Dr. Hassan Elhais, along with the team of legal consultants and prominent local lawyers across the UAE, has made a name for himself as a renowned specialist in the fields of civil law, corporate law, construction law, maritime law, banking law, criminal law, family law, inheritance law, and arbitration.
Dr. Elhais is proud to be a part of the team at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy. The esteemed firm is headquartered in Dubai with a branch office in Abu Dhabi. The firm's strategic locations enable its team to provide robust and careful legal advice to its clients and partners in the United Arab Emirates. They maintain the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion. Dr. Elhais's and their team of local legal advocates at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy provide a consistently high standard of service in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – providing genuinely adept legal advice to the wider country and internationally.
Dr. Elhais has won awards and accolades naming him the Legal Consultant of the Year 2016 by Professional Sector Network.
Dr. Hassan Elhais is the elected co-chair of the 'Relocation of Children Committee' of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). IAFL is a worldwide association of practising lawyers who are recognised by their peers as the most experienced and skilled family law specialists in their respective countries.
After qualifying as a lawyer by profession, and after years of successful practice within the field of criminal and public law, Dr. Elhais moved to Dubai in 2006, where he has continued to build his business as a legal advisor. Dr. Elhais has made it his goal to make Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy one of the best law firms in the UAE. Working exclusively with Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy. He has a strong ethical stance with regards to the place of the law firm, from clarity on the legal processes through to the fee system.
Specializing in the drafting of all statements of claim, memos and consultation on litigation of all manner, Dr. Elhais has worked his way through the ranks of Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy since joining as a legal advisor.
He has drafted and supervised the drafting of many cases across all areas of law over the past decade.
Dr. Elhais has also been an invited speaker at various international conferences in France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Italy, London and Hong Kong, among others, to talk on legal issues involved in real estate, family law, business administration and other professional issues. See the gallery.
He also has completed training course with the Law Society of England and Wales.
Dr. Elhais obtained a diploma in private law, which covered training in shariah law, philosophy of laws, litigation law, commercial law and civil law. In 2015, Dr. Elhais obtained a Master's Degree in Law, followed by Ph.D in Law in 2019.
As a one of the leading voices in the UAE legal industry, Dr. Hassan Elhais’ comments have been sought by local and international media outlets on legal developments within the UAE landscape. Some of the local media where he often gets published are the National, Khaleej Times, and Gulf News. He is known for his valuable insight on the local laws, and very often he is sought for by both global and international media for his views on the UAE laws.
Globally, international media such as Associated Press, Bloomberg, and the US News have approached Dr. Elhais’ to opine on the legal developments in the UAE such as its criminal law, family law, civil and commercial law, and also very recently on the enforcement of foreign orders, particularly the English court orders.
With his strong grasp of the UAE legal system through a long successful track record of professional achievement, Dr. Elhais is renowned for his expert knowledge, especially in a crucial situation.
Dr. Elhais has won numerous awards and accolades which is a testament to his continued pursuit of excellence in the legal field.
About Dr. Hassan Elhais
Founded in 2006
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5 / 5
14/08/2025
Ghanim:
Fantastic experience with Dr. Hassan and his team. Were always very attentive of my needs, and alway ...
5 / 5
28/07/2025
Dr. Hassan and his team worked very hard on my case. I am beyond satisfied with my experience with t ...
Practice areas
Criminal Defense
UAE criminal law contains many provisions derived from Islamic Shariah law that requires specific knowledge and understanding.
Dr. Elhais has a group of experienced criminal lawyers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is well-equipped to assist with all types of criminal matters in the country.
From an initial inquiry to a complex criminal matter, every case is treated with the same degree of care and attention to detail. Dr. Elhais provides the utmost care in ensuring all clients are advised in a fair and lawful manner.
Dr. Elhais, top legal advisor in Dubai, is trained to handle complex litigation matters such as criminal fraud, breach of trust and drug cases. His relentless pursuit to ensure all cases are advised fairly and accurately and his commitment towards clients has helped him achieve many favourable verdicts in court.
Family
Legal proceeding does not guarantee success and has you simply waiting for the inevitable. If you want to be ahead then you should take control of the divorce matters, including the separation, financial settlements and children issues, it is so important to remain focused, in control and in possession of a clear strategy. You should consult the best divorce lawyer in Dubai.
