German-qualified Lawyer with almost 20 years of legal expertise, including more than a decade in the Middle East. For the past 10 years, served as Managing Partner of a German international Law and Tax Firm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Extensive background in both in-house and private practice in Germany, with a strong focus on advising European clients on market entry strategies in the UAE and across the GCC. Skilled in UAE labor and employment law, corporate and commercial matters, M&A transactions, and complex cross-border tax issues. Recognized for supporting multinational companies in navigating regulatory, contractual, and tax landscapes in the region.
Derya Bandak
Attorney at Law (Germany) I Legal Consultant (UAE) I Partner
Tax Advisor with a focus on cross-border structuring, GCC VAT, and market entry into the Gulf States
More Information
Key Expertise & Certifications
- UAE Labor & Employment Law
- Corporate & Commercial Law
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A
- International Tax Structuring & Advisor
- Market Entry Strategy (UAE & GCC)
- Cross-border Transactions
- Legal Risk Management
Background
Educational
- Rechtsanwalt/ Attorney of Law (Germany)
- Legal Advisor UAE & KSA,
- State Law Exam Germany
- Diploma of Law (Dipl. Jur.) (University of Wuerzburg, Germany)
- Law Studies at Julius Maximilian University in Wuerzburg, Germany
- Professional Advisory in Istanbul (Turkey)
Professional
- Present at TME Legal Consultants
- Managing Partner at German International Law- and Tax Firm in Dubai, UAE and Riyadh, KSA
- Legal Counsel / Associate/ Data Security Officer in several private
Affiliations & Languages
Professional Affiliations
- Member of Attorneys´ Bar Association
- Legal Consultant Registration
Languages
- German (native)
- Turkish (native)
- English (Full Professional Proficiency)
- Arabic (Full Professional Proficiency)
- French (Full Professional Proficiency)
- Advanced Latin Certificate
Leadership, Publications & Presentations
- Various legal publications focusing on the legal landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region (e.g. SOUQ, Markt und Mittelstand, Ghorfa Chamber, Middle East Law). Her work primarily addresses topics such as corporate law, taxation, compliance, and the legal implications of emerging technologies.
- Coauthor of the handbook “Value Added Tax in the United Arab Emirates” in Nationale Wirtschaftsbriefe (NWB).
- Regular Key Speaker at international events & Commercial Chambers in the GCC and in Germany.
- YouTube Channel “Dubai Recht Klar”.
Project References
- Led comprehensive legal advisory services for a European international company entering the UAE and KSA Market, focusing on corporate structuring, compliance, and regulatory alignment.
- Provided strategic counsel during mergers and acquisition project for a leading European logistic company, ensuring compliance with local laws and facilitating smooth integration processes for multinational corporations.
- Advised a multinational group from the healthcare sector on UAE labour and employment laws, including employee secondments, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution strategies.
CONTACT WITH EXPERTISE
