REGISTER HERE

Head of Restructuring and Shareholders Disputes, Habib Al Mulla and Partners

Alia Al Mulla is the Head of Restructuring and Shareholder Disputes at Habib Al Mulla and Partners, recognized for advising high-profile family businesses on complex restructuring, succession planning, and disputes at the Ruler’s Court. As a senior associate in the Dispute Resolution practice, Alia handles civil and commercial litigation across the UAE, representing clients in sectors like real estate, construction, and agency disputes. A licensed UAE lawyer with rights of audience in local and federal courts, she is known for her strategic approach and deep knowledge of UAE legal processes, making her a trusted advisor in commercial litigation and dispute resolution.

Associate Director – Legal and Company Secretary, Seddiqi Holding

Amira Fayad is the Associate Director and Company Secretary at Seddiqi Holding. Since joining the business in 2013, she has played a major role in building the framework for the Legal department within the business. Her role spans the Seddiqi Holding portfolio, covering corporate, commercial, intellectual property, regulatory, corporate governance and employment. Additionally, Amira also established and currently oversees the Data Privacy Office at Seddiqi Holding.

Amira’s dedication to excellence is reflected in her attaining the Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) and Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPPE) certifications. These credentials underscore her commitment to upholding the highest standards in data privacy and protection.

In 2024, Amira’s contributions were recognised through her appointment as a member of one of the International Trademark Association (INTA) committees, specifically the Global Advisory Council (GAC). This prestigious role highlights her expertise in the realms of intellectual property and regulatory affairs.

Amira Fayad is a Lebanese-qualified lawyer with over 13 years of exemplary experience in the legal field.

Partner, Entrepreneurial Private Business, Family Office Services – PwC Middle East

Ismael Hajjar is a UAE-based partner specializing in international tax, wealth structuring, and family office advisory. With over 18 years of experience, he has worked extensively with international families, relocating to the UAE in 2013 to advise prominent Middle Eastern families. At PwC, Ismael leads the Tax and Legal services for private clients, entrepreneurs, and family offices, helping them manage cross-border tax issues, optimize global affairs, and meet family and business goals. Previously, he led the private sector division at another Big Four firm, where he established an award-winning consulting practice for family enterprises and offices across MENA, focusing on wealth preservation and risk management.

Director – Dubai Center for Family Businesses, Dubai Chambers

Adib is the Director of the Dubai Center for Family Business which works under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers focused on empowering multigenerational family enterprises.

With over 2 decades of experience in specialized advisory services for diversified businesses, Adib leads a team of experts to deliver innovative solutions and services to Dubai-based family businesses including awareness building to training and development of family members advocating for family business. He is a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute and holds multiple certifications in family business and wealth advisory. He oversees the creation of cutting-edge educational programs, workshops and seminars designed to equip family business leaders with the tools and insights necessary to navigate complex challenges.”

Assistant Professor & Director of the LLM in Business Law, Saint Joseph University, Dubai

Dr. Myrna Saad is an Assistant Professor of Corporate and Civil Law and serves as the LLM Director of the LLM in Business Law at Saint Joseph University Dubai. Dr. Saad holds a PhD in Corporate Law and a Master’s degree in Financial Law from Pantheon-Sorbonne University (Paris 1) and is admitted to practice law in both Beirut and Paris, combining practical legal experience with academic expertise.

Dr. Saad’s research focuses on corporate law, with a particular emphasis on corporate governance issues. Her recent publication examines the governance challenges faced by family-owned businesses and their regulation under UAE law.

Vice-Dean of the School of Law, Saint Joseph University, Dubai

Dr. Rita Waked holds a PhD from Paris II, Assas in International Law and an LLM in Litigation, Arbitration and ADR. With over 15 years of experience as an educator and legal consultant, she currently serves as the Vice-Dean of the School of Law at Saint Joseph University Dubai. Dr. Waked has numerous publications in the legal field.