Lawsuits & Disputes
Dr Hassan Elhais and his team of litigation lawyers constitute one of the litigation law firm of Dubai. In this UAE litigation firm, the lawyers provides with consultancy and assistance in legal representation before relevant courts of UAE in all spectrum of litigation matters be it of civil or criminal nature, with a specific focus on achieving the most favourable judgment for our clients. The extensive litigation knowledge gained from several years of experience empowers the Litigation Lawyer in Dubai to issue a formidable and reasonable counsel whilst addressing and adhering to international prerequisites and principles along with a comprehensive understanding of specific laws, customs and regulations of UAE, thereby making them the best litigation lawyers in UAE. A similar approach has been adopted by our middle east litigation law firm which is famously known to provide for the middle east local litigation services.
Case results
AED20 million Case Dismissed in Major win for Real Estate Developer
Real Estate
Published in: Khaleej Times
Awatif emerged victorious in another high-stake case involving a claim of AED 20 million, for a major property developer in Dubai.
Khaleej Times recently reported a case wherein an investor sued a real estate developer over a deal involving multiple apartments situated in Dubai, worth AED 38.3 million. After making payments of over AED 23.5 million to the developer for the purchased property, and selling the properties to third parties, the investor demanded a refund of AED 20.5 million, in addition to compensation and interest, stating that the re-sale value of the property was affected due to the money not being received through an ESCROW account. The Awatif team was able to successfully prove that the act did not amount to a breach of contractual obligations.
Dr Hassan Elhais, legal consultant at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates and Legal Consultancy stated that that although the money was not received in the escrow account, it was not sufficient grounds to claim refund of the money especially after the units were already delivered to the investor who subsequently resold them. Dr. Hassan Elhais also pointed out that the court had confirmed that no harm has been proven due to not receiving the money in the escrow account, especially as the investor demanded the refund without even asking for termination of the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA).
UAE court grants father equal custody of child after months-long legal battle
Family
Published in: Khaleej Times
For the father, this means much more than a legal victory. It means bedtime stories, shared weekends, school drop-offs, and memories that would have otherwise been lost to his roster
After a long legal battle that involved several courts, a Belgian father has won the right to spend equal time with his three-and-a-half-year-old son. This victory came despite a demanding job that once stood in the way of nurturing his son.
The story begins in November 2024, when a Belgian man and his Italian wife, both longtime residents of the UAE, finalised their divorce. Their son, born in 2021, became the subject of an emotional and complex custody battle.
In the first appeal, the mother sought full custody, arguing that the father’s profession as a co-pilot with a major UAE airline meant he was frequently away, making consistent parenting difficult.
The court initially agreed and on December 31, 2024, it granted the mother full custody. The court allowed the father one hour of supervised visitation twice a month.
“The court believed that his demanding work schedule and frequent travel made him unavailable for active parenting,” said Dr Hasan Elhais, legal consultant at Awatif Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy.
Unwilling to accept limited access to his son, the father challenged the ruling in the Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal. However, on February 12, 2025, the appeal was dismissed. “The court maintained that there was no legal justification to revoke the mother’s full custody and again noted the father's inconsistent availability due to his work,” added Dr Elhais.
That could have been the end of the road. However, Dr Elhais and his legal team believed in a different path, one that recognised modern parenthood and the importance of both parents in a child’s life.
“We weren’t asking to take custody away from the mother. We asked the court to consider a fairer solution, shared custody that respected both parents' rights and the child’s psychological needs,” said Dr Elhais.
The case was taken to the Court of Cassation, the UAE’s highest judicial authority. On April 23, 2025, in a decisive ruling, the court overturned the previous judgments and ordered a flexible visitation schedule that would give the father equal time with his son.
In its verdict, the Court of Cassation stated that joint custody should not be denied simply because one parent has an unconventional or irregular job. “The mere fact that the father works as a pilot and has an irregular schedule cannot be used to marginalise his role. This is a profession, not a disqualification,” the court said in the judgment.
The judgement marked a significant shift in how parental roles are viewed in custody cases in the UAE. It ruled that both parents must coordinate in good faith, taking into account the child’s school calendar and the father’s flying schedule, to ensure the child benefits from meaningful interaction with both parents.
