The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains a premier jurisdiction for foreign investment and business incorporation. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, particularly with the implementation of the federal corporate tax regime and amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, investors must carefully evaluate the appropriate legal structure for their businesses. One of the most fundamental decisions...
The India–United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (“India-UAE CEPA”), which came into force on May 1, 2022, marks a pivotal milestone in the bilateral trade relations between the two nations. As India’s first CEPA with a major Middle Eastern partner, the agreement aims to deepen economic cooperation by reducing or eliminating tariffs, enhancing customs...
Over the past two decades, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a leading financial hub in the Middle East, attracting investors and companies from across the globe. In line with this evolution, the UAE has significantly strengthened its legal infrastructure governing corporate governance, capital markets, and investor protections. One of the most important...
In the lifecycle of any private company, particularly in the early and growth stages, investors eventually seek to realise returns on their investment. A well-drafted Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA) plays a critical role in facilitating this by setting out the terms under which investors can exit the company. From trade sales to IPOs and put options,...
When startups and investors come together to fuel innovation and growth, the shareholders’ agreement (“SHA”) becomes one of the most important legal documents governing their relationship. It is more than just a contractual formality, it is the framework that defines how a company is owned, managed, and funded, and how value is eventually distributed. Among...
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), in collaboration with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates, provides a well-structured legal and regulatory framework for companies seeking to access capital markets in the UAE. Whether a company is incorporated locally as a public or private joint stock company, based in a free...
When drafting a shareholders’ agreement, one clause that often sparks intense negotiation is the one dealing with share transfers. Founders want to maintain control, early investors want to secure their position, and incoming investors seek flexibility. This is where two important legal tools come into play i.e. the Right of First Refusal (“ROFR”) and the...
A shareholders’ agreement is a cornerstone document in any privately held company. Whether you’re a founder launching a startup, an early investor, or a minority stakeholder, this agreement lays the legal and commercial foundation of your relationship with the company and fellow shareholders. It governs decision-making, share ownership, dispute resolution, and exit scenarios, all essential...
Incorporating a private limited company is a popular choice among Indian entrepreneurs due to the benefits of limited liability, separate legal identity, and access to funding. The process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013 and regulated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Below is a step-by-step explanation of the incorporation process, structured under...
The advent of International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India marks a transformative step in integrating global financial services with domestic regulatory oversight. GIFT City in Gujarat, India’s flagship IFSC, has been established not only as a financial gateway but also as a legal innovation aimed at attracting international business through a tailored regulatory regime....
