Video: Dubai and the future of legal finance

January 6, 2026

Hannah Howlett

Summary

Hannah Howlett explains her move to Dubai as a strategic decision that reflects the city’s growing role in global business, arbitration, and dispute resolution.

Hannah Howlett: I've recently moved to Dubai with my family. Obviously, we're excited about the change of scenery, but it's not just about that. It's about being closer to a part of the world that's playing an increasingly important role in global business and dispute resolution.

It also reflects Burford's commitment to being present where our clients and partners are. Dubai is a natural meeting point between Europe, Asia and Africa. It's a place where international commerce flows supported by world class infrastructure and a legal environment that has evolved to support cross-border disputes. Free zones like DIFC and ADGM have introduced frameworks that align with international practice, and that's helped position Dubai as a serious hub for arbitration and dispute resolution in this landscape.

Legal finance has become a valuable tool. Companies here, whether in construction, energy or financial services, face high stakes disputes. Legal finance enables companies to pursue meritorious claims without tying up their own capital to enforce judgments and to unlock value from legal claims and awards. This reflects a broader shift in how businesses are beginning to view legal assets.

Being based in Dubai allows me to work more closely with local firms and corporates to understand the nuances of disputes here and to connect regional needs with Burford's global resources. I'm looking forward to working with Joe Durkin to continue to build relationships on the ground and be a part of the conversation as the legal finance market in the UAE continues to mature.

This material has been prepared by Burford Capital Limited (together with its subsidiaries, “Burford Capital”) solely for informational purposes, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to subscribe for, buy or sell any securities, products or services or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed in this material are as of the date of this material and are subject to change at any time without notice, and Burford Capital does not have any responsibility to update this material to account for such changes. Unless otherwise specified, information contained in this material is sourced from and reflects the views and opinions of Burford Capital. Certain information contained in this material has been obtained from sources other than Burford Capital. While such information is believed to be reliable for purposes used in this material, no representation or warranty, either express or implied, is made as to fairness, accuracy, reasonableness or completeness thereof, and Burford Capital does not take any responsibility for such information. Certain information contained in this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic, market or political conditions and should not be construed as research or investment advice. There can be no assurances that any of the trends described in this material will continue or will not reverse. Past events and trends do not imply, predict or guarantee, and are not necessarily indicative of, future events or results. The information contained in this material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal or tax advice or investment recommendations. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader.

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Video: Dubai and the future of legal finance

Summary

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