The father's legal team hailed the ruling as a landmark moment in the evolution of family law in the UAE. “It not only reaffirms the principle of joint parental responsibility but also sends a message that being a devoted parent is not defined by a nine-to-five schedule,” said Elhais.
For the father, it means something much more than a legal victory, it means bedtime stories, shared weekends, school drop-offs, and memories that would have otherwise been lost to his roster.
Win for consumer rights: UAE court rejects bank's Dh1.3 million claim over missing guarantees
Civil Rights
Published in: Khaleej Times
The case revolved around a Murabaha agreement in which a bank demanded more than Dh1.3 million in unpaid dues from a customer
In a landmark decision that sets a powerful legal precedent, the Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has dismissed a bank’s financial claim against a customer due to the absence of valid guarantees, reinforcing consumer protection and the importance of compliance with lending laws.
The ruling, issued on April 14, by the Second Commercial Circuit of the Court of Cassation, clarified that banks are not entitled to file debt recovery lawsuits unless proper and legally binding guarantees are in place, as stipulated in Article 121 (bis) of Federal Decree-Law No. 23 of 2022 — an amendment to the Federal Law No. 14 of 2018 governing the Central Bank and financial institutions.
The case revolved around a Murabaha agreement (Islamic financing structure) in which a bank demanded more than Dh1.3 million in unpaid dues from a customer. While the Court of First Instance initially dismissed the case, the Court of Appeal later ruled in the bank’s favour.
However, following a cassation appeal filed by the customer’s legal team from Awatif Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, the Court of Cassation overturned the appellate decision and reinstated the original dismissal, siding once again with the customer.
Legal consultant Dr Hasan Elhais, representing the defendant, welcomed the ruling and emphasised its long-term implications. He said: “This decision reinforces the importance of securing legally sufficient guarantees before granting any lending facility."
He clarified that salary transfers — commonly used by banks as informal security — are not considered valid guarantees on their own. “Unless supported by other binding legal instruments, salary transfers do not fulfil the legal requirement under Article 121 (bis),” Elhais explained.
He described the verdict as a major win for consumer rights. “This precedent provides essential protection for individual borrowers and ensures that banks follow proper legal procedures before filing claims. It’s a step forward for financial fairness and transparency.”
The ruling sends a strong message across the UAE banking sector: Without proper, documented guarantees that reflect the borrower’s financial capacity and the size of the loan, debt recovery claims may not stand in court.
“This is a judicial victory not only for our client, but for all consumers in the UAE who may be exposed to unsecured financial demands,” noted Elhais, adding, “The law is clear — no valid guarantee, no claim.”
Abu Dhabi court asserts jurisdiction in divorce case of US expat, British wife
Family
Published in: Khaleej Times
The wife contested the court's authority, arguing that divorce proceedings were already underway in both the UK and Dubai
In a landmark legal ruling, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has declared jurisdiction over a divorce case involving an American husband and his British wife, rejecting claims of competing cases filed in other jurisdictions.
The decision, issued in January this year, clarified that a family guidance application pending before another court does not count as a formal legal case, unless it is officially registered with a case number.
The husband, a US citizen living in Abu Dhabi, filed for a no-fault divorce and joint custody of the couple’s two children, aged 11 and 5. The marriage took place in Cyprus. His wife contested the court's authority, arguing that divorce proceedings were already underway in both the UK and Dubai.
She failed, however, to provide any proof of an active case in the UK and admitted that the Dubai filing had only reached the family guidance stage. The Abu Dhabi court dismissed her objection, stating that the Dubai family guidance file was not officially registered as a court case until December 9, 2024 — five days after the husband filed his claim in Abu Dhabi on December 4. Legal consultant Dr Hasan Elhais of Awatif Shoqi Advocates, who represented the husband, welcomed the ruling.
"This judgment reinforces that courts must base jurisdiction on valid legal filings, not informal or preliminary applications," he said.
Determining jurisdiction
Dr Elhais said the court accepted the husband’s Abu Dhabi residency based on his lease agreement on Reem Island, in line with Article 17 of Law No. 13 of 2021. “The decision ensures that justice is not delayed by procedural tactics and confirms that Abu Dhabi has clear authority in this case," he added.
