In his capacity as the Senior Vice President – Legal Affairs, at Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (DIFCA) since 2016, Dr. Tarek Hajjiri’s prime objective is to oversee and ensure that all legal matters within DIFC jurisdiction are in compliance with DIFC Laws and regulations, and are well aligned to support the delivery of the DIFC strategy and objectives.
In early 2020, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the DIFC, appointed Dr. Hajjiri as the “Commissioner of the Dubai International Financial Centre for Intellectual Property”. The appointment highlights the importance of the Intellectual Property Laws and his role in developing an innovative sustainable economy, mainly for what it represents being a leading regional and global financial centre, and for what it will play as a major role in the newly established economic city “Dubai Future District”, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Prior to this role, Dr. Tarek Hajjiri held the position of Director of Legal Policy and Chairman of Corporate Social Responsibility at Dubai Economic Council (DEC), Government of Dubai. In this capacity, he was responsible for legal and regulatory matters at both local and federal levels including financial free zones and its impact on Dubai’s economy and competitiveness. He has participated in the development of various legal strategies by providing policy recommendations for both public and private sectors, and worked closely with key local and federal departments. In addition, Dr. Hajjiri contributed to the development of key economic and social legislations, including UAE Commercial Companies Law, Family-owned Businesses, Intellectual Property Law, SMEs, Foreign Direct Investment, Corporate Governance, Bankruptcy Law and Labor Law.
Before this, Dr. Tarek Hajjiri was the Chief Legal Officer for a large family-owned business advising on strategic succession planning, corporate governance, and managing all legal matters, including structuring and restructuring of the holding companies and subsidiaries. He also worked as a legal adviser to a number of international clients on intellectual property and commercial matters.
Dr. Tarek Hajjiri earned his Bachelor’s degree in Law from The University of Jordan, his Master’s degree in Intellectual Property Law from New Hampshire University (previously known as Franklin Pierce Law Centre) in the United States of America (USA), and his PhD in the Commercial Law – Family Owned Businesses. He is a registered and licensed arbitrator with Dubai International Arbitration Center. He has published many books and articles on bankruptcy and financial restructuring, family businesses, Small and medium Enterprises, Intellectual Property (IP) rights and more. He has achieved a number of professional excellence awards as well as recognitions for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.