Top US law firms Jones Day and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton are mandating staff returns to Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices by May 4, reversing pandemic-era remote work policies. The directive has sparked pushback from attorneys who relocated abroad during the US-Iran conflict, citing high relocation costs and safety concerns. One lawyer noted the fragile US-Iran ceasefire—extended indefinitely by Trump—remains unstable, with Iranian strikes still impacting Gulf security.

Cleary Gottlieb is covering relocation expenses for its Abu Dhabi team, while Baker McKenzie and others encourage in-person attendance to maintain client relationships. A senior partner revealed a major family office client now requires in-person legal representation for critical meetings, barring remote participation. This aligns with reports of Gulf businesses prioritizing physical presence for high-stakes deals.

The UAE’s expatriate-driven economy faces renewed strain as professionals hesitate to return. Ahmed Ibrahim, a local IPO expert, criticized the exodus as “self-sabotage,” arguing it undermines economic recovery. Meanwhile, BlackRock’s Larry Fink and Brookfield’s Bruce Flatt have publicly endorsed the region’s stability, signaling investor confidence despite regional tensions.

Firms frame the return as essential for client service quality, though flexibility remains inconsistent. Jones Day’s Dubai office insists participation is “voluntary,” yet partners face implicit pressure to prioritize physical presence. This shift risks alienating talent accustomed to hybrid work, potentially impacting deal pipelines in the competitive Middle East legal market.