Robert Whitehead
Partner, HAS Law Firm (UAE)
robert@has.law
Maritime Disputes.
Property Disputes.
Professional Negligence.
Regulatory Disputes.
Shareholder Disputes.
Corporate and Commercial Disputes.
Civil Fraud.
Technology and Construction Disputes.
Banking Disputes.
Intellectual Property Disputes.
2004 – 2007: LLB (Hons) Law, Durham University: 2.1
2009 – 2010: LPC, Law, College of Law, York
2010 – 2012: Professional Skills Courses, BPP Law School
2023: Contract Law, Harvard Law School
2017 – Ongoing: DIFC Academy, DIAC & Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department Courses
2024 – ongoing: LL.M., International Corporate and Commercial Law, Kings College, London
Member of Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department
Fellow, CIArb
Internationally listed Arbitrator with the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), Russian Arbitration Centre (RAC), and International Court of Arbitration (ICC).
Internationally accredited as a qualified Mediator, International Mediation Institute
Member of the LCIA Arab Users’ Council
Member of the ICC UAE Focus Group
Joint Member of the DIFC Courts Users Committee
Chairperson of the Board and Member of the Industry Advisory Board, Amity University, Dubai
Fellow and Professor of Practice in International Arbitration, Centre for International Mediators and Arbitrators (CIMA)
Alumni Member, Grey College, Durham University
Alumni Member, York College of Law
Member, BNI Emperor, Dubai
Member, Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR)
Member – ICC
Member – AIJA
Member – Alliant+
Robert is a Partner at HAS Law and heads the dispute resolution department, based in its Dubai office.
UK qualified Solicitor and Part I & Part II DIFC Courts Registered Practitioner with over 13 years' experience dealing with legal issues relating to the laws of England & Wales, and DIFC / UAE Federal laws.
His practice spans ultra-high value, cross border, complex commercial disputes. He is a highly experienced commercial disputes lawyer with a strong focus on property, infrastructure, finance, banking, shareholder and fraud disputes.
Robert has extensive experience in international arbitration and offshore litigation, particularly before the DIFC and ADGM Courts, advising on jurisdiction, applicable law, and cross-border enforcement. He regularly acts as counsel before the DIFC and ADGM Courts, as well as advocacy in international arbitrations.
Robert recently acted as Counsel in a 3 day hearing before the ADGM Courts in a case relating to CFD / Islamic Trading for unlawful deductions where the client was awarded judgment in their favour for all sums claimed together with interest and legal fees.
He frequently acts in arbitrations under DIAC, the ICC, the LCIA, and ArbitrateAD, and represents prominent individuals in high-stakes complex commercial disputes.
Robert is recognised in the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 Global Guides, and recent successes include the department winning "Construction Team of the Year" at the Oath Awards (2025), and being shortlisted (with 6 others) for "Young Lawyer of The Year" (2025) at the Asian Legal Business Awards (Thomson Reuters).
Clients describe Robert as a "distinguished legal professional" who "stands out for the way he takes a deep dive into the case and gives meticulous analysis" being "very knowledgeable, responsive and excellent at handling complicated legal matters." (Chambers Global Guide 2026)