Hello, my name is
Hesham ElSamra
Senior Legal Counsel
and Litigator
- H@Heshamelsamra.com
- +9971 56 445 0244
About me
A UAE‑based Senior Legal Counsel known for high‑stakes litigation, precedent‑setting wins, and strategic legal insight that shapes the future of local jurisprudence.
Leading complex litigation and shaping judicial precedent in the UAE
As a Senior Legal Consultant, I brings more than sixteen years of deep, hands‑on experience navigating the complexities of UAE litigation. My work is defined by precision, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to shaping outcomes—not simply responding to them.
Across my career, I have secured three judicial precedents that continue to influence legal practice today, including the first enforcement of a foreign judgment issued by the local English courts before the Dubai Courts in 2023—an achievement that marked a turning point in cross‑border judicial cooperation.
My reputation extends beyond the courtroom. I’m regularly invited to analyze and comment on newly enacted legislation, offering clarity on topics such as performance orders at the Rental Disputes Center and rental financing regulations. My voice has become a reference point for practitioners seeking to understand how emerging laws will reshape the UAE’s legal landscape.
What I do
Civil and commerc ial litigation
Specializing in civil and commercial litigation, I handle high‑stakes disputes with strategic precision and deep knowledge of UAE law. My practice focuses on resolving complex contractual, corporate, and financial matters through clear advocacy, meticulous preparation, and results‑driven legal insight.
Criminal litigations
Handling criminal litigation with strategic precision, I represent clients in complex criminal matters requiring deep legal insight, meticulous case preparation, and decisive courtroom advocacy. My practice focuses on safeguarding rights, navigating sensitive investigations, and delivering clear, results‑driven defense strategies.
Arbitration
I provide strategic arbitration representation across complex commercial and contractual disputes, combining deep legal insight with clear, results‑driven advocacy. My arbitration practice focuses on navigating multi‑jurisdictional issues, preparing compelling case theories, and delivering outcomes that protect clients’ interests with precision and confidence.
Publications
Key considerations in implementing Article 96 of the UAE’s Narcotic Control Law on confiscation from travelers
The Oath Magazine
Compatibility and Challenges: Investigating the Legal Landscape in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport
The UAE’s new end-of-service investment system for private sector employees
The Oath Magazine
The legal impact of COP28 in the UAE: Shaping the global climate agenda
Arabian Business
The UAE’s Cybercrime Law
The Oath Magazine
Education
Aug 2023 - July 2026
Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport
Master’s Degree
Master’s degree in Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in the United Arab Emirates.
Excellent with Honors
April 2024 - May 2024
International Academy For Mediation and Arbitration
Professional Certificate
Professional Certificate of Arbitration in Sports Disputes.
60 hours of interactive training.
Sept 2025 - May 2029
Alexandria University – Egypt
Bachelor of Law
Bachelor of Law, Alexandria University, Alexandria.
English Department.
Before law became the center of my professional life, football played a defining role in shaping who I am. I competed professionally in the youth divisions of several Egyptian clubs and later represented both the Faculty of Law at Alexandria University and the university itself. As a No. 10—an attacking midfielder and playmaker—I was known for finding pockets of space, reading the game with clarity, and delivering incisive, line‑breaking passes that unlocked defenses and created real opportunities for my teammates.
During those years, my teammates nicknamed me “Aboutrika,” after the legendary Egyptian footballer Mohamed Aboutrika, because they saw echoes of his vision and playmaking style in the way I anticipated movement and brought others into the game. The nickname remains a cherished memory, but the lessons football taught me have proved even more enduring: anticipate the next move, stay composed under pressure, and remember that individual talent matters most when it elevates the entire team.
Enforcing the first judgment from the English Courts in Dubai Courts
Compatibility and Challenges: Investigating the Legal Landscape in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