He also highlighted the broader impact of the ruling: “It draws a clear line between administrative steps, like family guidance, and formal judicial proceedings. Only properly filed cases can determine jurisdiction.
"The court further ruled that Abu Dhabi's civil divorce procedures do not require prior referral to family guidance, based on Articles 6 and 7 of Law No. 14 of 2021. Either spouse can file for divorce without needing to prove fault or harm. Because the couple’s children are both under 16, the court also activated joint custody under Article 26 of the same law. As no appeal was filed within the legal timeframe, the ruling is now final and legally binding."
Clear Contractual Stipulations Defeat Allegations Of Mismanagement
Real Estate
Published in: Khaleej Times
The Dubai Commercial Court has dismissed a Dh20.5-million lawsuit filed against a real estate development company for allegations of financial mismanagement.
A 52-year-old Emirati plaintiff lodged the case against the real estate development company and its expatriate manager, aged 46.
The case revolved around the plaintiff's claim of financial mismanagement and failure to deposit funds into the project's escrow account.
The plaintiff alleged that he had paid Dh23.5 million toward purchasing units in a real estate project in Dubai’s Al Barsha area.
He accused the defendants of not depositing Dh20.5 million into the project’s escrow account, resulting in financial damages.
However, a court-appointed financial expert determined that the real estate company completed the project and that the plaintiff had resold most of the units for a profit, negating any claim of financial loss.
Dr Hassan Elhais, Legal Consultant with Awatif Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, which represented the real estate company, highlighted the ruling’s consideration of contractual obligations.
"This ruling underscores the importance of relying on contractual obligations and factual evidence when dealing with complex commercial disputes," said Dr Elhais.
"The court found no wrongdoing on the part of our client, as the evidence demonstrated that the project was completed, and the plaintiff suffered no harm."
The expert report also revealed that the plaintiff himself had defaulted on payments for several units, with checks bouncing due to insufficient funds.
Additionally, the plaintiff had entered into a settlement agreement in early 2023, during which he successfully sold most of the units in question.
"The court rightly concluded that our client fulfilled their obligations under the contract, completing the project as agreed," added Dr Elhais.
The court’s ruling concluded that there was no breach of obligations by the defendants and ordered the plaintiff to cover all legal costs of the case.
UAE court grants landowner permission to develop project amid mortgage dispute with bank
Real Estate
Published in: Khaleej Times
In its final ruling, the court mandated the issuance of the required permit approvals to the municipality, provided the development aligns with zoning guidelines
A UAE court has ruled in favour of the complainant in a complex mortgage and construction rights case involving a local bank, delivering a decisive win after a three-month legal battle.
The ruling from Al Ain’s Court of First Instance, the Commercial Circuit, mandates that a local bank headquartered in Abu Dhabi and the Urban Planning Department of the Abu Dhabi Municipality facilitate the businessman’s right to proceed with his project, overturning the bank’s previous resistance.
The dispute centres on the complainant’s efforts to develop an investment project on his 6,426-square-foot plot in Al Ain’s Al Muwaiji area.
In April 2018, the businessman secured the land with a mortgage, intending to add new buildings and increase its value.
However, despite meeting contractual and regulatory requirements, the bank declined to provide the necessary endorsement to the municipality to approve construction permits.
This refusal effectively stalled the businessman’s project, resulting in substantial financial setbacks.
After failed attempts at resolution, he filed a claim on August 13, 2024, seeking compensation for the loss, amounting to Dh100,000, along with the issuance of approvals to move forward with the project.
Dr Hassan Elhais, legal consultant at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, representing the complainant, said that the bank’s refusal was unjustified and in breach of contractual obligations, especially given that he had already submitted a feasibility study affirming the viability of the project.
During legal proceedings, the court assessed detailed records, feasibility reports, and legal arguments regarding the bank’s obligations under UAE mortgage laws.
In its final ruling, issued on October 31, 2024, the court mandated the issuance of the required permit approvals to the municipality, provided the development aligns with zoning guidelines.
“The ruling is a significant step in protecting the rights of landowners within mortgage structures,” said Dr Elhais.
