%20(1).png)
Recipients of
The Global Legal Excellence Awards
Dubai, UAE, 2025
Blaine Deolindo
Head Of Legal, Denara Group
Blaine Deolindo is an accomplished attorney with over 13 years of global experience in FinTech, Islamic Finance, Corporate Law and Virtual Assets across Brazil, the US, UAE, Europe and Africa. She holds a Master’s in International Law, is pursuing an MBA in Artificial Intelligence and since 2021 has led a business group’s legal department in Dubai where she excels in cross-border deals and regulatory compliance. Recognized as a leader in digital finance, she has structured Web3 businesses, incorporated a regulated financial institution in five months and continues to drive innovation in Islamic finance and digital assets.
Charles Hearn
Group General Counsel, The Premium Group
Mr. Hearn leads the legal, compliance and corporate governance functions of the Group with deep expertise in global business transactions, strategic partnerships, M&A and regulatory compliance. He is a dual-qualified solicitor with a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Laws and an MBA along with multiple certifications in compliance, corporate governance, anti-money laundering, electronic communications, specialized contracts, environmental law, M&A, equity and trusts and constitutional law. With this diverse background he combines legal acumen with strategic insight to ensure sound governance and drive sustainable business growth across global markets
.jpg)
Delvin Jacob Mathews
Senior Advisor, APJ Juris Global, Dubai
Delvin Mathews is an author and legal and compliance leader with over 25 years of experience across the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Asia. He advises on regulatory strategy, data protection, litigation and contract governance while building and leading high-performing legal teams. Known for his dynamic leadership and people-first approach, he brings integrity, strategic vision and cross-functional insight to every role.
Legal Affairs Department
Etihad Etisalat (Mobily)
Mobily’s Legal Department is made up of 39 professionals specializing in corporate law, capital markets, intellectual property, employment, technology and dispute resolution. The team operates through three core units Litigation, Contracts and Consultations supported by a cross-functional Strategy Team that drives innovation and efficiency. Under the leadership of Majed A. Alshabana and Mohammed A. Alzogaibi the department has championed digital transformation using technology to streamline workflows, resolve challenges creatively and deliver effective legal solutions that support Mobily’s strategic and business goals.
_JPG.jpg)
Majid Al Marzooqi
Former Chief Legal, Regulatory and Corporate Governance Officer, Oredoo - Oman
Majid joined Ooredoo Oman in 2006 and has held roles including Legal Counsel, Director of Legal Affairs and Chief Corporate Governance and External Affairs Officer before becoming Chief Legal, Regulatory and Corporate Governance Officer. He also serves as Company Secretary and Company Legal Advisor, overseeing Board and governance matters while providing legal and regulatory advice. With over 20 years of experience in law, governance and public relations, Majid brings expertise from both the private and government sectors.
Mariam Almughaini
General Counsel & Head of Legal Affairs, Methaq Takaful Insurance Company
Mariam AlMughaini is a legal professional with 10 years of experience in financial regulation, corporate governance, litigation and commercial law in the UAE. She is General Counsel & Head of Legal Affairs at a UAE PJSC, leading a team of six and overseeing corporate settlements, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory compliance. A summa cum laude graduate from Abu Dhabi University and soon to complete her Masters in International Commercial Law from Salford Manchester University, she has held senior roles at the Central Bank of the UAE and Emirates Institute of Finance and is recognized for advising boards and regulators at the highest level.
.png)
.jpeg)
Maya Soufi
Head of Legal, Centre of Excellence for Applied Research & Training - CERT
Maya Soufi is a Legal Consultant based in Abu Dhabi, specializing in corporate governance, compliance, contracts, and dispute resolution. She advises organizations and individuals on complex legal matters, offering strategic and practical solutions that safeguard interests and drive sustainable growth. With a strong foundation in international commercial law, Maya blends legal expertise with business acumen to deliver effective outcomes. She holds an LLM from the University of Salford and an LLB from the Lebanese University, reflecting her global perspective and commitment to excellence in legal practice.
