🇦🇪 Dubai’s Legal Market Isn’t Just Growing—It’s Transforming.

But are you agile enough to keep up?

In this episode of the Legally Speaking Podcast ™️ – Dubai Miniseries, sponsored by Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology, I sat down with Ivan Chugunov, Legal Counsel at Kitare MFO, and founder of his own startup consultancy, to talk about what it really takes to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic legal hubs.

🎥 We recorded in the heart of Dubai—but the lessons apply far beyond the UAE.

Here’s what we covered:

✔️ Adaptability is non-negotiable – In a legal ecosystem where regulations, ownership models, and tax frameworks change rapidly, staying still isn’t an option.

✔️ Startup support is still underserved – Ivan shares why early-stage founders are underserved by big firms and how he’s building flexible legal solutions that meet them where they are.

✔️ Inclusivity drives innovation – With around 90% of Dubai’s population being expats, Ivan explains how the city’s inclusive mindset fuels its legal and business growth.

✔️ AI isn’t enough—it must deliver value – From ChatGPT hype to real-world implementation, Dubai’s tech ecosystem demands substance, not just sizzle.

✔️ Legal careers here are long-term – Dubai is no longer just a transient city. With growing infrastructure, talent, and opportunity, it’s a real destination for career growth.

Ivan’s standout insight:

“You need to be adaptable. Dubai’s legal system is evolving every day. If you don’t evolve with it—you fall behind.”

Whether you’re a startup founder, lawyer, legal counsel, or global firm looking to scale in the Middle East—this episode is your insight-packed entry point.

🎧 Now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Goodpods or wherever you get your podcasts.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2r57XKbB5JJx9d5szNJrVH?si=1abx0sdMTciR8k4jSWpbbg

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/legally-speaking-podcast/id1485892170?i=1000702263784