“This case underscores the legal support available to investors in the UAE, ensuring that financial institutions adhere to contractual commitments, especially when they impact property development rights,” he stated.
The verdict is subject to appeal before November 30.
Expat acquitted in university degree forgery case
Criminal Defense
Published in: Khaleej Times
A 47-year-old Australian man has been acquitted by the Dubai Misdemeanours Court after being accused of using a forged university degree to secure a senior position at a Dubai hospital and receiving substantial salary payments under allegedly fraudulent circumstances.
The man, who was hired in June 2017 as a human resources manager with a reported monthly salary of Dh40,000, was accused of submitting a counterfeit master's degree certificate, reportedly from a prestigious American university, during the hiring process.
The alleged forgery came to light in November of the same year when hospital officials, during a routine verification process, flagged the degree as suspicious after contacting the issuing institution. This revelation then led to the man’s termination, an internal investigation, and formal charges filed against him.
Prosecutors claimed the "forged degree" was a deliberate attempt to deceive the hospital and secure the high-ranking position. According to court records, the document was presented as his evidence of advanced academic qualifications, which were a requirement for the role.
However, the Australian national's defence, led by Dr Hasan Elhais, a legal consultant at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates in Dubai, maintained that his client acted in good faith. “Our client was unaware of any irregularities in the degree certificate. He submitted it in good faith as part of the standard onboarding process.”
“There was no direct evidence linking our client to any act of forgery. The prosecution has not demonstrated any intent or involvement on our client’s part in knowingly presenting a forged document," he explained.
The court ultimately ruled in favour of the accused, noting that the prosecution had failed to provide conclusive evidence to prove the forgery charges beyond a reasonable doubt
The verdict highlighted the lack of intent and underscored that other documents, including the man’s employment history, did not support claims of deliberate fraud or malpractice.
With no appeal filed within the designated timeframe, the acquittal is now final.
If you have any matters of international or local law that could benefit from the advice of our expert lawyers, please contact +971 4 355 8000.
Dubai Court Acquits French Woman in Dh5.5m Crypto Theft and Family Assault Case
Financial Services Regulation
Published in: Khaleej Times
She was also cleared of charges of physical assault against her ex-mother-in-law
A 36-year-old French woman has been acquitted of charges relating to the theft of her ex-husband’s laptop, which allegedly contained cryptocurrency trading accounts worth over $1 million.
She was also cleared of charges of physical assault against her ex-mother-in-law, related to the same incident.
The rulings, issued by Dubai's criminal courts in July and September respectively, were in the woman’s favour after the court reviewed the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defence. The courts concluded that there was insufficient proof to convict her of the alleged crimes.
The charges originated from an incident on January 26, 2023, when the couple was still married. Her then-husband accused her of preventing him from entering their apartment in Al Barsha and damaging the laptop.
He further claimed that six months later, she assaulted his mother during an altercation at the same apartment.
The laptop, which allegedly contained cryptocurrency trading accounts valued at Dh5.5 million, was said to be dedicated to paying employees of a company owned by the ex-husband.
According to court documents, the Romanian complainant
claimed the woman took the device while they were still married. He also stated that, after obtaining a police permit to retrieve his belongings from the apartment, the laptop was missing.
The defence, however, argued that the French national was wrongfully accused, presenting substantial evidence to support her innocence.
Her legal consultant, Dr Hassan Elhais from Awatif Shoqi Advocates argued: “The accusations were based on circumstantial evidence. Our client had no motive or opportunity to commit such crimes, and the technical evidence does not directly implicate her.”
In a separate case involving the same woman, she was also found not guilty of assaulting her ex-mother-in-law. The mother-in-law had accused her of initiating a physical altercation during a custody handover for the couple's child.
The defendant denied the allegations, asserting that her ex-mother-in-law forced her way into the apartment, violating an agreement that required the handover to take place at the building’s reception.
The woman explained to the court that, following her custody victory, the agreed-upon arrangement required her ex-mother-in-law to wait at the reception for the child. However, according to the defendant, the ex-mother-in-law disregarded this and entered the apartment forcefully.
The court dismissed the assault charges, citing insufficient evidence and noting the ongoing personal disputes between the parties.
Elhais remarked, "Our client has been vindicated on these accounts, and we are grateful for the court’s thorough examination of the facts in both cases.
