Dr. Ahmed Thani Al Hamli is an Emirati legal and intellectual figure, whose professional journey spanning over three decades combines strategic security expertise, deep academic knowledge, and high-level legal practice.
He is a certified expert in Public International Law and Human Rights, and a pioneer in strategic research work in the Arab region.
He has founded and led several key civil society initiatives and think tanks that have reached international recognition, contributing to the formulation of policies and practical frameworks in the fields of security, law, and human rights.
He has an influential international presence as a writer and analyst in major American newspapers and serves as an expert witness before Western parliaments and UN organizations, which has earned him a unique position among legal and strategic researchers and practitioners at both regional and global levels.
Thesis Title:
"Islam, democracy, and human rights: can universal human rights be applied in our
relativistic world"
"Islam, democracy, and human rights: can universal human rights be applied in our
relativistic world"
The thesis provided a legal and philosophical foundation for the relationship between Sharia and international law. It is considered an academic reference in the British Library and reflects Dr. Al Hamli’s ability to combine global legal theory with local and cultural contexts while offering practical insights for applying human rights principles.
Link to the thesis in Hull University Digital Repository
Over three decades of government and security experience, complemented by advanced legal practice, academic expertise, and distinguished research and human rights leadership.
Government and Security Experience (30 Years)
Held high-ranking leadership and field positions in the police and security sector in the UAE for three decades, gaining extensive experience in managing complex legal and security files.
Actively contributed to formulating national security strategies, developing the legal system of government institutions, and enhancing institutional performance by integrating legal expertise with strategic security insights.
Founder & General Manager – Ahmed Al Hamli Law & Legal Consultancy
Manages a prestigious law firm in the UAE, known for precision and credibility in high-profile cases.
Personally oversees major cases and strategic consultations for companies and government and private entities, ensuring optimal legal and strategic outcomes.
Leads a team of experts in commercial law, criminal law, and international arbitration, with a proven track record of success in UAE courts.
Lecturer in Public Law – Dubai Police Academy (5 years)
Taught public law and human rights courses, focusing on linking legal theory with practical field applications in security.
Supervised the training and graduation of legal staff and officers, enhancing analytical and strategic legal skills.
Delivered advanced training programs to integrate academic education with practical field requirements.
Founder & Chairman – Trends Research & Advisory (2014–2019)
Established the center and defined its strategic vision, placing it among the top 10 emerging research institutions globally. Oversaw strategic partnerships with leading research centers and universities, such as the Atlantic Council in Washington, directing research towards political Islam and geopolitical security issues.
Founder & Chairman – Arab Federation for Human Rights
Launched the largest human rights umbrella organization in the Arab world, comprising around 40 rights organizations. Successfully unified the Arab human rights discourse and represented Arab civil society internationally, countering politicization attempts and providing a practical model for professional and impactful human rights work.
Invited as a strategic expert to participate in the International Relations Committee hearings.
Delivered in-depth testimonies and analyses on reshaping the Middle East map and the future of political Islam.
His insights enhance the understanding of British lawmakers and are documented in official reports.
Parliamentary Report Link
Organized and chaired a series of international seminars and conferences on the sidelines of Human Rights Council sessions.
These events focused on refuting fabricated and politicized reports targeting
Arab countries,
providing evidence and documentation of severe violations committed by militias
and terrorist groups, forming a professional human rights defense wall.
Writings and Articles in American and International Media
Opinion piece calling for the continuation of pressure on Iran to deter its regional and nuclear behavior, presenting arguments about the risks of easing sanctions and their impact on Iranian conduct.
Analysis suggesting points of amendment to the Iran nuclear deal, with a focus on how to strengthen review and verification provisions to reduce Iran’s destabilizing regional behavior.
Media interview (closing of a counterterrorism conference), featuring discussions on terrorism, countermeasures, and the practical expertise provided by Dr. Al-Hamli in this field.
Opinion piece explaining that reimposing sanctions on Iran is a necessary means to contain its regional hostile activities, highlighting examples of Iran’s media and economic influence attempts that justify a renewed policy of economic pressure.
Analytical report on the impact of the nuclear deal on the U.S. political scene and how the deal was part of presidential campaigns and political debates; a summary linking the agreement to U.S. domestic politics.
An article discussing the balance between security measures (military and police) and informational/media efforts (countering extremist narratives) in combating ISIS and forms of radical political Islam.
