regions are discovering that a strong, integrated, and human legal function is essential for sustainable growth. Drawing on my experience as Group Chief Legal Officer of Al Habtoor Group, one of the Middle East’s most established conglomerates, combined with my background of working for multinational companies and law firms, I reflect on how legal teams can bridge cultural and structural gaps, how they can evolve from protectors to partners, and how they can build trust that endures beyond contracts.

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Author

Portrait image of Hadi N. El Kadi
Hadi N. El Kadi
Group Chief Legal Officer, Al Habtoor Group, UAE

Hadi N. El Kadi serves as the Group Chief Legal Officer of Al Habtoor Group, one of the United Arab Emirates’ most established and diversified conglomerates, headquartered in Dubai. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has developed a reputation for transforming legal functions into strategic partners that enable growth, governance, and enterprise value creation. Before joining Al Habtoor Group, Hadi held senior leadership roles with major regional groups, including Al Ghurair Investment in Dubai and Al Faisaliah Group in Riyadh. Earlier, he served as Regional Partner at Hugh Fraser International Legal Consultancy, overseeing cross-border mandates throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In addition to his corporate work, Hadi lectures at the University Paris II Panthéon-Assas (Dubai Campus) on UAE and GCC Legal Systems and is a Member of the International Bar Association. He holds an LLB, an LLM in International Business Law, and an MBA, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Management focused on legal leadership, risk, and corporate governance. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, Hadi bridges legal strategy, business leadership, and academic insight with a focus on advancing the role of in-house counsel in modern organizations.

Company

Al Habtoor Group logo

Al Habtoor Group

Al Habtoor Group, founded in 1970 by Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, is one of the UAE’s foremost diversified conglomerates with major interests in hospitality, real estate, automotive, education, and publishing. Headquartered in Dubai, the Group owns and operates world-class hospitality assets such as Al Habtoor City, home to Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, V Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton, and Habtoor Palace LXR Hotels & Resorts, alongside a growing portfolio of hotels across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, managed in partnership with leading international operators. Its real estate division develops landmark residential towers, commercial projects, and integrated communities across Dubai and abroad, reflecting a strong long-term investment vision. Through Al Habtoor Motors, the Group represents elite global automotive brands including Bentley, Bugatti, Pagani, Mitsubishi, and others. Its education and media ventures further reinforce its contribution to community development and thought leadership. Guided by enduring Emirati values and family-driven governance, Al Habtoor Group continues to expand its regional and global footprint, underpinned by robust governance, strategic foresight, and sound legal frameworks that protect its assets, partnerships, and reputation.

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