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Our people

Diverse expertise. A shared commitment.

Get to know the individuals who bring our expertise, values and commitment to every client relationship.

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Our people

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Managing Partner

Osama Karawani

Damascus, Syria

The founding Partner of Karawani Law Firm, established in Syria in 1994. A seasoned legal professional with extensive experience advising leading regional and international investors on complex commercial, corporate, financing, and infrastructure matters. His work spans major projects in cement manufacturing, real estate, tourism, banking, PPPs, construction, and aviation, including high-value BOT and joint venture structures. Osama holds a Bachelor of Law from Damascus University and is recognized for his leadership, strategic insight, and deep expertise across real estate, construction, tourism, oil and gas, and corporate transactions.

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Managing Partner

Raed Karawani

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A seasoned legal professional and Managing Partner at Karawani & Co. (UAE) with over 25 years of Middle East experience advising on business restructuring, family enterprises, funds, intellectual property, and technology-driven growth. A strategic advisor operating beyond pure legal advisory, supporting clients in scaling, investment readiness, private equity transactions, and IPO-level structuring.

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Partner

Mohamad Karawani

Damascus, Syria

Partner at Karawani Law Firm in Syria, where he has been advising clients since 2005 on employment, real estate, tourism, and investment-related matters. He has significant experience supporting major regional projects, including real estate developments, food manufacturing, healthcare ventures, and banking and financing transactions. Mohamad is highly regarded for his litigation expertise, contract drafting, and ability to manage complex projects from structuring through execution. He holds a Bachelor of Law from Damascus University and an LL.M. in International Commercial and Business Law (with Merit) from the University of East Anglia, UK.

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Partner

Manal Akouri

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dynamic, business-focused Partner at Karawani & Co with over a decade of experience managing and optimizing intellectual property portfolios. She provides strategic leadership across multi-jurisdictional IP portfolios, advising brand owners on risk management, enforcement, and commercialization strategies. Known for her strategic mindset, operational excellence, and professionalism, Manal delivers practical, value-driven solutions that protect and enhance brand equity.

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Senior Associate

Boushra Fallouh

Damascus, Syria

Lawyer at Karawani Law Firm and serves as Head of the Corporate and Labor Departments. She has extensive experience advising banks, holding companies, cement companies, and foreign investors on corporate, employment, and regulatory matters in Syria. Her practice includes company establishment and licensing, drafting corporate and employment agreements, board and shareholder advisory, liquidation procedures, and litigation support. Boushra has been with the firm since 2010 and holds a Bachelor of Law from Damascus University.

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Senior Associate

Rita Kelijian

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Rita Kelijian is an Associate at Karawani & Co, specialising in Intellectual Property and Corporate matters. She has experience advising on intellectual property protection strategies across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Europe. Her work includes the analysis and management of international trademark and intellectual property portfolios, corporate formation advice for onshore and offshore entities, and the negotiation and drafting of commercial contracts and non-disclosure agreements. Before joining Karawani & Co, Rita worked as a Legal Consultant at law firms and several aeronautical companies, gaining experience in legal advisory work across different sectors.

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Associate

Shireen Dhar

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A seasoned Intellectual Property Attorney with over 8 years of experience advising clients on both contentious and non-contentious IP matters. Practice focuses on Trademarks, Copyrights and the broader realm of Transactional IP and allied rights. Known for her strategic, business-oriented approach and her deep understanding of IP law including UAE, Middle East region and India, making her a trusted advisor to a diverse clientele—from startups to multinational corporations.

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Associate

Nariman Al Najjar

Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Damascus, Syria

Nariman Al Najjar is an Associate at Karawani & Co, specialising in Intellectual Property, with particular expertise in patent protection, prosecution, and portfolio management. Her practice also covers trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, and domain names. She assists clients in developing and implementing IP protection strategies, managing patent portfolios, monitoring filing deadlines, and addressing legal and procedural matters throughout the lifecycle of intellectual property rights.

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Associate

Abdullah Yaseen

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Legal Consultant with over six years of experience in UAE legal practice, providing comprehensive advisory, litigation support, and corporate legal services. Demonstrates a strong ability to manage complex legal matters with accuracy, professionalism, and sound judgment. Highly skilled in legal research, drafting, and analytical work, with hands-on experience advising individuals, SMEs, and corporate clients. Committed to the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and professional integrity.

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Associate

Minal Sapra

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Minal Sapra specialises in Technology, Media and Entertainment (TME), commercial advisory, and corporate matters. Minal has over six years of professional experience advising creatives, startups, SMEs, and established businesses across the technology, media, advertising, entertainment, and digital platform sectors. She works closely with founders, creative professionals, and management teams on commercially driven legal solutions that support growth, innovation, and regulatory compliance. Her practice spans strategic commercial advisory and transactional work for regional and international clients, with a strong focus on aligning legal structures with business objectives.

