An Emirati female lawyer has been granted individual rights of audience before the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts.
Fatima Balfaqeeh has been granted Rights of Audience (Part II), enabling her to directly represent and advocate on behalf of clients before the courts in DIFC’s common law jurisdiction.
She is understood to be among a few Emirati female lawyers to have received the recognition.
The DIFC Courts’ register of legal practitioners is made up of two parts: Part I is for law firms to issue and conduct proceedings, and Part II is for individual legal practitioners to obtain rights of audience before the DIFC Courts.
Balfaqeeh is the founding partner of Balfaqeeh Advocates & Legal Consultancy, a UAE law firm registered under Part I of the DIFC Courts’ register.
With Part II, Balfaqeeh can now provide or collaborate with external law firms and counsel to provide advocacy on any matter.
Speaking to Law Middle East on her achievement, Balfaqeeh said: “I am both humbled and grateful, being granted rights of audience Part II in the DIFC Courts is a huge milestone but knowing that I am one of the first Emirati female advocates to achieve this makes it even more special. It is both an honour and a responsibility.”
“For me, this is not just about personal success—it is about representation and paving the way for others,” she continued. “It is proof that Emirati lawyers, and particularly Emirati women, have the ability to thrive in both common law and civil law systems. The legal field is evolving in our region, and I see this as a step towards showcasing the strength, versatility, and capability of UAE and GCC talent in the international legal landscape.”
“More than anything, it is a reminder that hard work, persistence, and challenging the status quo really do pay off,” she added. “I truly believe that this is just the start for Emirati women in the international legal scene, and I can’t wait to see more of us breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks in the profession.”
Balfaqeeh has over two decades of experience in dispute resolution. She started her career in government and semi-government entities in Abu Dhabi, accumulating experience in commercial, legal, and operational matters across various sectors, and later founded her eponymous law firm in December 2018.
Speaking further on her success and sharing advice for aspiring female lawyers, she told Law Middle East: “First, believe that you belong in this space. Whether it is civil or common law, local courts or international arbitration, there is no limit to where you can practice and succeed. The legal profession is changing, and there is so much room for strong, capable women to lead in this field.”
“Second, never stop learning,” she continued. “The best lawyers are the ones who keep evolving. Whether that means getting new qualifications, gaining rights of audience in different courts, or just staying curious—always push yourself to grow. The ability to adapt to different legal systems is a powerful tool, and it is something that will set you apart. And finally, find mentors and build your network. Having the right people to guide and support you makes all the difference. Learn from those who came before you, and when the time comes, be that mentor for someone else. We rise by lifting others, and the more we support each other, the stronger we become as a community of Emirati legal professionals.”
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify that Fatima Balfaqeeh is among a few Emirati female lawyers to have received the recognition of Rights of Audience (Part II) before the DIFC Courts.
