Legal analysis and practical guidance on cross-border business, disputes, corporate, employment and IP matters across India and the UAE — including the Legal Help Desk, our Q&A column on the problems clients actually meet.
Secondary market property transactions in Dubai follow a different legal path from off-plan purchases. The MOU/Form F, the 10% deposit, the NOC, and the DLD transfer appointment each create obligations — and each can become a point of dispute if a party wants to exit. This article explains the mechanics, the consequences, and the options. […]
Both buyers and developers sometimes seek to exit an off-plan sale and purchase agreement before completion. The legal consequences depend entirely on who is walking away, at what stage, and for what reason. This article explains the framework that governs those decisions under Dubai law and the UAE Civil Code. Part 1 of 3 | […]
Commercial, DIFC, and ADGM property sale and purchase agreements operate under legal frameworks that differ fundamentally from each other and from the off-plan residential regime. The remedies available on exit, and the conditions that must be met to exercise them, depend entirely on which framework applies to the transaction. Part 2 of 3 | UAE SPA Exit […]
Businesses evolve constantly. Market shifts, regulatory developments, expansion strategies, and financial pressures often require companies to rethink their structure and management. In the UAE, restructuring is a common strategic tool used by businesses—from startups to multinational corporations—to realign their operations, improve financial health, and enhance efficiency. Company restructuring in the UAE typically falls into three main […]
The UAE continued its ambitious legislative overhaul in 2025, issuing a wide range of legal reforms that touched on public safety, financial regulation, digital governance, and criminal justice. These changes reflect the nation’s ongoing efforts to modernise its legal framework in line with social priorities, global standards, and economic diversification. Tougher Drug Control Laws: Greater Penalties and Enforcement In 2025, […]
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share one of the most dynamic and enduring trade relationships in the world, with gems and jewellery being a pillar of bilateral commerce. From centuries-old trade routes across the Arabian Sea to present-day sophisticated global supply chains, this sector blends tradition, artisanal skill, and strategic economic cooperation. For Indian manufacturers, traders, […]
Background of the Client Wilfire (pseudonym for confidentiality purposes) is a diversified group comprising seven (7) mainland companies and a total of thirty-nine (39) branches operating under them. Each company was incorporated in Dubai under the Department of Economic Development (“DED” – Dubai Mainland), with its own set of activities and distinct legal structures. The […]
The money exchange sector is a vital pillar of the UAE’s financial ecosystem, facilitating remittances, currency conversions, and cross-border payments. For investors seeking a foothold in this market, acquiring an existing licensed exchange can often be more attractive than establishing one from scratch. However, such acquisitions are complex, heavily regulated, and require careful planning. This […]
The UAE has long established itself as a global financial hub, driven by its strategic geographic position, expatriate-heavy population, and pro-business regulatory environment. One of the thriving industries in this ecosystem is the money exchange sector, which plays a crucial role in facilitating remittances, currency conversions, and other cross-border financial services. With millions of expatriates […]
Money exchangers and remittance houses in the UAE operate within a strict legal and regulatory framework designed to safeguard the financial system, protect customers, and prevent misuse for money laundering or terrorist financing. The framework rests on two complementary pillars: (a) the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) licensing and supervision regime for exchange businesses; […]