If you have any matters of international or local law that could benefit from the advice of our expert lawyers, please contact +971 4 355 8000.
Dubai resident cleared of drug possession and use
Drug Crime
Published in: The National
A Dubai resident who was caught with cannabis-infused chocolate has been acquitted of drug possession charges based on the latest legal changes in the UAE.
The man from China, 25, landed at Dubai International Airport’s terminal 3 on February 11 after returning from a holiday in the US.
After being pulled aside for a customs check, officers found four bars of chocolate and 20 e-cigarettes in his luggage. When asked about the items, he said they contained tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol oil.
Further tests confirmed the man had consumed hashish prior to his arrival.
He was taken into custody then referred to the public prosecution where he was charged with using and possessing drugs for personal use.
Pending trial, the man spent more than two months in detention.
He admitted using and possessing hashish but at the Dubai Criminal Court the man’s defence team argued the irrelevance of his confession in light of the latest legal updates.
"Based on the legal changes and specifically article 96 of the updated anti-narcotics law, prosecutors should not have referred this case to the court in the first place," said Dr Hassan Elhais from Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, representing the man.
“The offence our client was being charged with has been decriminalised in the UAE.”
On August 15, judges cleared the man of the charges.
Changes to the UAE's drug laws limited criminal action against people found to be carrying products that contain cannabis extracts.
According to the reforms that came into force last January, items including medicine and food that have traces of the drug, such as THC compound, will be seized and destroyed, but those carrying them will not be prosecuted.
The rule applies to first-time offenders.
If you have any matters of international or local law that could benefit from the advice of our expert lawyers, please contact +971 4 355 8000.
Fast money became a death penalty for one Brit - till the second appeal
Criminal Defense
Published in: The National
The British man was sentenced to death by Abu Dhabi’s criminal and appeal courts before the verdict was revoked
A Briton sentenced to death by two Abu Dhabi courts for selling drugs to an undercover policeman has won an appeal against the verdict.
The man, 54, denied a charge of possessing drugs with the intent to sell but was convicted and handed the death penalty by Abu Dhabi Criminal Court.
The sentence was later upheld by the emirate’s appeal court.
Abu Dhabi’s Federal Supreme Court has revoked the death sentence of a British man. The National Abu Dhabi’s Federal Supreme Court has revoked the death sentence of a British man. The National A Briton sentenced to death by two Abu Dhabi courts for selling drugs to an undercover policeman has won an appeal against the verdict. The man, 54, denied a charge of possessing drugs with the intent to sell but was convicted and handed the death penalty by Abu Dhabi Criminal Court. The sentence was later upheld by the emirate’s appeal court.Now Abu Dhabi’s Federal Supreme Court has revoked the ruling and ordered a new panel of judges hear the case again, at a date to be fixed.
The mechanic was arrested after selling Dh125,000 worth of heroin to an undercover officer in Naif, Dubai, in March, 2018.
His lawyer told judges the man was a victim of circumstance.
“His need for money was taken advantage of by other men,” said legal consultant Dr Hasan Elhais of Al Rowaad Advocates.
The case was tried in Abu Dhabi because it involved a drug trafficking charge.
A second defendant, 45, from Pakistan, was arrested for supplying the Briton with the drugs he sold.
“I was stranded in Oman and called a friend in the UK asking to borrow money from him,” the British man said.
“My return ticket had expired and I needed a new one to return to the UK for surgery.”
But his friend offered him a one-time job in return for a payment of more than Dh3,500.
“He told me it was in Dubai, so I took the bus and headed there.”
The Pakistani man met him and gave him money and a package.
The following day, both men were arrested after a Dubai policeman posing as a customer bought two kilograms of heroin from them.
“I had never dealt in drugs. This was my first time, and I only did it because I needed the money,” the British defendant said.
During questioning, the Pakistani defendant told investigators he was given the drugs by two other men.
The pair, from Iran, were arrested.
All four were charged with possessing drugs to sell.
The British and Pakistani defendants were handed the death penalty by the criminal court while the other two were cleared of the charge.
“We appealed because many procedural errors happened during the course of the case,” said Dr Elhais.
But the sentence was upheld by the appeal court in April of this year.
