Profile

Recognised as a leading expert for company, corporate and commercial law, Shaheen heads the firm’s practice focusing on complex claims, business structuring and regulatory advice

Shaheen maintains a general practice and has extensive experience in litigation as well as domestic and international arbitration (institutional and ad hoc), including corporate and commercial disputes. In addition, he is experienced as counsel in arbitration.

Due to his outstanding expertise and experience, clients seek his support across all major business lines, especially in the business purchase and sale transactions, Cyber fraud, Joint Venture (domestic and cross-border) and financing, as well as hospitality.

In the corporate field, Shaheen helps businesses ranging from micro and start-up businesses and high growth businesses to large corporates, including some household names. This work includes making and receiving strategic investments, company and business acquisitions, company and business sales, helping negotiate the terms of debt funding and structuring joint ventures.

In the commercial field, he specialises in helping niche businesses negotiate with more prominent, often global businesses (both as customers and suppliers to the niche businesses), helping them get a good deal and on fair terms.

Shaheen has been involved in settling many high-value disputes and claims amicably by using a mix of legal tools and his mediation skills.

Prior to establishing Shaheen & Associates, Shaheen’s past experience was as Head of Legal Affairs at Ishraq Holding (“Ishraq”). Ishraq, a subsidiary of Dubai International Capital & Dubai Holding, is a consortium of sophisticated regional investors financing the US$600 million launch, development and operation of more than 22 properties across the region. This senior role covered all of the primary areas of legal advice and general documentation in addition to compliance assistance. Shaheen was responsible for reviewing, negotiating and finalising joint venture agreements, various finance documents (both Islamic and conventional), shareholder related documentation, project and development related agreements, transaction agreements (including service provider agreements), in addition to liaising and coordinating the various requirements relating to company incorporations and ongoing compliance in several countries.

Prior to his role as Head of Legal Affairs, Shaheen held the position of Vice President – Legal affairs at Lals Group, (a regional conglomerate with diversified interests in International Retail Brands, Property & Land Development, Mall Development, Management & Leasing, Advertising & Integrated Media House, Hospitality, Distribution, Franchising, Household Furniture & Furnishing, manufacturing of Garments, Personal Care & Food Products etc with investment interest and businesses in GCC Countries, Far East and United Kingdom) for five years. This role encompassed a range of responsibilities, including commercial, contractual and legal aspects of a broad spectrum of international joint ventures, trademark, leasing, real estate development, communications and media.

Shaheen is a Bachelor Degree Law graduate from India and has worked as an Advocate and Legal Consultant in India’s top law firms and where he is a Member of the Bar Association.

Shaheen is also an authorised legal consultant in the United Arab Emirates and a member of the International Bar Association.