Your trusted legal partner in the Middle East.

Get in touch
A picture of dubai with a big buildingin center
Unmatched icon

Unmatched

20+ years of experience

Paper with check gold icon

Custom Solutions

Dubai & other Emirates, Qatar, Bahrein, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia

Badge with a check

Practical

We speak English and Arabic

Succeeding in the Middle East starts with the right legal support

We offer legal support built on experience, cultural understanding, and local insight — focused on the GCC: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Each country has its own rules for contracts, tenders, and labour law. Understanding these differences is key to doing business successfully.

Count on us for clear, practical legal advice — tailored to your goals in the Gulf region.

Three pillars of success:
law, culture & strategy

The Middle East offers significant business opportunities — but realizing it requires more than ambition.

Success depends on balancing legal requirements, strategic decisions, and cultural awareness.At International Legal Safeguard, we help you find that balance.

Gulf contracts are not one-size-fits-all

Each Gulf country has its own legal system for contracts, tenders, and employment law. Saudi Arabia and others apply Sharia law, which can impact how agreements are enforced.

Local jurisdiction clauses are common, but their interpretation may be complex. Foreign companies should ensure legal clarity and be mindful of potential conflicts with Sharia principles or local practices.

Understanding these differences is key to avoiding costly surprises.

Get in touch
2 middle east business persons looking at a project
A mosque

GCC employment rules — and country-specific

While the Gulf countries share certain legal structures, each state has its own employment laws, procedures, and enforcement practices. What works in the UAE may not apply in Saudi Arabia or Qatar.

From employment contracts to dispute resolution and end-of-service benefits — understanding the specific requirements in each jurisdiction is essential for staying compliant and avoiding penalties.

We help you manage these differences with clear, tailored advice for every GCC country you do business in.

International Law

Labor Laws in the GCC

The Kafala system in the GCC ties visas to employers, potentially causing power imbalances. Employers must navigate it cautiously for fair treatment and legal compliance.

Understanding specific labor laws is crucial. Failure in dispute resolution adherence can lead to legal consequences. Contracts should align with cultural norms, carefully addressing working hours, religious observances, and holiday allowances.

Our Services
A mosque

No local knowledge, no winning bid

Entering public tenders in the GCC requires more than a competitive offer — it demands a deep understanding of local rules, expectations, and preferences.

Many tenders favor local companies or joint ventures. Without knowing the local rules, even a strong bid can be disqualified.

At International Legal Safeguard, we help you meet local requirements, form strategic partnerships, and stay compliant — so your bid stands a real chance.

Get in touch
A mosque on a sunny day

Your one-stop legal partner for the Middle East

Expanding or operating in the Gulf region? Each country brings its own legal rules and requirements — from contracts and compliance to local employment laws and regulatory approvals.

At International Legal Safeguard, we offer all-in-one legal support focused on what actually works in each market, tailored to the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

With our region-specific expertise and strategic approach, we help you reduce risk, save time, and move forward with confidence.

International contracts gold icon

International contracts

In the Middle East — especially in the Arab Gulf — contracts are more than just legal documents. They often rely on mutual trust, cultural understanding, and unspoken expectations.

A contract that looks fine on paper can still fail in practice if it misses the local nuance. That can mean broken deals, misunderstandings, or even legal disputes.

At International Legal Safeguard, we help you avoid those risks. With region-specific expertise, we draft clear, effective contracts that align with both legal standards and local business culture — ensuring stronger partnerships and fewer surprises.

Learn more
International Law icon

Legal compliance in employment contracts

In the Middle East, employment contract compliance isn’t optional — it’s essential. Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal disputes, and reputational damage.

At International Legal Safeguard, we help you stay compliant and avoid problems — with contracts that work.

Learn more
Meet Ellie, picture, with Ellie our founder and 20 years of experience

Embark on a journey of success in the Arab Gulf

Our mission is to make doing business in the Middle East, and especially in the Arab Gulf Countries, a seamless process for you.

With our guidance, you can confidently draft contracts, adhere to labour laws and win tenders. Whether you are a newcomer or expanding your operations, we’re here to support your journey toward success in the Arab Gulf Countries.

Get in touch

Don't take our word for it....

“They helped me save money”

ILS’s expertise in global sourcing made our supply chain better worldwide. They helped us save money and follow international rules while getting things done faster.

Sophie Moore
Commercial Director @ Nolte Mezzanine

"A big help in the Middle East"

Thanks to ILS's expert help, we successfully set up our business in the Middle East.

Marlon Drinkwaard
Founder @ AquaSmartXL

"ILS guided the Saudi venture"

We received a request from Saudi Arabia for the supply and installation of facade cladding. International Legal Safeguard guided the Saudi venture until its successful completion in 2020.

Jurren Zomers
Marketing Director @ Metadecor

"ILS helped us grow smoothly in France"

ILS knew French labor laws inside out and adjusted our contracts to fit local ways. Their mix of legal know-how and cultural awareness really helped us grow smoothly in France.

Olaf Buimer
Founder @Garethlucas

"invaluable support "

ILS provided invaluable support throughout the tender management process. Their ability to anticipate and address potential issues enabled us to submit competitive bids that met alllegal and procedural requirements, resulting in successful contract awards.

Rick van den Ende
Co-Owner @BOM Group

"ILS opened new doors for us"

International Legal Safeguard literally opened doors for us! They provided fantastic guidance from the outset. As a result, we were able to open our business in Dubai in a relatively short time and immediately start conducting commercial activities.

Jorg Lagemaat
Co-Founder @EYS Dubai

"ILS helped us establish strong partnerships worldwide"

International Legal Safeguard provided essential support in crafting our international contracts, ensuring clarity and enforceability across multiple jurisdictions. Their attention todetail and strategic advice helped us establish strong partnerships worldwide

Karel Bouman
CEO & Owner @Bauporte Group

"They understood Spanish law well"

ILS's help with contracts in Spain was priceless. They understood Spanish law well, which helped us get good deals and look after our interests.

Mike van Sonsbeek
CEO & Owner @Fashion4Wellness

"Clear communication and personalized strategies."

ILS's expertise in German contract law made negotiations easy and reduced risks for our company. They made sure our agreements met both legal needs and business goals through clear communication and personalized strategies.

Joris Koops
Founder @Bypoint

"Ellie is the dream person to work with"

Ellie is the dream person to work with. My team and I have been fortunate to have her step in and hit the ground running. Not only she is extremely knowledgeable, professional and pragmatic, she is also a lovely person. She is a very special person!

Sara Vachet
Contracts Director @ TechnipFMC

Contact us

International Legal Safeguard provides expert, legal advice for businesses operating in the Middle East and Europe.

Get in touch to discuss how we can support your goals — with solutions aligned to your region, sector, and strategy.

Get in touch