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English Law: Keep calm and mind the precedent
In May Law Update’s edition, we examined the continued relevance of English law across MENA jurisdictions and why it remains a cornerstone of commercial transactions, dispute resolution, and cross-border deal structuring.
From the Dubai Court’s recognition of Without Prejudice communications to anti-sandbagging clauses, ESG, joint ventures, and the classification of warranties, our contributors explore how English legal concepts are being applied, interpreted, and adapted in a regional context.
With expert insight across sectors, including capital markets, corporate acquisitions, and estate planning, this issue underscores that familiarity with English law is no longer optional for businesses in MENA. It is essential.
2025 is set to be a game-changer for the MENA region, with legal and regulatory shifts from 2024 continuing to reshape its economic landscape. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, and Bahrain are all implementing groundbreaking reforms in sustainable financing, investment laws, labor regulations, and dispute resolution. As the region positions itself for deeper global integration, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving legal environment.
Our Eyes on 2025 publication provides essential insights and practical guidance on the key legal updates shaping the year ahead—equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
A complete spectrum of legal services across jurisdictions in the Middle East & North Africa.
Shabana Saleem
Senior Associate (Barrister)
Biography
Shabana Saleem is a highly experienced family mediator, divorce, financial and children law advocate. She is a qualified barrister of England and Wales currently based in Dubai. She advises on all areas of complex family matters across the Middle East.
Shabana has specialist expertise in the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court, dealing with pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, divorce, financial claims, and custody matters. She regularly advises and represents clients Dubai and more generally, in the Sharia Courts, dealing with custody and financial claims after divorce.
Shabana specializes in complex financial matters, including international jurisdiction issues, offshore trusts, family businesses, and asset tracing. She regularly advises high-net worth individuals, families, family offices and trustees on estate planning and wealth structures. She is often instructed to negotiate and/or advise with executing and registering prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Her in-house access to experienced local advocates significantly enhances the handling of international private wealth matters, especially for UK or European nationals and individuals from other common law jurisdictions with connections to or residing within the Middle East.
As a specialist trained family mediator and member of Resolution and The Mediation Hub (MENA), she is passionate about promoting an amicable resolution wherever possible. Shabana works closely with therapists and advisors to support clients through negotiations, and if necessary, Court proceedings.
Shabana has a wealth of experience that allows her to provide expert opinions and support to expatriate clients dealing with the complexities of private wealth issues in the Middle East region. This is particularly valuable for clients who were married elsewhere or are nationals of Western jurisdictions, helping them navigate their legal challenges effectively.
Recent Experience
PUBLICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENTS
- Speaker at event the “Keeping it in the family – Arbitration for Billionaires” event hosted by Mishcon de Reya for Dubai Arbitration Week on Wednesday 15 November 2023 in the DIFC, Dubai.
- Speaker at event the “DIFC Family Wealth” event organised by the DIFC and hosted by Outer Temple Chambers in London on 3 October 2023.
- Publication: Building Better Foundations: the Dubai International Financial Centre foundation law consultation, Oxford University Journal Trusts & Trustees, Volume 29, Issue 6, July 2023, Pages 526– 531.
- Speaker and organiser for the International Academy of Family Lawyers conference in Dubai between 12 to 14 November 2018.
- Reference: Cited in the Court of Appeal (Civil Division), HM Attorney General v Akhter and Khan and Hussain and Southall Black Sisters [2020] EWCA Civ 122.
- Publication: The legal treatment of Islamic marriage ceremonies under English Law (co-author) Oxford Journal of Law and Religion, Volume 7, Issue 3, October 2018, Pages 376–400.
- Speaker at the “Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements and wealth protection” event organised by STEP Arabia in Abu Dhabi on 11 November 2018.
- Publication: Islamic Marriages: Given the independent review into the application of Sharia Law in England and Wales, what is the way forward? (co-author) Family Law Journal Vol.48 May 2018, Pages 552-557.
- Publication: Submission of written evidence to the Sharia Councils Home Affairs Select Committee Review (co-author), House of Commons, Parliament 5 November 2016.
- Speaker and Chair at the “Sharia Reviews” event at the River Room House of Lords, Parliament in London on 3 October 2016.
- Publication: Managing Family Problems in the UAE, Capital Letter Vol.18 Issue 3 Autumn 2016.
- Speaker and Chair, The Problem with Religious Family Mediation, Middle Temple 4 March 2016.
- Publication: Tactical conversion for the use of Sharia Family Courts (co-author) June 2016.
MEMBERSHIPS AND APPOINTMENTS
- Memberships: Resolution, Middle Temple.
- Committee member – Young Barristers Committee at the Bar Council – June 2017 to June 2021.
- School Governor – Lambeth Council, 2014 – June 2017.
- President – Association of Gray’s Inn Students, 2011 – 2012.
- Administrator – Muslim Arbitration Tribunal, assisting in Sharia civil and family ADR, 2009 – 2011.
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
- Scholarship from the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators in 2018.
- International Commercial Arbitration VIS Moot (Vienna) – Honourable Mention for Best Advocate, 2009.
- Ann Felicity Goddard Scholarship – The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, 2014.
- Uthwatt Award BPTC Scholarship – The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, 2010.
- Keen Entrepreneur Award – Keen Entrepreneurship University Consortium, 2010.
- Written & Oral Advocacy LLM (Audit) – Distinction – Centre for Commercial Law Studies, 2008 – 2009.
Language(s)
English
Urdu / Hindi
Punjabi
Education
- Bar Practice Training Course, Inns of Court School of Law (part time) – Very Competent (2011 – 2013)
- Masters in arbitration (MA), Queen Mary University of London – Merit (2009 – 2011)
- Bachelors (LLB) English and European Law, Queen Mary University of London – 2.1 (Hons) (2005-2009)
Admission
2014 – Called to the Bar, England & Wales
2024 – Dubai Legal Affairs Department
Practice(s)
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