Afridi & Angell has announced the death of long-standing partner, Haider Khan Afridi, 61, and high-profile lawyers across the region have shared tributes in his memory.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our friend, brother and colleague, Haider Afridi,” the firm said in a statement on Wednesday. “May Haider’s soul rest in peace.”
“Haider left an indelible mark on those around him, as did his father before him,” the statement said. “Haider’s gentle spirit, generosity and kindness, accompanied by the trademark impish twinkle in his eye, touched all of us, and shall never be forgotten.”
“We will endeavour to carry forward the values he cherished and embodied,” the statement said. “We mourn.”
Haider passed away on March 3, according to the firm’s announcement. His cause of death is not yet known.
A renowned specialist in dispute resolution, Haider worked at Afridi & Angell for over three decades. He joined the firm in 1991 and became a partner in 1997.
He was involved in substantial claims in the construction, real estate, and financial services sectors, with significant experience in arbitrations before the ICC International Court of Arbitration, DIAC, and arbitrateAD.
His passing was felt by lawyers across the region, who shared tributes in his memory, emphasising the impact he had on the profession.
“I am so shocked to hear this very sad news,” said Hamid Yunus, a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. “Haider and I shared quite a few enjoyable moments and he will be greatly missed.”
“An incredibly genuine and kind person, the definition of a gentleman,” said Taylor Wessing associate and former Afridi & Angell lawyer, Eoin O’Flaherty. “He was a fantastic colleague that was always supportive and generous with his time and knowledge. His loss will be felt by all.”
“Very sad to hear this,” said Aaron Adkins, vice president and associate general counsel at Saudi Aramco. “I have good memories of working with Haider.”
Afridi & Angell was founded in the UAE in 1975 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
