Azaan Salahuddin
In 2021, at the age of 24, Azaan Salahuddin established Al Adl Legal, a law firm in Dubai offering corporate and cross-border legal services. Starting a legal practice in a city known for its competitive environment and diverse clientele was an ambitious move, especially for a young lawyer. Three years later, Salahuddin, now 27, has gained recognition for his work in helping businesses, particularly those from Australia and Europe, establish a presence in the Middle East.
Dubai's position as a hub for international commerce means that companies entering the market often face regulatory challenges. Salahuddin's practice focuses on guiding businesses through these complexities, offering a range of legal services that includes corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), regulatory compliance, and data protection.
Building a Practice in a Competitive Market
Starting a law firm at 24, without the backing of an established institution, is uncommon. The early stages of Al Adl Legal required Salahuddin to earn the trust of clients in a market dominated by larger, more established firms. "In the beginning, it was about showing clients that despite being a young firm, we could deliver reliable, high-quality legal advice," he notes.
Much of the firm's initial work came from mid-sized businesses expanding into the UAE, often through referrals. By focusing on providing practical legal solutions tailored to the needs of each client, Salahuddin gradually built a portfolio that now spans industries such as technology, real estate, and manufacturing.
One early project involved assisting an Australian company with setting up a joint venture in Dubai, which required navigating local partnership laws and ensuring tax efficiency. Successfully completing such complex transactions helped establish Al Adl Legal's credibility in handling cross-border legal matters.
Cross-Border Legal Expertise
A significant portion of Al Adl Legal's work involves cross-border advisory, particularly for businesses entering the Middle Eastern market. Salahuddin's familiarity with both regional and international legal systems allows him to offer clients a perspective that bridges local regulations with global business standards.
His firm has also expanded its services into data privacy and cybersecurity, reflecting the growing importance of these areas in global commerce. With regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) influencing business practices worldwide, companies operating in Dubai must often align with both local and international compliance requirements.
"Our role is to help businesses understand not just what they need to do locally, but how that fits into their broader international obligations," Salahuddin explains. This dual focus has helped his firm attract clients with multi-jurisdictional operations.
Adapting to Regulatory Change
Operating in Dubai means staying alert to regulatory updates, as the city's legal framework frequently evolves to keep pace with global trends. This is particularly true in sectors such as finance, technology, and real estate, where new regulations can significantly impact business operations.
Salahuddin points out that legal advisory in such an environment requires more than just reacting to changes - it involves anticipating them. "A big part of our job is keeping clients ahead of potential regulatory shifts so they can plan accordingly," he says.
Cultural differences in business practices also play a role in cross-border transactions. Salahuddin emphasizes that understanding these nuances is key to facilitating successful partnerships. His experience working with clients from Australia, Europe, and the Middle East has given him insight into how legal and cultural factors intersect in business dealings.
Challenges of a Young Legal Entrepreneur
Starting a law firm at a relatively young age came with its own set of challenges. Building credibility, competing with well-established firms, and navigating the legal profession's demands required both persistence and adaptability. Salahuddin acknowledges that earning the trust of clients was initially difficult, given his age and the newness of his practice.
However, he credits his firm's growth to a clear focus on client needs and a commitment to delivering consistent results. "Once you demonstrate competence and reliability, clients tend to come back and refer others," he notes. Today, Al Adl Legal's clientele includes both startups and established corporations, reflecting its evolving reputation in the market.
Looking Forward: Expanding Services
Looking ahead, Salahuddin is exploring ways to broaden his firm's service offerings. With interest in emerging legal fields such as fintech regulation, artificial intelligence governance, and sustainability law growing, he sees potential for Al Adl Legal to expand into these areas.
He is also considering geographic expansion. While the firm currently operates out of Dubai, there are plans to establish a presence in other key international markets. Salahuddin emphasizes that any expansion will be measured, with a focus on maintaining the firm's quality of service.
In addition, he is keen on adopting legal technology to enhance service efficiency. "Technology can streamline routine tasks, allowing us to focus more on complex advisory work," he says. Salahuddin believes that integrating digital tools into legal practice will be essential for firms looking to stay competitive in the years ahead.
A Lawyer in a Global Business Hub
Salahuddin's story reflects broader trends in Dubai's legal landscape, where young professionals are increasingly taking on key roles in shaping the city's business environment. His early start, focus on cross-border legal challenges, and ability to adapt to a dynamic regulatory landscape have helped him establish a foothold in a highly competitive market.
While still relatively new to the profession compared to many of his peers, Salahuddin's track record suggests that he is a lawyer to watch as Dubai continues to evolve as a global business hub. Whether through expanding his firm's services or navigating new legal fields, his approach highlights the growing role of younger professionals in redefining the legal industry.
For now, Al Adl Legal remains focused on its core mission: providing practical, reliable legal solutions to businesses operating across borders. But Salahuddin's story reflects the broader realities of Dubai's legal market - a place where opportunity exists for those willing to take risks and put in the work. At just 27, he has already achieved more than many do in a lifetime. Whether he becomes the next big name in law remains to be seen, but for now, Azaan Salahuddin is a lawyer to keep an eye on.
