Spear’s Review

Having practiced law for almost two decades, Awatif Al Khouri of Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy is one the UAE’s eminent authorities on family law. Her client book – comprising UHNW individuals and corporations – features some of the biggest players in the region, including Emirati royalty and firms such as Emirates NBD. 

Fluent in French, Arabic and English, Al Khouri is often called on by various embassies to provide legal services for expatriates residing within the UAE. Her expertise therefore extends to issues relating to emergency injunctions, domestic abuse, child abduction, prenuptial agreements, spousal maintenance and protection orders. 

She is a member of the Lawyers Union in Dubai Court and the Ministry of Justice. 

Adviser Profile

Mrs Awatif Al Khouri is a respected legal professional in the United Arab Emirates, recognised for her expertise in family law and personal status matters. As principal and founder of Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, she has represented clients for over three decades before all levels of UAE courts, including the Supreme Court.

Her practice covers divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal maintenance, international relocation disputes, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and enforcement of family court orders. With extensive knowledge of UAE personal status law, Sharia principles and cross-border family disputes, as well as fluency in Arabic, English and French, she is a trusted resource for complex family matters.

Mrs Awatif maintains active professional affiliations, including membership in TAGLaw, the International Academy of Family Lawyers, the International Bar Association (Family Law Committee), the American Bar Association (Family Law Committee), the Dubai Lawyers Union and the UAE Ministry of Justice.

Among her notable cases, she represented a British national of Indian origin who obtained a divorce and custody of two minor children under the UAE Federal Personal Status Law, applying foreign marriage principles. The court ruled in favour of the father after medical evidence showed the mother was unable to care for the children.

She received the Family Lawyer of the Year award in the 2026 Corporate INTL Global Awards and was previously recognized by M&A Today in 2017.

Mrs Awatif’s work and legal insight have been featured in leading publications such as Gulf News, Khaleej Times and The National, underscoring her leadership in complex family and cross-border legal matters.