An analytical news report discussing indicators and information exchanges suggesting attempts at communication or coordination between two extremist groups (ISIS and al-Qaeda), along with an analysis of the implications for regional and international security.
An analytical report on the impact of the nuclear deal on the U.S. political scene, highlighting how the deal was part of presidential campaigns and political debates; a summary connecting the deal to U.S. domestic politics.
An opinion article indicating that the dismantling of sanctions could give Iran more room for regional expansion, and explores strategic alternatives that the Trump administration could adopt to contain Iran.
A recording of a hearing by the Foreign Affairs Committee in the UK Parliament, covering issues such as redrawing the Middle East map and the future of political Islam; the video documents experts’ interventions before the House of Lords.
The coverage highlights the global ranking that placed the "Trends for Research and Consulting" center among the top ten emerging research centers worldwide, emphasizing the reasons behind its research advancement.
A news report outlining how jihadi groups viewed the outcome of the 2016 U.S. elections as an opportunity to influence or benefit from America’s shifting policies; includes quotes from experts and field analyses.
Dr. Ahmed Thani Al-Hamli resigned from the presidency of the Arab Federation for Human Rights, stating that he wants to "give others the opportunity to continue the federation’s achievements."
Opinion piece calling for the continuation of pressure on Iran to deter its regional and nuclear behavior, presenting arguments about the risks of easing sanctions and their impact on Iranian conduct.
Analytical report on the impact of the nuclear deal on the U.S. political scene and how the deal was part of presidential campaigns and political debates; a summary linking the agreement to U.S. domestic politics.
An analytical news report discussing indicators and information exchanges suggesting attempts at communication or coordination between two extremist groups (ISIS and al-Qaeda), along with an analysis of the implications for regional and international security.
A news report outlining how jihadi groups viewed the outcome of the 2016 U.S. elections as an opportunity to influence or benefit from America’s shifting policies; includes quotes from experts and field analyses.
An article discussing the balance between security measures (military and police) and informational/media efforts (countering extremist narratives) in combating ISIS and forms of radical political Islam.
A recording of a hearing by the Foreign Affairs Committee in the UK Parliament, covering issues such as redrawing the Middle East map and the future of political Islam; the video documents experts’ interventions before the House of Lords.
Analysis suggesting points of amendment to the Iran nuclear deal, with a focus on how to strengthen review and verification provisions to reduce Iran’s destabilizing regional behavior.
An analytical report on the impact of the nuclear deal on the U.S. political scene, highlighting how the deal was part of presidential campaigns and political debates; a summary connecting the deal to U.S. domestic politics.
An opinion article indicating that the dismantling of sanctions could give Iran more room for regional expansion, and explores strategic alternatives that the Trump administration could adopt to contain Iran.
The coverage highlights the global ranking that placed the "Trends for Research and Consulting" center among the top ten emerging research centers worldwide, emphasizing the reasons behind its research advancement.
Media interview (closing of a counterterrorism conference), featuring discussions on terrorism, countermeasures, and the practical expertise provided by Dr. Al-Hamli in this field.
Opinion piece explaining that reimposing sanctions on Iran is a necessary means to contain its regional hostile activities, highlighting examples of Iran’s media and economic influence attempts that justify a renewed policy of economic pressure.
Dr. Ahmed Thani Al-Hamli resigned from the presidency of the Arab Federation for Human Rights, stating that he wants to "give others the opportunity to continue the federation’s achievements."
Supervised and edited reference publications on:
Humanitarian Thought and Leadership: Articles on "Sheikh Zayed's Legacy" as a global model for humanitarian work and tolerance.
Critique of Extremist Thought: Deconstructing the use of religion in politics and highlighting the dangers of sectarianism and militias.
Strategy and Economy: Analyses on "Energy Diplomacy" and the future of global energy security.
Regular media presence in major UAE newspapers:
The Muslim Brotherhood: expansion, contraction, and organizational structures.
Gulf and Arab National Security.
Energy diplomacy and the UAE's position in the global energy map.
Arabic as a native language, complemented by full proficiency in English, encompassing both academic and professional expertise.
Expertise in litigation before higher courts, commercial arbitration, and drafting international legislation and contracts.
Proficiency in strategic planning, crisis management, and establishing and managing international organizations and think tanks.