Salma Metwally Ali
Dubai / Cairo
Summary
Dynamic Senior Legal Manager with extensive experience in corporate law, high-value contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance across Egypt and GCC jurisdictions. Currently leading the legal function for the launch and expansion of a new retail discount business unit across the UAE, overseeing all aspects from lease negotiations and supplier agreements to regulatory approvals and governance frameworks. Proven track record in advising executive leadership, structuring complex transactions, and aligning legal strategies with commercial objectives. Recognized for strong leadership, strategic problem-solving, and the ability to deliver results in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Legal Manager
Majid Al Futtaim CORP HO
04.2025 - Current
- Lead the legal function for the launch and expansion of a new Retail Discount business unit across the UAE, overseeing contracts, compliance, and risk management for multi-million AED projects.
- Advise executive leadership on legal strategy, corporate governance, and operational compliance, ensuring successful market entry in multiple UAE jurisdictions.
- Negotiate high-value leases and supplier agreements, aligning commercial terms with business objectives.
- Oversee regulatory approvals and licensing across the UAE, ensuring adherence to federal and emirate-specific laws.
- Developed and reviewed contracts ensuring alignment with corporate policies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support business initiatives legally.
Legal Manager
Majid Al Futtaim
08.2023 - Current
- Managed and Tracked over **600+ contracts contracts for management and issued regular tracking reports covering current status and upcoming milestones.
- Negotiated contracts that reduced business risks and improved terms mitigating business risks and avoiding unfavorable terms.
- Implemented regulatory changes, proactively updating corporate policies to align with new legal framework.
- Advised senior management on legal matters, ensuring smooth cross-departmental compliance.
- Maintained effective and lasting relationships through dynamic communication, collaboration, and intelligent questioning skills with head office top management to ensure compliance with company strategy and policies.
- Supervised team of three attorneys, in conduct of corporate legal and administrative business.
- Drafted and negotiated major lease agreements and transactions on behalf of company.
- Advised company on achieving statutory compliance by interpreting regulations, suggesting company policies and distributing literature on compliant work practices.
- Supporting in drafting and authenticating Minutes of meetings for BOD, OGM, and EGM.
- Onboarded and trained new staff to keep team efficient and prepare team members to effectively handle demands of simultaneous and large-scale contracts.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and memos.
Researcher
Egyptian Cabinet IDSC
12.2020 - Current
- Conduct detailed research of intended subject matter
- Collect, record and analyze data
- Use research results to write papers and review
- Collaborate and coordinate with research teams.
Senior Legal Counsel
Knowledge Pioneers Law Firm
04.2022 - 08.2023
- Handling various Fin-Tech licensing, Smart Contracts and needed corporate documents with clients.
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals
- Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Advised clients on variety of legal matters, including corporate governance, intellectual property, and labor law.
- Counseled clients on legal matters such as Player - Agent Agreements, Software Agreements and Trademark Licenses, SAAS Agreement, Copyright Agreements.
- Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
- Communicated with clients and collected information to research and prepare offers.
Legal Advisor
Decathlon Egypt
02.2021 - 09.2021
- Handling stores licensing and needed corporate documents with the headquarters in France
- Registration of the company’s Trademarks
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations
- Conducted research and analysis of specific legal questions and advised business on variety of legal areas
- Obtained legal advice to facilitate hiring and staff employment to reach recruitment goals
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans
- Managed corporate and LLC-based legal transactions, coordinating document flow and logistical preparation
- Drafted readable and enforceable agreements, contracts and other legal documents Handling stores licensing and needed corporate documents with headquarters in France
Corporate and Contracts Lawyer
Rashideen Egypt For Trade
02.2019 - 02.2021
- Review contract terms and update them to fit legal needs or new company policies
- Draft additional legal documentation as needed
- Draft and solidify agreements, contracts and other legal documents to ensure the company's full legal rights
- Advising on contract status, legal risks, and the legal liabilities associated with different deals
- Researching and anticipating unique legal issues that could impact the company.
- Analyzed and applied legal principles and performed legal research to support litigation strategy.
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Drafted legal opinions, letters and notices.
Program Assistant
Tamasi Collective Egypt
02.2017 - 05.2017
- Supported planning and coordination of program and associated activities
- Coordinated daily tasks including recruitment, office upkeep and inventory maintenance
- Coordinated logistics for all departments, maintaining inventory, stocking supplies and contacting vendors.
Lawyer
Tarek Elgammal Law Office
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Managing various litigation services and disputes
- Representing clients before courts and tribunals and other legal forums at Trial
- Correlating findings and preparing cases
- Drafting memorandums and statements of claims along with all legal documents before courts.
Lawyer
Darwish Law Office
08.2013 - 12.2013
- Specializing in law cases dealing with all types
- Interviewing clients witnesses to ascertain facts of case
- Correlating findings and preparing cases
- Prosecuting and defending defendant against charges
- Conducting cases, examining and cross-examining witnesses
- Summarizing case to jury.
Trainee
Baker & McKenzie
06.2013 - 08.2013
Travel Advisor (Expedia.ca)
Teleperformance Egypt
04.2010 - 10.2010
- Researched cruises, airfare options and sightseeing options to best meet client expectations
- Maintained favorable working relationships with co-workers to foster and promote cooperative working environment
- Resolved travel problems, processed complaints, and issued refunds to maintain customer satisfaction.
Education
Master’s Degree - Intellectual Property Rights
The National Institute of Intellectual Property - Helwan University
Bachelor of Law - (English Section)
Cairo University
Certificate of General Secondary Education -
Al Horreya Language Schools
Skills
Core Legal Skills
- Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation (Domestic & Cross-Border)
- Corporate & Commercial Law (Egypt & GCC Jurisdictions)
- Corporate Transactions & M&A Support
- Intellectual Property (Copyright, Trademarks, Licensing)
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Employment & Labor Law
- Data Protection & Privacy Laws
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation Strategy
Strategic & Leadership Skills
- Corporate Governance & Policy Development
- Legal Strategy & Risk Mitigation
- Stakeholder & Executive Advisory
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership & Mentoring
- High-Value Negotiations
Analytical & Communication Skills
- Legal Research & Analysis
- Legal Writing & Documentation
- Regulatory Interpretation & Application
- Effective Communication & Relationship Building
- Time Management & Goal Setting
Languages
- English
- Arabic
Timeline
Senior Legal Manager
Majid Al Futtaim CORP HO
04.2025 - Current
Legal Manager
Majid Al Futtaim
08.2023 - Current
Senior Legal Counsel
Knowledge Pioneers Law Firm
04.2022 - 08.2023
Legal Advisor
Decathlon Egypt
02.2021 - 09.2021
Researcher
Egyptian Cabinet IDSC
12.2020 - Current
Corporate and Contracts Lawyer
Rashideen Egypt For Trade
02.2019 - 02.2021
Program Assistant
Tamasi Collective Egypt
02.2017 - 05.2017
Lawyer
Tarek Elgammal Law Office
01.2014 - 12.2015
Lawyer
Darwish Law Office
08.2013 - 12.2013
Trainee
Baker & McKenzie
06.2013 - 08.2013
Travel Advisor (Expedia.ca)
Teleperformance Egypt
04.2010 - 10.2010
Master’s Degree - Intellectual Property Rights
The National Institute of Intellectual Property - Helwan University
Bachelor of Law - (English Section)
Cairo University
Certificate of General Secondary Education -
Al Horreya Language Schools
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