Hadeel Hussein
Managing Associate
Hadeel is a Managing Associate in our Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration team, based in Dubai.
Managing Associate
Hadeel is a Managing Associate in our Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration team, based in Dubai.
Languages - English, Arabic and French
Jurisdiction - UAE
With over a decade of experience in the UAE and the Middle East, Hadeel acts for multinational and regional clients in high value and complex commercial disputes, including high stakes banking and finance litigation and debt recovery matters across a broad range of industries and sectors. Her practice also encompasses real estate, rental, and employment disputes.
Fluent in English, Arabic and French, Hadeel regularly works with in house legal teams to provide strategic, analytical and pragmatic advice tailored to each client’s objectives. She is adept at navigating the UAE legal system and the wider regional context, and offers clear insight into how local laws and procedures are applied in practice.
Hadeel has a proven track record of securing successful outcomes before the UAE courts and concluding positive settlements wherever commercially feasible. She is known for developing bespoke litigation strategies to resolve disputes efficiently and for providing effective pre litigation guidance to mitigate risk.
Hadeel’s experience in litigation and dispute resolution has been recognised by leading legal directories, including Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.
She was also shortlisted as ‘Litigator of the Year’ at the LexisNexis Middle East Women in Law Awards for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025), reflecting her reputation as a trusted and accomplished legal adviser.
Beyond her primary practice, Hadeel has a particular interest in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). She has actively participated in pro bono legal clinics and contributed to the legal framework, internal policies and corporate governance of a newly established national fund overseeing CSR practices and contributions in the UAE.
High‑value banking and restructuring dispute
Representing a steel and profile insulation industry group of companies in the restructuring of USD1.2 billion debt facilities, including identifying regulatory violations arising from the bank’s conduct.
Cross border foreign judgment enforcement
Handled onshore litigation proceedings in the UAE concerning the enforcement of a USD70 million foreign judgment in a dispute over ownership of a major precious metals mining company.
High‑value banking dispute
Represented a UAE bank in relation to disputed facility agreements and enforcement of related securities, including comparative analysis of jurisdictional options and the interplay between foreign and UAE law.
High value banking dispute and enforcement
Represented a syndicate of UAE banks in recovering over USD540 million in debt and banking facilities, negotiating and concluding a settlement, and subsequently enforcing the settlement terms before the Dubai Courts, including the sale of mortgaged assets.
Dispute over ownership and possession of hotel
Acted for property owner in a dispute concerning the termination of a hotel management agreement and regaining control of the hotel, while ensuring compliance with the franchise agreement and advising on an ownership dispute between partners.
Bankruptcy and enforcement proceedings against distressed UAE debtor
Acted for an international manufacturer and supplier of electronic devices in relation to a distressed, family owned UAE business, assessing the viability of initiating bankruptcy proceedings and related enforcement options.
Debt restructuring and lease disputes for regional cinema operator
Represented a regional cinema operator facing financial distress, working on restructuring of financial liabilities, renegotiating long term lease arrangements and managing employment disputes arising from workforce reductions.
High-value employment dispute
Represented a high net worth individual and former group CEO of a multinational media and communications agency in a USD3 million employment and shareholder dispute and securing a favourable settlement.
Employment disputes for global outsourcing and recruitment company
Handled a portfolio of contentious and advisory mandates for a recruitment and manpower outsourcing group of companies, including employment disputes and the preparation of disciplinary documentation, termination notices, investigation minutes and internal policies.
Real estate and rental disputes
Acted for a local real estate group in contentious and non contentious rental and real estate matters, including drafting leases, default and eviction notices, pursuing rental claims before the courts, and handling disputes against defaulting purchasers.