Metapon Suwancharern
Managing Partner and FounderLawyerman&Partners International Law Firm
Mr. Suwancharern is the Managing Partner and Founder of Lawyerman & Partners International Law Firm. A seasoned legal expert, he specializes in criminal law with a strong focus on complex cases involving foreign nationals. With extensive experience in high-profile international cases, including those of Daniel Sancho and Frank Cuesta, Mr. Metapon is known for his meticulous planning, strategic insight, and deep understanding of cross-border legal dynamics. His thoughtful and well-structured approach consistently leads to successful outcomes, earning him recognition for delivering exceptional results and trusted counsel to clients across diverse jurisdictions.
%20(1).jpeg)
Mohamed Al Mamari
Legal Counsel, Vodafone (Oman)
A founding member of the legal function at Vodafone Oman, she provides solution-driven legal advice to commercial teams across both consumer and enterprise sectors while leading legal operations within the department. She also co-founded Assistar, a legal tech startup that offered self-serve legal documents in Arabic and English, showcasing her passion for innovation in law (the venture has since concluded). In addition, she served as a co-author of the Legal AI Benchmarking Project (Phase II), where she contributed to evaluating AI tools for contract drafting, combining her expertise in law, technology, and operational excellence.
Nicola Haughey-James
Consultant Lawyer: Artificial Intelligence, AI Universal Council
Nicola Haughey-James is a dual-qualified solicitor in England & Wales and Ireland and Senior Legal Counsel at Axiom Law, New York. As a Member of the AI Universal Council, she advises Fortune 100 companies on AI procurement, technology law and digital transformation, shaping global governance and ethical adoption. With an international career across the UK, UAE, Australia, India, Africa, Ireland and the US, she has spoken at the Dubai Future Forum, AI Week and taught at Harvard University, bridging law and technology to foster innovation and responsible digital futures.
.jpeg)
Sameer A. Siddiqui
Senior Contracts Manager, SAMI Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI-AEC)
Dr. Sameer A. Siddiqui is a legal and contracts management professional with over 17 years of experience across multiple industries in Saudi Arabia. He is currently Senior Contract Manager at SAMI Advanced Electronics Company and brings expertise in contract law, negotiation and strategic procurement. Holding a PhD in Advanced Legal Research, an LLM in International Commercial Law and an MBA in Project Management, he has worked with leading organizations including Accenture, Tasnee, Etihad Etisalat and The Saudi Investment Bank, consistently delivering value and advancing legal excellence
Sami Matraji
Legal Counsel, Storfund
Sami Matraji is a corporate finance strategist and legal counsel with over 20 years of experience in banking, Islamic finance and cross-border advisory. He has held leadership roles at QIB, QIB (UK) and Storfund, combining legal, financial and FinTech expertise to drive international expansion. As Founding Partner at Imas Financing, he advises on debt, M&A and restructuring, and holds an LLM in International Business Law along with multiple finance certifications, recognized for bridging law and finance with strategic insight and a focus on innovation and AI.
_JPG.jpg)
Sanaa Khalil
General Counsel, Rotana Music
With 16 years of legal experience, she brings expertise across media, music, entertainment, intellectual property, litigation, data privacy, technology, hospitality, and dispute resolution. Her background spans both private practice and in-house roles, giving her a strong understanding of legal and business dynamics. Over time, she has developed a focus on emerging technologies, particularly cybersecurity and AI, exploring areas such as ethical AI, data protection, and compliance frameworks. This complements her foundation in digital law, enabling her to offer strategic, future-focused legal guidance that blends legal acumen with commercial insight across diverse industries.
