The Biggest Legal Mistakes UK Expats Make in the UAE | Akbar Ali | The Jurist Podcast

In this episode of The Jurist Podcast, host Ahmed Elnaggar sits down with Akbar Ali, corporate solicitor and founder of Ali Legal, for an insightful conversation about building a legal career across two jurisdictions and navigating the opportunities and challenges of the UK and UAE legal markets.

Akbar shares his journey into law, the experiences that shaped his career, and his perspective on how to work with clients, businesses, and legal professionals across different jurisdictions.

From business setup and tax residency to contracts, UK property investment, wills and succession planning, this episode explores the legal and commercial considerations lawyers, entrepreneurs, and professionals need to understand when operating between the UK and UAE.

The conversation dives into M&A transactions, earn-outs, deferred consideration, negotiating deals, handling frustrated clients, and why lawyers need to understand the commercial reality behind the legal work.

Akbar also shares his advice for UK lawyers considering a move to the UAE, including the importance of networking, understanding the local legal culture, gaining practical experience, and building meaningful relationships within the business community.

In this episode:

00:00 — Introduction: Akbar Ali & the UK–UAE Legal Connection

05:53 — From Non-Legal Jobs to Building a Legal Career

11:08 — Fatherhood, Responsibility & Building a Successful Career

15:33 — UK Expats in the UAE: Business Setup, Tax & Legal Risks

21:06 — Why You Should Read Every Contract Before Signing

26:06 — Investing in UK Property From the UAE