We sat down with Raya Abu Gulal to hear how over fifteen years of advising multinational corporations and semi-government entities across the Middle East has shaped her perspective on the region's legal evolution — and why establishing her own boutique firm in Abu Dhabi was the natural next step.
From regulatory reform to AI's impact on the profession, Raya shares her views on the frameworks enabling the Gulf's ambitions and why women's leadership remains essential to the region's future.
You've built a career spanning global law firms and your own boutique practice. What motivated you to launch R.A.G Legal Consultancy in Abu Dhabi?
After years in international firms, I felt the time was right to create a firm that combined global quality with regional depth. Abu Dhabi was a natural choice — it had evolved into a dynamic ecosystem and a strategic hub for the wider region.
There was a clear gap: clients wanted high-quality, practical legal advice grounded in local realities, but at more accessible rates. Our team brings together internationally qualified lawyers with extensive regional experience, offering advice that is both commercially pragmatic and culturally attuned.
The GCC is undergoing sweeping economic and regulatory reforms. Which legal shifts are proving most transformative for companies and investors?
Each country is progressing at its own pace, but the overall direction is unmistakable. We’re seeing reforms in corporate governance, data protection, ESG compliance, and dispute resolution, all reshaping how businesses operate and structure partnerships.
Free zones have also been pivotal — providing tax-efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly environments. Together, these reforms are creating a more predictable, modern, and globally connected legal landscape.
Law is often the invisible architecture of growth. How does corporate and commercial law enable the Gulf's diversification ambitions?
Corporate and commercial law is the backbone of the Gulf’s transformation. They give both entrepreneurs and investors the confidence to innovate and expand.
For example, new family office regulations across the GCC have improved succession planning and governance for private wealth — a crucial foundation for intergenerational investment. Clear legal frameworks don’t just protect capital; they help it grow responsibly.
Effective laws don’t just protect capital — they allow ambition to scale.
You’ve been a vocal advocate for women in the legal profession. What progress do you see for women in leadership roles — and what still needs to change?
It’s a complex landscape, but across the GCC, we’ve seen genuine momentum. More women are entering senior positions, boards are becoming more inclusive, and there is increasing recognition of the value diverse leadership brings.
Still, meaningful change requires structure and support: policies like quotas, mentorship programmes, access to technology, and crucially, a culture that celebrates merit and inclusion. Progress is happening, and it’s inspiring to see how many women are now shaping the region’s future.
Women across the region are not waiting for permission — they’re creating opportunities for themselves and others.
You've spoken about AI and its impact on corporate law. What are the greatest opportunities and risks?
AI offers significant potential — improving research, accuracy, and efficiency, while allowing lawyers to focus on strategy and client service. However, adoption must be inclusive. Smaller firms may struggle to afford advanced tools, risking a growing digital divide.
We also need robust regulation around data privacy and ethical use, as well as stronger Arabic-language training for AI systems to make them fully relevant in regional contexts.
If implemented responsibly, AI can democratize access to legal expertise, making the profession more efficient and, ultimately, more human-centric. The key is ensuring innovation benefits everyone, not just a few.
On a more personal note, what’s your favourite place in the UAE to unwind?
I have a real affection for the older neighbourhoods I discovered when I first arrived in 2006 — they hold a unique charm that reminds me of the UAE’s early days.
But I’m truly happiest by the sea. Saadiyat Beach is a favourite — the calm water, white sand, and proximity to the Louvre Abu Dhabi make it the perfect mix of relaxation and inspiration.
About Raya Abu Gulal
Raya Abu Gulal is the founder of R.A.G Legal Consultancy, established in 2012 in Abu Dhabi. She advises multinational and regional clients on complex corporate and commercial matters, and has become a leading voice on women's empowerment and legal reform in the Gulf. Raya founded the Women Lawyers Group – Middle East and serves on the International Women Business Group committee and the advisory board of IWBD.
Before founding her own practice, Raya worked at global firms Simmons & Simmons and Reed Smith, where she developed deep cross-border expertise. She holds degrees from Leiden University, the University of Westminster, and the College of Law London, and is fluent in Arabic, Dutch, and English.
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