Interview: Essam Al Tamimi on building a regional legal powerhouse

In 1989, Essam Al Tamimi saw an opportunity in Sharjah.

“I wanted to create a law firm that would set a new standard for legal services in the region,” he recalls.

The UAE was experiencing significant economic growth, and the legal infrastructure was still evolving. Al Tamimi’s ambition was to address local needs while aligning with international best practices.

“My vision was clear,” Al Tamimi says, “to establish a firm that not only addressed the local needs but also aligned with international best practices. While I knew we had the potential to grow significantly, the journey to becoming the leading law firm in the Middle East is a testament to our strategic focus and dedication to excellence.”

From that first office in Sharjah, Al Tamimi & Company set out to reshape the legal landscape of the UAE. Today, with offices across 10 countries in the Middle East, the firm provides a comprehensive range of legal services, reflecting the ambitious vision with which it began.

“Our presence has grown alongside the region’s own growth,” Al Tamimi notes. “We have offices that have been in Kuwait for 15 years, Bahrain for 10 years, and longer in Qatar and Iraq. Each office replicates our culture, vision, and drive — whether in Oman, Egypt, or Saudi Arabia.”

Evolution of the Legal Landscape

Over the past three and a half decades, the UAE has experienced profound legal changes, and Al Tamimi & Company has been a major player in that transformation.

“The UAE’s legal landscape has transformed dramatically, with new regulations, sectors, and a focus on international standards,” Al Tamimi explains.

Ever since its inception, the firm’s contributions include working with government bodies to ensure the legal framework supports the country’s growth and diversification.

“We’ve worked closely with government bodies and businesses to ensure that the legal framework supports the UAE’s vision for growth and diversification.” This involvement has positioned Al Tamimi & Company as a key partner in the UAE’s rapid development.

Reflecting on the legal landscape of the past, Al Tamimi says, “It’s really a story of a lifetime.

“What happened in this region — from infrastructure to the legal system — has been truly impressive. Many outdated laws from the 1980s were replaced to better serve the 21st century, and we played a role in that transformation.”

The firm has also been instrumental in modernising the country’s legal system, making it easier for international investors to conduct business.

“We’ve contributed to drafting laws and regulations that were state-of-the-art. That was not by accident — governments here have realised the importance of creating an innovative and supportive business environment. Unless you’re ahead of the game, you can’t succeed or attract investments, and this is something we deeply understand,” Al Tamimi adds.

Al Tamimi goes on to say that laws it has shaped include those concerning financial regulation, commercial transactions, and intellectual property, aligning the region’s legal standards with international expectations. These efforts have not only benefited the firm’s clients but also helped transform the UAE into a global business hub.

Sector Focus

Al Tamimi & Company has also evolved its sector focus over the years.

Today, the firm provides legal expertise across industries such as construction, energy, technology, and healthcare.

“We currently focus on sectors such as construction, energy, technology, and healthcare,” says Al Tamimi.

He notes that the firm’s agility in adapting to market changes is one of its strengths.

“As the market evolves, we’re seeing increased demand in areas like technology and sustainable development. Our strategy involves staying agile and adapting to these changes to provide our clients with the best legal solutions.”

The firm’s sector-specific expertise has allowed it to stay ahead of the curve and serve clients effectively in an ever-changing economic landscape.

“In the early 1990s, intellectual property, copyrights, and construction were our main areas of focus because that’s what the market needed then. But today, we’re investing heavily in understanding renewable energy, AI, and new technologies, which are the areas that demand our attention,” Al Tamimi elaborates.

Al Tamimi & Company further assists global and family businesses with setting up in the UAE. It also helps global businesses with mergers and acquisitions.

Staying Ahead

In recent years, Al Tamimi & Company has embraced technology to enhance its services and streamline operations.

“We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance our services and streamline operations,” Al Tamimi states.

The firm’s investment in developing its own AI solutions reflects its belief in innovation as a key driver of efficiency and client satisfaction.

“By integrating advanced technology, we empower our team to focus on delivering exceptional value while ensuring we stay ahead in a competitive landscape.”

“Technology is transforming industries, and the legal field is no exception,” Al Tamimi says.

“We’ve invested heavily in our infrastructure — our use of AI allows us to provide services more efficiently and at a lower cost, which benefits our clients. We’re not just using off-the-shelf programmes; we’re actively contributing to AI development to ensure it meets the needs of the Middle East market.”

The firm’s proactive approach to technology also extends to its internal processes.

“We’re applying AI beyond legal research — we’re using it in HR, finance, and operations. This not only improves efficiency but also aligns with our goal of being environmentally friendly,” Al Tamimi notes.

