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Insights · Corporate and Commercial

Corporate and Commercial

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.

Corporate and Commercial

Qualifying Free Zone Persons in the UAE: Eligibility Conditions for the 0% Corporate Tax Regime

An in-depth explanation of the eligibility requirements for Qualifying Free Zone Persons under the UAE Corporate Tax Law, including qualifying income, substance, de minimis thresholds, transfer pricing, and compliance obligations—with a focus on eligibility conditions, qualifying income, and compliance risks. Introduction  This article provides an overview of the UAE’s zero percent corporate tax regime for Qualifying Free […]

Vaibhavi Wankhedkar · 9 Jan 2026 · 8 minRead →
Corporate and Commercial

Can ADGM-Registered Foundations Own Mainland Abu Dhabi Property? Explained

Abu Dhabi’s mainland real estate laws traditionally restrict property ownership to UAE nationals (and companies wholly owned by them) except in special cases. Abu Dhabi Law No. 19 of 2005 (Real Property Ownership) and its amendments set out who may acquire mainland property. As amended in 2019, Article 3 of Law 19/2005 limits ownership rights to: (a) […]

Joel John Roy · 5 Jan 2026 · 7 minRead →
Case Study

End-to-End UAE Market Entry and Brand Protection for a North American Multinational

Challenge A multinational enterprise headquartered in Canada, with operational bases in Mexico, the United States, and the Middle East, sought to establish a fully compliant and operational presence in the United Arab Emirates as part of its global expansion strategy.  While the client was commercially sophisticated and experienced in cross-border operations, it faced several challenges […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 27 Dec 2025 · 4 minRead →
Company Formation

Jewellery and Gems: Trade Opportunities Between India and the UAE

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, […]

Aparna T Nambissan · 17 Dec 2025 · 5 minRead →
Company Formation

Leveraging the UAE: Opportunities for Indian Manufacturers in Global Markets

Global supply chains are being reshaped by tariff changes, geopolitical shifts, and diversification strategies. For Indian manufacturers, especially those in export-led sectors these developments are prompting a re-evaluation of where production, value addition, and distribution should be located to remain competitive and closer to important markets. In this context, the UAE has emerged as a […]

George Mathew · 15 Dec 2025 · 6 minRead →
Company Formation

India–UAE Trade Synergy: How Indian Export Incentives are Reshaping International Expansion

India’s export strategy is evolving in response to global tariff hikes, supply-chain challenges, and rising compliance demands. To stay competitive, the government is leveraging targeted incentives such as the Export Promotion Mission (EPM), duty-free cotton imports, revised jewellery duty drawback, and the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme designed to refund […]

George Mathew · 3 Dec 2025 · 10 minRead →
Company Formation

Global Trade Shifts: How the UAE Helps Future-Proof Indian Businesses

Indian businesses today face a rapidly evolving global trade landscape marked by tariff escalations, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical realignments. These developments have accelerated the need for diversification—in both markets and production hubs—to ensure long-term resilience.  As exporters reconsider their global strategies, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a stable and strategically located […]

Benoy P Jacob · 29 Nov 2025 · 5 minRead →
Corporate and Commercial

Acquiring a Licensed Money Exchange in the UAE: Key Considerations

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 […]

Aparna T Nambissan · 15 Nov 2025 · 7 minRead →
Compliance in the UAE

ADGM Courts Real Property Division: What that Means for Property Disputes

On 17 October 2025, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Courts established a Real Property Division within the Court of First Instance. The move, supported by updates to the Divisions and Jurisdiction Rules and new practice directions and court forms, streamlines how property disputes are handled in ADGM in light of the ADGM’s expansion to […]

Aeron Abraham Thomas · 29 Oct 2025 · 4 minRead →
Compliance in the UAE

Data Protection Laws in India and the UAE: A Comparative Insight

The digital economy has transformed how personal information flows across borders, making data protection legislation a critical component of modern governance. As businesses expand their operations across jurisdictions, understanding the nuances of data protection frameworks becomes essential for compliance and maintaining consumer trust. India and the United Arab Emirates, two significant economic powerhouses with growing […]

Vipul Kulshreshtha · 28 Oct 2025 · 20 minRead →