Sports Lawyers in Dubai, UAE, and the GCC
The game evolves—so should your legal playbook.
Sports Law
Legal Strategy Behind Every Game
The sports sector in Dubai, UAE, and the GCC operates in a highly regulated and rapidly evolving commercial environment. Licensing, athlete contracts, sponsorship rules, anti-doping regulations, and event approvals create challenges that demand clear, forward-looking legal advice.
At THINC, we advise sports clubs, leagues, event organisers, and investors on how to navigate corporate and regulatory hurdles in the Middle East and position their operations for success. Our team acts as your in-house corporate counsel, understanding your commercial, operational, and compliance needs and taking the necessary measures to safeguard you from any unforeseen risk.
Our Boardroom Wins
At THINC, credibility comes first, and our Boardroom Wins speak for themselves. We have:
Assisted a European investor in establishing a multi-sport leisure entity across the UAE.
Drafted sponsorship and representation agreements for regional sports clubs.
Supported event organisers with intellectual property protection and licensing for sports brands.
Advised leading sports organization on anti-doping compliance and event safety standards to ensure operational integrity.
Counsel in Action
Our team of corporate and commercial lawyers provides comprehensive, practical guidance across many areas, including:

Structuring multi-sport entities
for clubs, investors, and governance compliance.

Athlete representation and sponsorship agreements
balancing commercial and regulatory requirements.

Licensing and intellectual property protection
for teams, events, and sports brands.

Venue hire
agreements between organisers and venue owners.

Regulatory and event compliance
including safety protocols, legal compliance, and more recently, anti-doping measures.
THINC on the Hot Issues
The Dubai, UAE, and the GCC sports sector face unique challenges. We actively support brands and multinational companies with:
- Sponsorship disputes and shareholder conflicts.
- Event safety liabilities and anti-doping compliance.
- UAE National Anti-Doping Rules
- Applicable labour, contract, and sponsorship law
- Governance, broadcasting, and regulatory hurdles.
- Reputational risk arising from gaps in compliance or oversight.
THINC ensuresclients anticipate risks early, creating structures that protect business and safeguard reputation.
Why Choose THINC?
Success in the sports sector requires comprehensive legal coverage. A missed compliance requirement, an overlooked contract, or a poorly structured sponsorship or shareholder agreement can create significant operational, financial, and reputational risks.
At THINC, our team of experienced corporate and commercial lawyers delivers air-tight contracts, including identifying and mitigating unforeseen risks before they happen. With more than 3 decades of practice experience across the GCC, we understand the approach of regulators, the expectations of business partners, and the tactics of competitors.
We deliver partner-led legal and business advisory advice, with the depth of expertise and regional insight required to safeguard your business. This tailored approach provides the clarity and protection your business requires to operate with confidence and expertise.
THINC Legal Solutions. Agile. Precise. Tailored for Tomorrow.
Explore Our Other Areas of Expertise

Technology & Innovation
Navigating digital transformation, data protection, and AI regulation.

Real Estate & Construction
From property acquisition to complex development contracts.

Hospitality & Leisure
Supporting hotels, restaurants, and F&B brands with licensing, franchising, and operations.

Corporate & Commercial
Structuring, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.