Sari Kanaan
Vice President Legal & General Counsel, RAK Ceramics PJSC
Sari Kanaan is a legal leader with 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, specializing in M&A, joint ventures and cross-border transactions. He is Vice President Legal & General Counsel at RAK Ceramics PJSC, transforming the legal department into a digitally driven business partner while navigating complex regulatory and strategic challenges. Previously, he held senior roles at AkzoNobel, PwC Middle East and EY, building a strong track record in risk management, dispute resolution and aligning legal strategy with business growth.
.jpg)
.png)
Sherene Philip
Manager Legal, FMCG, Dubai, UAE
Sherene Philip is a seasoned legal professional with over 17 years of experience across global industries including insurance, pharmaceuticals, IT, food and beverage, and banking. She holds an LL.M. from Liverpool John Moores University, UK, and currently serves as Legal Manager at a multinational food and beverage company in Dubai. Sherene specializes in international business law, compliance, and corporate governance, with strong expertise in developing AML frameworks and business-focused legal solutions. Known for her strategic, ethical, and growth-driven approach, she is passionate about leadership and mentoring, inspiring teams to uphold integrity and innovation in legal and corporate environments.
Smriti Ravichandran
Head of Legal and Compliance, Oros Asset Management Limited
Smriti Ravichandran is Head of Legal and Compliance at OROS Asset Management (ADGM), specializing in regulatory compliance and AML/CTF in investment advisory, funds and asset management. She has expertise in structuring and conducting legal and operational due diligence on private funds and private equity investments. Smriti began her career in litigation in India before moving into financial services law in the DIFC and holds a B.A.LLB (Hons) from Jindal Global Law School, the CAMS designation, ACSI membership and advanced certifications in global financial compliance.
.jpg)
Somia Subi Daniel
Legal Counsel, MERED
She is a Legal Advisor with expertise in the investment, construction, and retail sectors. Holding a Master’s in Law with distinction, she brings extensive experience in corporate advisory, real estate, and retail. Currently, she plays a key legal role in a prestigious luxury mixed-use development, overseeing compliance, structuring agreements, and ensuring brand standards in development and asset management. Beyond her professional work, Somia is actively involved in community service and cultural programs. Passionate about law, education, and social impact, she is committed to driving positive change both within the legal field and in the wider society.
Soumee Bhatt
Founder & Managing Partner, Bombay Juris Law Offices
Soumee is a seasoned India-qualified lawyer with nearly two decades of experience in the legal industry offering practical legal solutions to complex business problems within the legal and regulatory ambit. She is the Founder & Managing Partner of Bombay Juris Law Offices, a new generation law firm providing top-class legal services, focussed in innovation and aiming to disrupt the traditional model of law firm operations in India . Prior to founding Bombay Juris, Soumee was the Head-Legal and General Counsel for a foreign bank in India and has also held various other in-house leadership positions in leading private sector banks and fintech companies.
.jpg)
Sujoy Bose
Head - Secretarial, Legal and Compliance, Krsnaa Diagnostics Limited
Sujoy Bose is a seasoned legal and compliance professional with over a decade of experience in corporate governance, securities law, and regulatory affairs. A qualified Company Secretary and Law graduate, he has led major initiatives including IPOs, mergers, and acquisitions across diverse industries. Currently serving as Head of Legal and Compliance at a leading listed company, Sujoy oversees governance, risk management, ESG, and CSR functions. His expertise spans the Companies Act, SEBI, FEMA, and GST, making him a trusted advisor to leadership teams. Known for his collaborative style, he champions ethical, transparent, and sustainable business practices through strategic legal insight.
Vinay Mishra
Director and Senior Counsel, U.S. bank
Vinay Mishra is a legal professional with over a decade of experience in governance, regulatory compliance and risk management in complex cross-border structures. He is Director on the Board of U.S. Bank’s India GCC, leading governance, legal, administration and strategy. A qualified lawyer and Company Secretary, Vinay is known for translating regulatory obligations into practical, business-aligned processes while upholding integrity and providing responsible leadership.