The Importance of Diversity

But more important than its adoption of new technologies is the firm’s strong belief in looking after its staff. Diversity is a key cornerstone of Al Tamimi & Company’s approach.

“We believe that a diverse workforce enhances creativity and problem-solving,” Al Tamimi explains.

The firm prioritises hiring individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering an inclusive work environment.

“This diversity is crucial in the legal field as it allows us to better understand and serve our diverse clientele.”

The emphasis on diversity is not just about meeting societal expectations; it is a business imperative that ensures the firm can provide well-rounded perspectives and solutions to its clients.

“The UAE is a diverse country — everyone who comes here feels they belong, and we’ve adopted the same approach at Al Tamimi. Our partners and employees come from North America, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, and this mix is crucial for understanding our clients’ needs,” he notes.

The firm also boasts a diverse leadership team, with men and women from various nationalities holding senior positions.

“There’s no glass ceiling — everyone here grows based on performance, and nationality doesn’t matter,” Al Tamimi emphasises.

Investing in the Future

Another significant element of Al Tamimi & Company’s approach is its focus on education and professional development.

That’s why the company launched the Al Tamimi Academy, which seeks to nurture the next generation of legal professionals in the region by providing educational resources, mentorship, and practical training.

The academy offers a variety of programmes designed to equip aspiring lawyers with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing legal environment.

“Our goal is to ensure that aspiring lawyers have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. We believe that investing in education is essential for the future of the legal profession in the region,” Al Tamimi tells Gulf Business.

Al Tamimi & Company even goes as far as providing scholarships, where possible.

“We currently offer scholarships especially for people in need from different backgrounds and nationalities. It brings us joy, and sometimes we discover excellent talent who later join Al Tamimi & Company. We work closely with universities to share our knowledge and enhance their legal education, and we collaborate with them almost monthly,” he adds.

Tradition of Sharing Knowledge

It’s not just with universities that Al Tamimi & Company shares knowledge. An often-overlooked aspect of Al Tamimi & Company’s growth has been its dedication to sharing legal knowledge with the broader community. The firm’s monthly publication, Law Update, has been a fixture for 33 years.

“I actually started typing this at home on a typewriter when we were just four lawyers,” Al Tamimi recalls.

“The idea was to provide the community — both local and international — with updates on new laws, court judgments, and legal developments. It was about filling a gap in the market and ensuring people had the information they needed.”

Today, Law Update is published both in hard copy and electronically, providing valuable insights into legal developments across the region.

“This publication is an extension of our commitment to education and community engagement. We have not missed a single month since we started, and I’m incredibly proud of that,” Al Tamimi adds.

Servant Leadership and Empowerment

Al Tamimi’s leadership style has been described as approachable; a quality that has helped shape the culture of the firm. He is legendary in the firm for being available on his phone and is known to spark conversations with staff while in his company’s offices.

“I believe that leadership is about collaboration and open communication,” he says. “By being approachable, I encourage team members to share their ideas and concerns. This creates a supportive culture where everyone feels valued.”

This approach has fostered a culture of shared leadership and accountability at Al Tamimi & Company.

“Balancing leadership with empowerment involves delegating responsibilities and trusting my team to take ownership of their work,” Al Tamimi adds.

This philosophy has helped the firm retain its core team — remarkably, the first 35 employees still work at Al Tamimi & Company, a testament to the firm’s culture and values.

“Our core values — integrity, respect, and collaboration — have been instrumental in fostering loyalty and commitment. From the beginning, we recognised that this couldn’t be a one-person firm; an open partnership was essential for growth,” says Al Tamimi.

The Next 35 Years

As Al Tamimi & Company celebrates its 35th anniversary, the focus is not just on looking back but also on what lies ahead.

“In the next 35 years, I envision Al Tamimi & Company as a global leader in legal services, continuously adapting to new challenges and opportunities,” says Al Tamimi.

The firm’s key priorities include embracing technology, expanding its international footprint, and maintaining its commitment to professional development and diversity.

“I always feel like we’re just getting started,” Al Tamimi says with optimism. “We still have so much to achieve, particularly in contributing to our communities and supporting the rule of law. We plan to expand internationally, leveraging the region’s strong infrastructure and attracting new talent. The new generation is well-educated, tech-savvy, and ready to innovate, and I am optimistic about what lies ahead.”

The legal industry is at a crossroads, with technology, regulation, and globalisation driving significant changes. Al Tamimi & Company aims to stay ahead of these trends, leveraging its expertise and experience to provide the best possible service to its clients.

“Our key priorities will include embracing technology, expanding our international footprint, and maintaining our commitment to professional development and diversity. We will also continue to support the UAE’s economy by helping global businesses establish their presence in the UAE,” concludes Al Tamimi.