Industries

Team
Practice Areas
Industries

Banking and Finance

With the UAE’s position as a financial powerhouse in the Middle East, the banking and finance sector has seen substantial growth and is characterised increasing complexity. The UAE’s initiatives to promote sustainable finance and the adoption of ESG-related sukuk issuances underscore the evolving nature of the financial landscape. In 2023, UAE also introduced corporate tax. Additionally, the Central Bank of the UAE’s guidelines encouraging Islamic financial institutions to adopt sustainable finance practices further highlight the sector’s dynamism.

Companies in this space face an increasing demand for compliance, risk management, and financial dispute resolution, and with the region’s rapid growth in financial markets and an increasing number of global investors, legal advice has never been more essential, specially on complex financial transactions.

Our support to financial institutions encompasses multiple matters, offering services such as:

  • Advising on a wide range of banking matters, including licensing, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
  • Helping with capital market transactions and debt issuance requirements.
  • Issuing transaction-specific opinions on aspects such as capacity, enforceability, and related considerations.
  • Conducting thorough due diligence and background checks for transactions, including acquisitions, joint ventures, and other corporate arrangements.
  • Reviewing and revising constitutional documents, agreements, and related corporate instruments.
  • Drafting and evaluating bilateral credit documentation and advising on the perfection of securities.
  • Drafting, reviewing and refining standard documents to enhance the efficiency of banking operations, products, and services.
  • Providing strategic legal support, including negotiating restructuring and settlement of non-performing loans, ensuring timely recovery and protection of assets.

Real Estate and Construction

The real estate market in Dubai and the UAE has seen consistent growth over the years, driven by major developments in residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. The UAE’s strong economy, infrastructure, and business-friendly environment continue to attract investors and property developers. In addition, the government has introduced reforms to make property ownership more accessible, including the ability for foreigners to buy property in certain areas. In 2024, the total number of real estate transactions in Dubai reached 188,000 as of November 2024, with a combined value of AED625 billion ($170.2 billion), Notably, property sales surpassed AED437 billion for the first time, marking a 33 percent growth compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting robust activity in the sector.

With this growth, however, there are many legal considerations, from property transactions to property development and construction contracts, that require expert guidance to ensure everything runs smoothly and within the law.

The rental market is also a significant part of the real estate sector. With a large number of properties available for rent, tenancy laws have become crucial to ensure fairness for both landlords and tenants. Whether you’re a property owner or a tenant, it’s important to understand the rights and responsibilities under UAE rental law, including issues like lease agreements, rent increases, and eviction processes.

We offer comprehensive services for developers, investors, contractors, landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders involved in the real estate and construction industries, including:

  • Providing assistance in the development and implementation of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other investment vehicles for real estate projects.
  • Offering guidance and legal support on real estate development and construction contracts, including drafting and negotiating terms.
  • Advising on the legal aspects of joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions in real estate, construction, and infrastructure projects.
  • Assisting with project financing documents and providing counsel on the terms and conditions of finance agreements.
  • Reviewing and advising on real estate transactions, including buying, selling, leasing, and property management and rental agreements.
  • Assisting in resolving disputes related to construction delays, defects, contract performance, tenancy and eviction through effective legal strategies, including litigation.

Media, IP and Technology

Dubai is quickly establishing itself as a regional leader in the media, technology, and innovation sectors, with an expanding digital economy and a growing focus on smart cities, fintech, and e-commerce. This rapid transformation is fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem, attracting global investors, startups, and major tech giants. As the digital economy flourishes, businesses in media, technology, and intellectual property (IP) must address new challenges related to data privacy, cybersecurity, content regulation, and IP protection.

The demand for legal expertise in this space is growing as companies seek to protect their innovations, navigate complex media laws, and comply with international standards. Intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and digital content protection, have become a critical area of focus. Additionally, with the UAE’s introduction of stringent data privacy laws, businesses must be proactive in ensuring compliance with new regulations governing the collection, processing, and storage of personal data.

We offer tailored legal services to businesses in the media, technology, and IP sectors, helping them protect their intellectual property, draft services agreements, navigate data protection laws, and ensure compliance with digital media regulations. Whether you are a tech startup, media company, or established corporation, our team provides support safeguard your business interests in the digital age.

We provide comprehensive support to businesses and investors in the media and technology sectors, offering services such as:

  • Advising on intellectual property matters, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, registration, licensing, and franchising.
  • Assisting in negotiating and drafting technology contracts, licensing and franchising agreements, and service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Offering counsel on data privacy and cybersecurity laws.
  • Providing guidance on media-related regulations, including content distribution, broadcasting rights, and advertising laws.
  • Advising on e-commerce, online platforms, and digital business models, including regulatory compliance, payment systems, and user agreements.
  • Representing clients in media and technology disputes, including intellectual property infringement, content regulation, and breach of contract matters.

Trade and Industry

Dubai has long been a global trade hub, benefiting from its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa and continues to attract companies from all over the world. The UAE has become a central point for industries ranging from manufacturing and retail to logistics and wholesale distribution. The nation’s free trade zones, business-friendly regulations, and growing economy provide numerous opportunities for local and international businesses.

