Emirati Development Programme 2026

Job overview

Are you an Emirati graduate or final-year university student eager to discover what a career in law could look like for you Clifford Chance invites you to join our exciting 2-week Emirati Development Programme designed to give UAE Nationals hands-on experience at a leading international law firm and a unique insight into the legal profession.

This immersive programme is your opportunity to:

• Work alongside our lawyers and business professionals in our Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices
• Gain authentic exposure to market-leading transactions and projects shaping the Middle East
• Participate in professional development sessions networking events and mentoring opportunities
• Develop your legal business and commercial skills through real-world tasks and group projects

During the programme youll be a valued team member from day one. Youll be actively involved in live deals and will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across different offices and practice areas. Our culture is collaborative inclusive and focused on supporting your growth and well-being.

Candidates who excel during the programme may be invited to interview for our 2-year Training Contractan incredible platform  to launch your legal career with Clifford Chance.

Key dates

• Applications open: 19 January 2026
• Applications close: 16 February 2026
• Programme dates: To be confirmed
• Location: Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices

Application process

Submit your online application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a pre-recorded video interview before a virtual interview with our legal team.

Qualifications :

What skills are we looking for

We are looking for Emirati graduates (or those in their final year of study) who are:

• Committed to building a career in the Middle East
• Commercially aware and client-focused
• Strong communicators both orally and in writing
• Collaborative organised and proactive
• Eager to learn and make a positive impact

Eligibility

• UAE Nationals (Emirati passport holders)
• Final-year students or recent graduates from any discipline
• Fluent in Arabic and English

Additional Information :

What we offer including our broad range of benefits and working environment

When you join Clifford Chance you will have access to a broad range of benefits to support you across many aspects of your personal and professional life including financial wellbeing lifestyle and family friendly benefits. For more information on what we offer specifically in the UK please visit our What We Offer page on our career site. 

Equal Opportunities

At Clifford Chance we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families our firm and society. 

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender gender identity and expression marital or civil partnership status race colour national or ethnic origin social or economic background disability religious belief sexual orientation or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection terms and conditions of employment including pay promotion training transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here