Gehad Alsaeed: Leading with Precision in International Law and Corporate Governance

How a distinguished legal strategist is shaping complex cross-border advisory, arbitration, and governance frameworks from Abu Dhabi

Gehad Alsaeed stands as a prominent figure in today’s global legal landscape, bringing together deep expertise in international law, corporate governance, and arbitration with a strategic, forward-thinking approach. As Managing Counsel at Balfaqeeh Advocates & Legal Consultancy in Abu Dhabi, she plays a critical role in advising on complex corporate and commercial matters across the UAE and international jurisdictions.

Her career reflects not only technical excellence but also a commitment to navigating the increasingly interconnected and high-stakes world of global legal practice.

Strategic Leadership in Legal Practice

In her current role, Gehad provides strategic guidance and oversight on a wide range of legal issues, supporting clients in managing risk, ensuring compliance, and structuring operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Her work spans complex corporate frameworks, commercial advisory, and high-level legal strategy—areas that demand both precision and a deep understanding of evolving regulatory environments.

A Career Defined by Leadership

Prior to her current position, Gehad held key leadership roles that shaped her comprehensive approach to legal advisory. As General Counsel and Legal Counsel at Samcrete Engineers and Contractors, she led legal operations for large-scale projects, overseeing risk management and ensuring regulatory compliance in demanding operational contexts.

These experiences equipped her with the ability to align legal strategy with business objectives—an essential skill in today’s dynamic corporate environment.

Bridging Law, Governance, and Education

Beyond her corporate work, Gehad is actively involved in legal governance and professional development. She serves as a Board of Trustee member and contributor at THE LAW, where she helps bridge the gap between practical legal expertise and academic advancement.

Her contributions reflect a broader vision: strengthening the legal profession by fostering knowledge exchange, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Global Affiliations and Arbitration Expertise

Gehad’s influence extends into the international arbitration arena, where she is an active member of leading global institutions, including the Swiss Arbitration Association (ASA) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

These affiliations place her at the forefront of alternative dispute resolution, enabling her to contribute to and engage with global best practices in arbitration and cross-border dispute management.

A Strong Academic Foundation

Her legal expertise is underpinned by a robust academic background. Gehad holds an LL.M. in International Law from University College London (UCL), where she also served as Vice President of the UCL Law Community—an early indicator of her leadership capabilities.

She further strengthened her comparative legal perspective with a Diploma in Anglo-Saxon American Legal Studies from Fordham University School of Law, equipping her with a nuanced understanding of different legal systems and frameworks.

Shaping the Future of Legal Strategy

Gehad Alsaeed’s career is a testament to the evolving role of legal professionals in a globalised world. No longer confined to advisory functions alone, today’s legal leaders are strategic partners in business, governance, and international collaboration.

Through her work, affiliations, and commitment to excellence, Gehad continues to shape the future of legal practice—where innovation, cross-border insight, and leadership converge.

In an increasingly complex legal environment, she represents a new generation of professionals who not only interpret the law but actively contribute to its evolution on a global scale.