{"id":103975,"date":"2025-05-14T01:25:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T01:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.taylorroot.com\/?p=103975"},"modified":"2025-07-02T04:49:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T04:49:09","slug":"middle-east-legal-market-update-may-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.taylorroot.com\/de\/market-insight\/market-update\/middle-east-legal-market-update-may-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle East legal market update – May 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The work is there \u2013 But so are the challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no question that legal work in the region is booming. Saudi Arabia is pushing massive projects forward, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to be a hub for international finance, arbitration, and cross-border deals. From construction disputes to regulatory reform, a lot is happening, and firms (and in-house teams) need the talent to keep up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the talent market is tight. Firms want lawyers with top-tier training and international experience, but who also understand the regional landscape. That\u2019s a rare combo, and it\u2019s pushing everyone – candidates, firms, and recruiters to think more creatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Localisation is real, and it\u2019s not just a buzzword<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is continued emphasis on hiring and developing local talent. And it\u2019s not just a policy – it\u2019s becoming a real priority for many clients. At the same time, international experience is still valued, especially in more technical practice areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a lawyer thinking about moving into the region, the appetite is there for strong talent, but firms are rightly being thoughtful about fit, culture, and long-term value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The candidates I speak to are asking different questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, the tax-free salaries still catch people\u2019s attention. But that\u2019s not enough on its own anymore. More and more lawyers are asking me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n