International Family Law Expert Dr. Hassan Elhais Joins Global Practitioners at 2026 Summit in Singapore
The International HNW Family Law Round Table 2026, held in Singapore, convened leading family law practitioners from around the globe to address the intricate cross-border issues faced by high-net-worth families. The summit, organized by Drew & Napier and led by Shu Mei Hoon, featured prominent legal figures, including Dr. Hassan Elhais, a distinguished family lawyer based in Dubai.
Dr. Elhais brings over 21 years of extensive legal experience, having successfully managed more than 8,000 cases. His expertise in complex international disputes has made him a trusted figure among high-net-worth individuals navigating family law challenges. The discussions at the round table provided a platform for legal professionals from Dubai and the UAE to exchange insights on jurisdictional issues, asset protection, and child relocation, thereby enhancing the global legal community’s ability to assist clients with multi-jurisdictional family law matters.
Dr. Elhais’s Background as a Leading Family Lawyer in Dubai
Dr. Hassan Elhais relocated to Dubai in 2006 and has since served as a Legal Consultant at Amal Alrashedi Lawyers & Legal Consultants. His practice primarily focuses on family law issues affecting expatriates, including divorce, child custody, and financial support matters. His specialized knowledge has made him a sought-after lawyer for high-net-worth individuals facing complex cross-border family disputes.
Dr. Elhais is affiliated with several prestigious international legal organizations, including the American Bar Association as an associate member, and he is a full member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, the International Bar Association, and the International Society of Family Law. Notably, he is the first expatriate member within the UAE jurisdiction of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, a distinction that underscores his standing among international peers.
In addition to his memberships, Dr. Elhais serves as the elected co-chair of the Relocation of Children Committee at IAFL, contributing to international discussions on child relocation cases relevant to the summit’s agenda. His collaborative efforts with top lawyers in Dubai and other jurisdictions aim to establish best practices for multi-jurisdictional child custody issues.
Key Discussions at the Summit
The summit emphasized the complexities of multi-jurisdictional family proceedings, which necessitate coordination among different legal systems and enforcement mechanisms. Topics included forum shopping, jurisdictional challenges, and strategic coordination to ensure optimal venues for dispute resolution. Dr. Elhais and other attendees recognized the need for sophisticated representation across international divorce proceedings and complex enforcement actions.
Child relocation was a focal point of discussion, particularly given Dr. Elhais’s role as co-chair of the IAFL’s Relocation of Children Committee. The welfare of the child remains the guiding principle in relocation proposals, with courts assessing applications based on evidence and the lived experiences of children. Recent trends suggest that relocation applications should be evaluated holistically, considering all realistic possibilities.
The summit also explored innovative asset protection strategies for high-net-worth families. Legal practitioners discussed jurisdictional challenges and international enforcement mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with forensic investigators and recovery specialists to locate hidden assets and contest fraudulent transfers.
The Role of Drew & Napier in Global Family Law
Drew & Napier LLC is recognized for its leading private client dispute team, which handles private wealth and family matters, international cross-border disputes, and traditional family litigation. The firm assists clients in developing strategies to resolve disputes and addresses unresolved litigation through mediation, adjudication, or arbitration. Their practice focuses on establishing the appropriate jurisdictional and legal grounds for divorce, separation, or annulment proceedings.
The firm also deals with complex cross-border matters related to child relocation disputes and child abduction, collaborating with foreign counsel when necessary to safeguard client interests across different jurisdictions. Their lawyers possess extensive experience in international jurisdictional and conflict of laws disputes.
Implications for UAE Family Law
The insights gained from international platforms like the Drew & Napier round table are invaluable for UAE practitioners and their clients. Recent legislative changes, such as the Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024, have modified divorce, custody, and maintenance systems to align with global best practices. This new law raises the age of child custody to 18 years and standardizes the enforcement of spousal support for expatriates and Emiratis.
Abu Dhabi has also adopted a no-fault divorce system for non-Muslims, allowing for expedited divorce proceedings. These developments reflect a growing understanding of domestic abuse, including economic abuse, and align with international models discussed at such gatherings.
Strengthening Legal Cooperation Between UAE and Singapore
The collaboration between lawyers in Dubai and international practitioners is crucial for clients dealing with family matters that span multiple jurisdictions. Dr. Hassan Elhais, along with other attendees of the Singapore summit, is instrumental in forging these essential connections. This collaboration exposes UAE family law practitioners to international dispute resolution approaches and facilitates the sharing of regional expertise with global colleagues.
The International HNW Family Law Round Table 2026 serves as a significant event for family law experts worldwide, fostering substantive exchanges on jurisdictional challenges and advanced legal tactics. Such global conferences enhance the networks of professionals, ultimately benefiting wealthy families facing cross-border litigation.
For further details, visit the source: uaetimes.ae.
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-05-22 13:34:00 • By the Editorial Desk