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Associate

Rohit Patni

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

An Associate at Karawani & Co. L.L.C., specializing in investments funds, corporate restructuring and regulatory advisory. He has extensive experience advising on DIFC, ADGM, SCA, and free zone matters, including the incorporation of Qualified Investor and Exempt Funds, prescribed companies, and complex cross-border structures. Rohit has also acted on high-profile IPOs and capital markets transactions in India, in addition to disputes involving real estate and banking matters locally. He is recognized for his strong regulatory knowledge, hands-on approach, and ability to manage transactions from structuring through execution across the UAE’s key financial jurisdictions.

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Junior Associate

Jia En Huee

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Jia En Huee is a Junior Associate at Karawani & Co, working within the Corporate & Commercial team. Her role sits within the firm's corporate and commercial practice, which covers corporate structuring, company formation, commercial agreements, and business transactions. Her experience includes drafting and reviewing commercial agreements, assisting with mergers and acquisitions due diligence, preparing technical tax advice on cross-border matters, and supporting legal claims and case management. She has also gained exposure to international arbitration through the Asian International Arbitration Centre and litigation proceedings through judicial marshalling and mini-pupillage experience.

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Associate

Tarek Hamwi

Damascus, Syria

Tarek Hamwi is an Associate at Karawani Law Firm, where he has practised since 2012. His practice focuses on banking and finance, commercial law, corporate matters, and dispute resolution. He has extensive experience advising financial institutions in Syria, Jordan, and Bahrain on banking transactions, commercial agreements, investment arrangements, and regulatory matters. His experience includes advising major banking clients, supporting share auctions, assisting with company establishment and licensing, and representing clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings. He also has experience in legal research, drafting pleadings and memoranda, and advising on banking loans, settlements, and investment agreements.

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IP Consultant

Moaz Kahlous

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Moaz Kahlous is an Intellectual Property Consultant at Karawani & Co, with over 20 years of experience in intellectual property matters. Since joining the firm in 2004, he has developed extensive expertise in trademark application preparation and filing, classification of goods and services, responding to office actions and refusal decisions, and handling trademark oppositions. He holds an Accounting Degree from Damascus University and has completed specialised training in quality management and intellectual property through WIPO programmes.

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Admin Assistant

Amy Nulud

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Amy Nulud is an Administrative Assistant at Karawani & Co in Dubai, providing administrative and operational support across corporate services and legal operations. Her responsibilities include coordinating client communications, preparing and managing corporate documentation, assisting with regulatory filings and company administration, and liaising with clients, colleagues, government authorities, and external service providers. She also supports scheduling and follow-ups, monitors outstanding documentation and regulatory requirements, and helps ensure the timely and efficient handling of corporate matters.

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Admin Assistant

Darwin Lanaca

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Darwin Lanaca has experience in administrative support within corporate services, specializing in company formation, trade license renewals, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property (IP) and corporate matter administration in the UAE. His responsibilities include coordinating corporate documentation, managing application submissions, liaising with clients and relevant authorities, and utilizing case management systems to monitor applications and ensure accurate recordkeeping and timely follow-ups. Prior to his current role, he gained several years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry in the Philippines and Thailand, where he worked in process auditing, vendor quality management, and supplier quality engineering. His background includes quality control, supplier performance monitoring, product validation, audit procedures, and process improvement. He was promoted to Quality Assurance Engineer in 2016 and Senior Quality Assurance Engineer in 2022, reflecting his professional development and contributions to quality management and operational efficiency.

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Admin Assistant

Janette Reyes

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A highly dedicated and results-driven Administrative Assistant with over 13 years of work experience in the UAE, providing comprehensive support to lawyers and associates in a fast-paced law firm environment. She Possesses extensive knowledge of Intellectual Property (IP), Real Estate, and Legal Documentation Management, alongside her exceptional expertise in document control, data entry, records management, and administrative operations. She is Recognized for consistently delivering outstanding client service and maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism. She demonstrated ability to manage critical company documents and property records with precision, ensuring compliance, organization, and operational efficiency. She is Known for strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure while meeting strict deadlines. Successfully trained and mentored new team members, contributing to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. A trusted professional distinguished by unwavering loyalty, integrity, and dedication, with a proven track record of supporting business objectives, enhancing client satisfaction, and upholding the highest professional standards in the legal profession.

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Admin Assistant

Joan Atu

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Joan is an Administrative Assistant at Karawani & Co, specializing in intellectual property (IP) reporting, client communication, and matter coordination, with additional experience in corporate administration. With a background spanning administration, logistics, and sports and recreation, she brings strong organizational, communication, and client service skills to her role. She is committed to accuracy, confidentiality, and providing efficient administrative support to ensure smooth operations and excellent client service.

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Finance

Esraa Jawesh

Esraa Jawesh is a member of the Finance team at Karawani & Co.

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Finance

Mohamed Hasim

Mohamed Hasim is a member of the Finance team at Karawani & Co.

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Finance

Bian Omar

Bian Omar is a member of the Finance team at Karawani & Co.

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