Dr. Ahmed Hatem

Dr. Ahmed Hatem is a dual-qualified lawyer and financial expert who leads the Commercial Law practice at Al Safar & Partners. Holding a PhD in law and bringing extensive experience across corporate finance, capital markets, and emerging digital asset regulation, Dr. Hatem advises clients on some of the firm's most complex and high-value transactional mandates.

His practice spans the full spectrum of commercial and financial law: mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures, project finance structuring, bond and sukuk issuances, and IPO advisory. He has advised clients across sectors including real estate development, banking and financial services, technology, energy, and infrastructure — helping them structure transactions that comply with UAE federal law, DIFC regulations, ADGM frameworks, and SCA requirements.

Dr. Hatem is one of the UAE's recognized practitioners in the field of virtual assets and digital finance. He advises crypto exchanges, blockchain ventures, and digital asset fund managers on licensing, regulatory compliance, token structuring, and operational matters under the VARA framework in Dubai and the FSRA regime in Abu Dhabi. His PhD-level understanding of law and finance enables him to bridge the gap between technical business models and regulatory requirements in this rapidly evolving space.

Beyond transactions, Dr. Hatem advises boards and senior management on corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and commercial contract frameworks. He is a trusted counselor to family offices, multinational corporations, and growth-stage businesses looking to expand, restructure, or access UAE capital markets.