As such, many are seeking strategic partnerships, mergers, and joint ventures to increase their market share, enter new regions, and leverage local expertise. In addition to navigating complex trade regulations, customs requirements, and commercial contracts, many businesses in the UAE also encounter legal issues related to internal corporate governance. Increasingly, disputes between shareholders, management, and other stakeholders are becoming a prominent concern, often leading to legal battles over ownership, control, and the distribution of profits. These conflicts can arise due to differing visions for the company, financial mismanagement, or disagreements over key decisions.

Our team provides comprehensive legal services to businesses in trade and industry, including expert advice on transactions, commercial contracts, and dispute resolution. Whether you’re looking to expand through strategic partnerships, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, or protect your business interests in a competitive market, we offer the support you need to succeed.

Our support includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Assisting with corporate structuring and advising on board structure, shareholder rights, and compliance with industry-specific governance practices.
  • Assisting in negotiating and drafting shareholders contracts, joint venture agreements, and other corporate and executive level related contracts.
  • Offering legal advice on corporate governance, especially for manufacturing and trade companies, ensuring compliance with UAE corporate laws and regulations.
  • Assisting with the structuring of international trade contracts, including supply agreements, distribution agreements, and trade financing, ensuring clarity in terms and risk management.
  • Assisting businesses in navigating import/export disputes, contractual conflicts, and other trade-related disputes through litigation.
  • Representing clients in recovering dues from defaulting customers through cheque executions and commercial lawsuits.
  • Representing clients in employment related disputes and in pursuing complaints against fraud.

Private Wealth Management

Dubai has become an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) due to its favourable tax policies, luxury real estate, and modern financial services. The UAE’s status as a wealth management hub has attracted families and individuals seeking to safeguard their assets, plan estates, and create family offices. As more HNWIs and ultra-HNWIs establish their wealth in the UAE, the demand for specialized legal services has risen. These individuals require legal advice on structuring their wealth, protecting assets, managing inheritance and more. The UAE’s legal and tax frameworks offer unique opportunities for wealth preservation, but these structures require careful planning to ensure compliance with both local and international laws.

Our team specializes in providing tailored legal solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families, offering expert guidance in areas such as estate planning, inheritance law, asset protection, and dispute resolution.

Our team specializes in providing tailored legal solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families:

  • Structuring corporate entities for personal and professional endeavours, including trusts and family businesses, ensuring regulatory compliance and governance.
  • Advising on philanthropic ventures, charitable foundations, and trust structures.
  • Providing legal counsel on asset transactions.
  • Advising on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, guardianship, and inheritance disputes.
  • Assisting with the resolution of family business conflicts and succession planning.
  • Representation in personal and commercial disputes, including litigation and arbitration.
  • Legal support for assets acquisitions, leasing, and management, including drafting and negotiating contractual terms.

Shipping and Transport

Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads of major global shipping routes makes the UAE an essential hub for international trade and transport. With world-class port facilities, including the highly regarded Jebel Ali Port, and advanced logistics infrastructure, the UAE plays a critical role in connecting businesses across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa. As global trade continues to expand, companies in the shipping and transport sector are increasingly faced with complex legal requirements to manage their operations effectively and in compliance with international standards.

Businesses must navigate a wide range of legal matters, including shipping contracts, regulatory compliance, disputes over cargo damage, and issues relating to vessel registration. The rapidly changing nature of maritime law also introduces challenges around customs, safety, environmental regulations, and trade barriers. Additionally, vessel insurance remains a crucial aspect of protecting shipping businesses against the risks associated with cargo damage, accidents, or other operational risks.

Our range of legal service include:

  • Reviewing shipping contracts, including charter agreements, freight contracts, leasing and financing.
  • Advising on regulatory compliance, customs issues, and trade barriers.
  • Representing clients in maritime disputes, including cargo damage claims, vessel insurance claims.
  • Providing counsel on international shipping laws and environmental regulations.

Insurance

Driven by a growing population, mandatory health insurance schemes, infrastructure projects, and increased demand for life, property, and specialty insurance products, the UAE’s insurance sector is fast growing. As the market evolves, insurance companies, brokers, and policyholders face legal challenges relating to regulatory requirements, policy interpretation, dispute resolution, and reinsurance arrangements. Specialized legal guidance is essential to navigate these complexities and protect business and individual interests.

We support clients across the insurance and reinsurance sectors, providing services such as:

  • Advising insurers and reinsurers on compliance with UAE regulations and licensing requirements.
  • Drafting, reviewing insurance policies, reinsurance agreements, and distribution arrangements.
  • Advising on corporate governance, risk management, and capital adequacy requirements.
  • Assisting with mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring within the insurance industry.
  • Representing clients in insurance disputes, including coverage claims, liability issues, and arbitration.
  • Advising on Takaful (Islamic) insurance structures and compliance with Sharia principles.