An interview with Moulham Al Chawa, General Counsel at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) IN UAE.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region? How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
Since moving in-house, I have witnessed a significant transformation in the General Counsel (GC) community across the region. In the early days, the landscape felt quite fragmented, with limited collaboration or knowledge-sharing among in-house legal professionals – likely influenced by the competitive nature of the market.
Over time, however, there has been a clear shift toward greater connectivity and engagement. We are now seeing more initiatives, forums, and events that bring GCs together to exchange insights, tackle shared challenges, and support one another. This has fostered a stronger sense of community and elevated the overall professionalism within the field.
The role of the GC has also evolved – moving beyond legal compliance to becoming a strategic business partner. Today, the GC community is more dynamic, collaborative, and influential than ever before.
Why is expanding your network important to you? What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
Expanding my network has always been important because I see it as a gateway to perspective – not just connection. No matter how experienced you are, there’s real value in hearing how others are navigating similar challenges.
I am most drawn to connections that spark honest, experience-based conversations – whether it’s about regulatory complexity, legal risk, or aligning legal with business strategy. The most meaningful discussions are the ones that challenge my thinking and offer practical insight I can apply.
What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers? Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about?
I am particularly interested in discussions around legal team leadership, tech adoption in legal operations, and how GCs are positioning themselves as strategic partners at the executive table. I also believe there’s value in sharing the tough lessons – not just the wins – because that’s where the real learning happens.
