Izzat Al Ayoubi is an Associate in our Disputes team, advising on a broad spectrum of contentious matters. With extensive experience in local and cross-border litigation, arbitration and enforcement, Izzat has worked on numerous complex and high-profile matters involving multinational corporations, financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals across a range of industries.
Izzat provides counsel to clients in the financial services, technology, construction, healthcare, education, retail and energy sectors on the management and resolution of disputes. His experience spans the UAE and other international jurisdictions, with a particular focus on litigation, enforcement proceedings, asset recovery, insolvency and cross-border dispute strategy.
Professional QualificationsAvocat à la Cour / Mohamy admitted to the Tripoli Bar Association
Education
University of Strasbourg, Master’s in International and Transnational Law (L.L.M equivalent) (2020–2021)
Filière Francophone de Droit, Lebanese University, Master’s in Law (2019–2020)
Filière Francophone de Droit, Lebanese University, Bachelor of Laws (Lebanese and French Law) (LLB) (2015–2019)
EXPERIENCE
Cross-border enforcement, insolvency and asset recovery
Developed enforcement and asset-recovery strategy for a building materials company and its principal in a multi-jurisdictional dispute against a former senior employee, including UAE labour and criminal proceedings, coordination with US counsel, DIFC and English recognition routes for a US judgment, and potential interim relief.
Acted for a foreign financial institution on UAE proceedings and strategy connected with alleged misconduct and sanctions-related issues by counterparties, including parallel coordination with US counsel on a §1782 discovery application against major US banks.
Developed bankruptcy and liquidation strategy for a fertilizer business, including potential filings before the Abu Dhabi Bankruptcy Court and related enforcement issues.
Employment & Executive Disputes, and White-Collar Crimes
Acted for a global technology company in an approximately AED 8 million claim brought by a senior regional executive concerning commission, incentive compensation, arbitrary dismissal and end-of-service benefits.
Acted for an international tobacco manufacturer in proceedings concerning breaches of non-compete and confidentiality obligations by a former senior employee who joined a competing business.
Acted for a regional education group in a significant fraud and misappropriation matter involving parallel criminal, civil, employment, enforcement and extradition proceedings.
Construction
Acted for a leading regional contractor in a substantial dispute concerning the construction of a luxury hotel in Dubai, and involving defects, retention payments, competing expert evidence and real estate units provided as security.
Advised an international contractor in UAE proceedings connected with the enforcement of a foreign arbitral award and the cancellation of a performance bond.
Banking and finance
Represented financial institutions in recovery, enforcement and security-related disputes involving borrowers, guarantors and group entities in the UAE and wider region.
Technology, digital platforms and emerging disputes
Acted for technology-sector clients and stakeholders in disputes involving platform restrictions, valuation issues, financial statements, US proceedings and arbitration strategy.
Languages
Arabic
English
French
Prior Experience
Prior to joining DLA Piper’s Dubai disputes team in August 2022, Izzat trained and practised in Lebanon.
