The World Lawyers Forum (WLF) 2026, one of the most prominent international legal conferences, is set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, bringing together legal professionals, senior practitioners, corporate counsel, and legal innovators from across the globe. The event forms part of the World Lawyers Forum’s global conference series, which hosts high-level legal gatherings in major international hubs across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Event Snapshot
- Event Title: 23rd World Lawyers Forum 2026 – Dubai
- Dates: January 19–20, 2026
- Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, Dubai, UAE
- Organised by: World Lawyers Forum
The Dubai conference marks the 23rd edition of the World Lawyers Forum and is expected to serve as a key platform for discussions on global litigation trends, regulatory challenges, legal innovation, and cross-border legal practice.
Objectives and Role of the Forum
The primary objective of the World Lawyers Forum is to create a global meeting ground for the legal community, enabling professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and debate emerging legal challenges. The forum seeks to:
- Encourage international legal dialogue across different jurisdictions
- Support knowledge-sharing on complex legal and regulatory issues
- Strengthen professional networks among lawyers, in-house counsel, policymakers, and legal service providers
- Highlight innovative approaches to litigation, compliance, and dispute resolution
Since its establishment, the forum has steadily gained recognition as a respected venue for legal thought leadership and professional collaboration.
Conference Themes and Key Focus Areas
The two-day Dubai programme will feature expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and thematic tracks covering a broad range of legal disciplines, including:
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- International commercial litigation strategies
- Arbitration and mediation in cross-border disputes
- Managing enforcement risks across jurisdictions
Regulatory, Compliance and Cyber Law
- Global regulatory compliance frameworks
- Cybersecurity risks and data protection litigation
- Legal responses to regulatory investigations and enforcement actions
Intellectual Property and Technology Law
- Intellectual property disputes and enforcement
- Legal challenges arising from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Innovation-driven legal risk management
The agenda is designed to reflect the rapidly evolving global legal environment, addressing both traditional legal practices and future-oriented legal issues.
Networking and Professional Engagement
The World Lawyers Forum 2026 is expected to attract hundreds of legal professionals from multiple jurisdictions, including:
- Partners and senior lawyers from international and regional law firms
- Corporate general counsel and in-house legal teams
- Government legal advisers and regulators
- Legal-tech companies and professional service providers
Attendees will have access to structured networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and informal engagement opportunities, fostering cross-border collaboration and long-term professional relationships.
Legal Excellence Awards
A key highlight of the Dubai forum will be the presentation of the Legal Excellence Awards, which recognise outstanding achievement and leadership within the legal profession. Award categories typically include:
- Litigation Law Firm of the Year
- International Law Firm of the Year
- Intellectual Property Excellence Award
- Woman Lawyer of the Year
- Most Innovative Legal Professional
- Legal Entrepreneur of the Year
- Best Legal Technology Initiative
- Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award
These honours aim to celebrate professional excellence, innovation, and contribution to the advancement of legal practice worldwide.
Target Audience
The forum is tailored for a wide range of legal professionals, including:
- Senior litigators and dispute resolution specialists
- Corporate counsel and compliance officers
- Lawyers advising multinational corporations
- Legal policy advisors and public-sector legal officials
- Professionals involved in legal technology and innovation
Venue and Location
The event will be hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, a well-established international conference venue offering modern facilities and a central location within Dubai’s business and hospitality district, making it well-suited for global professional gatherings.
Why the Forum Matters
The World Lawyers Forum plays a significant role in shaping global legal dialogue by addressing:
- Cross-border litigation and enforcement challenges
- Regulatory compliance and cybersecurity risks
- The future of legal services and legal technology
- International cooperation among legal systems
By convening legal professionals from diverse jurisdictions, the forum provides a valuable opportunity to stay informed on global legal developments, exchange strategic insights, and adapt to the evolving demands of the international legal landscape.
https://worldlawyersforum.org/dubai
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