Rahul Batra is the Chief Executive Officer – UAE & KSA at Hudson McKenzie, where he leads the growth and strategic development across the Middle East. His focus is on building Hudson McKenzie as a leading, client-focused professional services firm across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider international markets, while advancing the firm’s vision of being a truly humane organisation where opportunities for growth exist for all.
Rahul oversees Hudson McKenzie’s operations and strategic development across its Middle East presence, with particular responsibility for the firm’s UAE and Saudi Arabia practices. He leads strategic stakeholder engagement and works closely with businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, family offices and high-net-worth individuals navigating the legal, immigration, corporate and regulatory landscape of the Gulf.
With extensive experience across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Rahul advises clients on complex cross-border matters, including UAE and Saudi Arabian immigration, residency and work authorisation, business establishment, corporate structuring, government liaison, regulatory compliance and global mobility. He has particular expertise in helping international businesses and individuals establish a presence in the region and navigate the practical and regulatory requirements associated with operating in the UAE and KSA. In Saudi Arabia, Rahul works closely with international businesses, investors and senior executives on market-entry and mobility matters, including company establishment, employment and immigration requirements, work permits and iqamas, Saudi Premium Residency, regional headquarters strategies and wider workforce mobility considerations. In the UAE, he advises clients on company formation and corporate structuring, mainland and free zone establishment, investor and employment visas, Golden Visas, residency solutions, government processes and ongoing corporate support. His approach combines legal and regulatory knowledge with a strong understanding of the commercial realities faced by businesses entering or expanding within the Middle East.
Rahul is also closely involved in advising international families, entrepreneurs, investors and family offices seeking bespoke residence and relocation solutions across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other international jurisdictions. He takes a commercially focused and highly personalised approach, ensuring that immigration and residency strategies align with wider business, family and investment objectives.
Clients regularly praise Rahul for his ability to understand complex matters quickly and provide practical, commercially minded advice. One client commented: “He gets the relevant points very quickly and takes time to understand our business.” Other client feedback describes him as a “tremendously clever lawyer” who is thorough, responsive and able to provide timely, practical and empathetic advice.
Rahul is a regular speaker and commentator on UAE, Saudi Arabian and international business mobility, immigration and corporate matters, and is frequently invited to present to businesses, professional advisers and international clients. He has also contributed to a number of leading legal and business publications.
Alongside his professional responsibilities, Rahul is the founder and trustee of the Hudson McKenzie Charitable Foundation, through which he supports charitable initiatives and philanthropic projects in the UK and internationally.
Outside work, Rahul has a passion for travel and has visited more than 70 countries. He also has a keen interest in horses and classic cars.
Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
