Reed Smith is proud to support sustainability in the UAE through its pro bono partnership with AZRAQ, a marine conservation non-profit. By providing legal expertise and hands-on volunteering, Reed Smith strengthens AZRAQ’s impact, advancing environmental initiatives in line with the UAE’s vision.

Reed Smith’s pro bono work represents our core values in action and is part of our mission as a global law firm. In 2024, we provided more than 28,800 hours of pro bono support to charities, not-for-profits and low-income individuals across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Reed Smith is proud to be the pro bono legal partner of AZRAQ, a Dubai-based non-profit dedicated to safeguarding the UAE’s marine environment. Founded in 2017, AZRAQ advances education on ocean sustainability through beach clean-ups, mangrove planting initiatives, coral reef restoration, and the promotion of ethical consumption. Led by volunteers, AZRAQ’s board comprises both UAE nationals and expatriates, underscoring its inclusive, community-focused mission.

Over the past two years, Reed Smith has provided significant pro bono legal services to AZRAQ, supported by 18 lawyers from four international offices. This partnership aligns with Reed Smith’s core value of “driving progress through partnership” and its commitment to championing sustainability in line with the UAE’s national vision, “We The UAE 2031”.

Our legal support has ranged from professionalizing AZRAQ’s sponsorship and partnership agreements to advising on governance best practices. We have also guided AZRAQ’s strategic expansion, ensuring its organizational structures accommodate the non-profit’s ambitious growth.

By helping AZRAQ scale its impact, Reed Smith fosters tangible social and environmental benefits for the UAE. As rising temperatures and sea levels threaten the region’s coastlines, our collaboration exemplifies the spirit of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 17: forging strong partnerships to tackle global challenges.

Through ongoing legal counsel, Reed Smith ensures that AZRAQ can meet regulatory requirements, manage governance effectively, and continue expanding vital conservation programs. This partnership highlights the transformative power of pro bono legal services in propelling community-led initiatives to new heights. This is particularly important in 2025, which the UAE has declared “The Year of Community”.

Reed Smith’s partnership with AZRAQ also extends to sponsorship of its volunteering events, including beach clean-ups where its lawyers roll up their sleeves to make an impact. Reed Smith is planning a mangrove-planting event with AZRAQ in November 2025 where clients and contacts can join together to offset their carbon footprint.

Off the back of its work with AZRAQ, Reed Smith has been nominated in Law.com International’s Middle East Legal Awards 2025 for CSR / ESG Initiative of the Year.