International Tax Director / Associate Partner role

The role

Gateley is expanding its offering in the Middle East and is entering the Tax advisory market as part of its broader legal and professional services platform. 

We are building a new, high-quality Tax practice in the UAE, complementing our Corporate, Private Client and Advisory capabilities. This is a unique opportunity to join at an early stage and play a key role in shaping a premium, client-focused Tax offering in the region. 

The team

Our Dubai office, based in DIFC and led by Darren Harris, is home to a well-established and high-performing Corporate and Advisory platform, advising clients across sectors including real estate, infrastructure, private wealth, retail and consumer. 

As part of our next phase of growth, the firm has recently appointed Renan Ozturk to establish and scale our Middle East Tax practice. In this role, you will work closely with Renan, the Middle East Legal and Tax leadership team, and colleagues across the wider Gateley platform in the UK and internationally to help build a fully integrated tax offering across the region. 

This is a rare opportunity to join a new practice with strong institutional backing, existing client relationships, and immediate cross-sell opportunities. 

The person

We are looking for a high calibre International Tax Senior hire who combines strong technical expertise with commercial acumen and a genuine desire to help build and grow a market-leading tax practice in the Middle East.  

The successful candidate will be experienced in advising multinational groups, private equity sponsors, family offices and private clients on cross-border tax matters, have a clear market presence, and will be comfortable working in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced professional services environment.

In particular, we're looking for someone who can demonstrate: 

Client-Facing Delivery (Core Focus) 

• Advise clients on complex international tax matters, including cross-border structuring, holding company and investment platform arrangements, permanent establishment issues, withholding taxes and treaty interpretation.  
• Support inbound and outbound investment transactions, M&A activity, restructurings and post-acquisition integration projects.  
• Provide practical, commercially focused advice to multinational groups, private equity funds, family offices and high-net-worth individuals.  
• Work closely with legal, corporate finance, accounting and other advisory teams to deliver integrated solutions across jurisdictions.  
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key client stakeholders and become a recognised adviser on international tax matters. 

Build a Premium Tax Offering 

• Play a key role in developing and expanding a best-in-class International Tax practice across the Middle East.  
• Contribute to the design and delivery of innovative, scalable service offerings aligned to client needs. 
• Identify opportunities to enhance service delivery, efficiency and client experience  
• Collaborate across the tax, legal and corporate finance ecosystem  

Entrepreneurial Growth & Leadership 

• Take an active role in shaping the direction of the Tax practice, with a particular focus on the International Tax side of the business 
• Support and mentor junior team members (for more senior roles)  
• Contribute to thought leadership and market positioning in the UAE  
• Operate with a hands-on, build mindset, not just delivery  

Who This Role Suits 

We are looking for individuals who are: 

• Entrepreneurial and commercially minded, with a passion for helping build a growing international tax practice.  
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic and evolving environment, where opportunity and responsibility go hand in hand.  
• Technically strong, with excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.  
• Confident communicators who can explain complex tax matters clearly to clients and colleagues.  
• Relationship-focused, collaborative and motivated by delivering exceptional client service. 

You will typically have: 

The benefits

We believe in rewarding performance and supporting growth. Alongside a competitive remuneration package and discretionary bonus opportunities, you’ll have access to a comprehensive range of benefits designed to promote wellbeing, flexibility and security. Our approach combines financial, health and lifestyle support with learning and development opportunities to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

We are Gateley

We’re forward thinking and straight talking. Our approach is to find solutions to the real‑world problems our clients face. Gateley is a legal and professional services group - a team of formidable experts across law and business. Passionate problem‑solvers, we get our energy from finding the right answers and getting our legal and business clients where they need to be. We support thousands of active clients, from listed companies to scale‑ups and private individuals, in the UAE and internationally. Being part of Gateley is not just about the expertise you bring; it’s about attitude too.

The Gateley Story is the story of our people and our culture. It’s what got us to where we are today and it’s the driving force behind the values that shape our Gateley Team Spirit. Five elements bind us together as one Gateley: Ambitious for Success, Forward Thinking, Room to Breathe, Trusted to Do, and Working Together. Each year we recognise colleagues who go above and beyond and live these values at our Gateley Team Spirit Awards.

Diversity, inclusion and well being

Diversity, inclusion and wellbeing are central to our culture and values. We recruit talented people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures and provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability or culture aligned with UAE law and international best practice. We aim to create an exciting, rewarding place to work where everyone can fulfil their potential and achieve both personal and business goals. We also offer flexible working patterns where feasible and encourage candidates seeking flexibility to apply.

Additional Information

If you’re successful in receiving an offer, we’ll complete a set of pre‑employment screening checks appropriate to the role. These may include verification of eligibility to work in the UAE, visa and immigration formalities, professional and academic qualifications, criminal record checks where permitted, financial probity, and references from previous employers. Screening varies by role and jurisdiction.