Dr. Sara Aghaei is a distinguished legal professional serving as a Partner (Ltd) and Senior Legal Consultant at Al Safar & Partners in Dubai, UAE. As our firm’s Iranian partner, she plays a vital role in bridging legal solutions between the UAE and Iran, ensuring clients receive comprehensive and expert guidance across all areas of law. With a doctorate in law and extensive experience in both criminal and civil matters, Dr. Aghaei provides strategic counsel in a broad spectrum of legal services. Her approach combines deep knowledge of UAE law with an understanding of Iranian legal principles, making her uniquely adept at advising Iranian expatriates and international clients alike. Fluent in Persian (Farsi) and English, she communicates effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and is dedicated to delivering clear, results-driven legal solutions with the highest professionalism.
Areas of Expertise
- Criminal Cases: Robust defense and legal guidance in criminal matters, leveraging her background in criminal law to protect clients’ rights at every stage. This includes representing clients in criminal investigations, trials, and appeals with diligence and discretion.
- Civil & Commercial Disputes: Representation for individuals and businesses in civil litigation and commercial disputes. Dr. Aghaei strives for efficient resolutions – whether through skillful negotiation, mediation, or vigorous court advocacy – to safeguard her clients’ interests in contractual, business, or personal conflicts.
- Real Estate Matters: Expert advice on UAE real estate transactions and disputes. From property purchases and investments to landlord-tenant issues, she ensures that clients’ property rights are secured and that all real estate dealings comply with local laws and regulations.
- Family & Personal Status Law: Compassionate counsel in family law cases, including inheritance, divorce, child custody, and personal status matters. Dr. Aghaei navigates the sensitivities of family disputes with cultural understanding and respect, helping clients achieve solutions in line with UAE Personal Status law and, where applicable, accommodating their own cultural or national laws.
- Contract Drafting & Review: Meticulous drafting and review of contracts in English or Persian. She helps clients form solid agreements – be it business contracts, employment offers, or personal agreements – and identifies potential legal pitfalls to prevent future disputes.
- Legal Business Support: Ongoing legal support for businesses and entrepreneurs. From company formation (including guiding Iranian investors in establishing UAE businesses) to compliance, regulatory advice, and day-to-day legal counsel, Dr. Aghaei ensures that businesses operate securely within the UAE legal framework.
Education & Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Law: Ph.D. in Criminal Law and Criminology from the University of Tehran – a credential that reflects her advanced expertise in legal theory and practice.
- Legal Licensure: Member of the Iranian Bar Association, qualified to practice law in Iran. This background gives her insight into Iranian legal standards and procedures. She is also a registered Legal Consultant in Dubai, authorized to provide legal advice in the UAE.
- Academic Involvement: Before joining Al Safar & Partners, Dr. Aghaei served as a university lecturer in law and criminology, sharing her knowledge with students and junior lawyers. This role, along with her work as a criminologist and author, highlights her commitment to the advancement of legal scholarship.
- Languages: Bilingual in English and Persian (Farsi). Dr. Aghaei’s multilingual abilities enable her to comfortably assist Farsi-speaking clients in their native language while also conversing in English with ease. (This linguistic skill is particularly reassuring for Iranian clients in the UAE, although she welcomes clients of all nationalities.)
Professional Achievements & Contributions
Dr. Aghaei’s blend of practical experience and academic excellence is evident in her professional achievements. She has authored and contributed to legal publications and firm insights, sharing guidance on niche topics of law. For example, she has published informative articles on inheritance and estate planning for Iranian expatriates in the UAE, helping bridge understanding between Iranian personal law and UAE law. As an author of legal articles, she stays at the forefront of legal developments and educates the community – a testament to her proactive and knowledgeable counsel.
In practice, Dr. Aghaei has successfully guided numerous clients through complex legal challenges. She has been instrumental in defending clients against serious criminal charges, navigating high-value commercial disputes, and advising on cross-border issues involving Iranian law. Her ability to reconcile the nuances of Iranian legal concepts with UAE’s legal system has proven invaluable for clients who have ties to Iran or Persian-speaking backgrounds. This unique cross-jurisdictional insight, combined with her rigorous legal training, positions her as a go-to legal expert for matters that require a nuanced, culturally aware strategy.
Professional Affiliations: In addition to her membership with the Iranian Bar, Dr. Aghaei is an active participant in the legal community. She collaborates with international legal professionals and stays connected with scholarly circles in criminal law and criminology. Her role at Al Safar & Partners also involves contributing to the firm’s development of services tailored for the Iranian community in the UAE, reinforcing our firm’s inclusive and client-focused ethos.
Client Trust & Testimonials
At Al Safar & Partners, we pride ourselves on a tradition of client-centric service – a standard that Dr. Sara Aghaei exemplifies in every case. She is not only a legal expert but also a trusted advisor who prioritizes each client’s peace of mind. Her approach is defined by a blend of legal rigor and cultural sensitivity, especially when guiding Iranian expatriates through the UAE legal system.
Clients of Al Safar & Partners consistently praise the firm’s dedication and professionalism, describing the team as “extremely knowledgeable and responsive, providing clear and concise guidance every step of the way. Many have found the firm to be “a beacon of hope… at a time when our options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed impossible”. Dr. Aghaei upholds this same standard of excellence. She is attentive and empathetic, understanding that legal issues can be stressful and personal. By keeping clients informed and involved, she ensures they feel supported throughout the legal process. Her steadfast commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes – while maintaining integrity and transparency – has earned her the trust and appreciation of clients from various backgrounds.
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you are facing a criminal charge, involved in a dispute, or need advice on personal and business matters, Dr. Sara Aghaei and the team at Al Safar & Partners are here to assist you. Our firm offers a welcoming environment for all clients, and Dr. Aghaei’s presence is particularly reassuring for Farsi-speaking and Iranian clients who seek counsel attuned to their cultural context.
To schedule a confidential consultation, please contact Al Safar & Partners at +971 52 758 3267 or via email at sara.a@alsafarpartners.com. You may also reach out through our main office line or visit us at our Downtown Dubai office. We look forward to providing you with reliable, effective legal support and addressing your legal needs with the utmost professionalism and care.