A second appeal was filed, taking the case to the Supreme Court.
“The arrest procedures being invalid is one of these procedural errors,” Dr Elhais said.
“Another is that records didn’t clarify if the panel of three judges were unanimous in their verdict, which is mandatory when passing a death penalty in the UAE.”
Dr Elhais told Abu Dhabi’s highest court the testimony of the undercover policeman, being a Pakistani citizen, should have been taken in the presence of a legal translator. This did not happen.
Judges were told the Briton's record is clear of any previous drug-related charges.
"Also, a panel of judges heard the case at the beginning but then a different panel took over and issued the verdict, which is inconsistent with the law," Dr Elhais said.
The lawyer said he will request his client be acquitted when the case is next heard.
It is not yet known in which court the case will be held.
If you have any matters of international or local law that could benefit from the advice of our expert lawyers, please contact +971 4 355 8000.
5 / 5
14/08/2025
Ghanim:
Fantastic experience with Dr. Hassan and his team. Were always very attentive of my needs, and always made sure everything was going smooth as well as being clear and concise about the entire process. They helped me thought a tough time and I would definitely go straight to them if ever in need.
5 / 5
28/07/2025
Dr. Hassan and his team worked very hard on my case. I am beyond satisfied with my experience with them. I was very impressed by his ability to settle my case for an amount that I was not expecting. They are very easy to contact and they respond to my questions and concerns immediately. I highly recommend Him and his firm and I feel blessed to come across such a professional and knowledgeable group of people!
5 / 5
18/06/2025
Kris:
Hassan was such a pleasure to work with and we’re glad we chose him to help with our situation. He is incredibly knowledgeable and skillful, always staying one step ahead. Throughout the process, he kept us informed, answered all our questions, and provided clear and very honest advice. His attention to detail and commitment to our case led us to a successful outcome. If you need a reliable and dedicated lawyer, he is the one for you!
5 / 5
23/05/2025
Dr. Hassan is a fantastic lawyer with great knowledge, expertise and handles everything with the upmost professionalism. I came to him and his team not knowing anything on how the law would work in my situation. They were very helpful and walked me through the whole process.
5 / 5
13/04/2025
Leila:
I can't thank Dr. Hassan enough for his support during my family law case. From the moment I reached out to him, he made me feel heard and reassured me that he would fight for the best outcome. His knowledge of family law is unmatched, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that my rights were protected and that I was treated fairly throughout the process. Thanks to him, I was able to move forward with confidence and peace of mind. I highly recommend Dr. Hassan to anyone going through family legal challenges—you won't regret it!
5 / 5
05/02/2025
I am very thankful to Dr. Hassan and his staff for handling my divorce case. After consulting with numerous lawyers and having gone through a couple of mediation, he was the only lawyer that was willing to take my case and handled it from start to finish. He is very honest and upfront and professional. He answered all my questions and concerns promptly. All his staff are very nice and very pleasant to deal with. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone that needs legal help.
5 / 5
31/12/2024
Dr. Hassan and his team worked hard for months on my case. He was always professional, and worked with me answering all my pointy detailed questions. Although things were delayed with courts, we stuck together and got a great result. Thanks
5 / 5
29/09/2024
Peter:
Hassan is exceptional- He's by far the most knowledgeable and professional lawyer I've worked with here in Dubai. He went above and beyond to achieve an outcome I didn't even know was possible, helped me in my worst times and never lost faith in me. I'd highly recommend him to anyone with legal troubles.
5 / 5
31/07/2024
Stef:
Dr. Hassan is a great lawyer. He was recommended to me, and I have definitely recommended him to others. He has the right experience and has answered all my questions and concerns. He is knowledgeable of the law and will provide you with advice, and a resolution to your case. What I appreciated the most was his and his team's attentiveness to keep me abreast of all proceedings, and he worked to protect my best interest and the interest of my family. Overall, he exceeded my expectations and am grateful for his service. He has definitely earned my respect and trust.
5 / 5
10/07/2024
Adel:
Very prompt, understanding & hard working. I always recommend him and his firm when people are looking for a any legal service. They made me feel like family & made sure to put my needs before anything else. He was amazing & made sure to keep me in the loop with every little detail. I definitely will return in the future if need be.