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.
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) […]
The UAE has announced a significant labour market reform aimed at strengthening Emiratisation and improving income security for UAE nationals employed in the private sector. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has confirmed that a minimum monthly wage of Dh6,000 will be mandatory for Emirati employees in private companies, effective 1 January 2026. The decision […]
When monopoly ends, enforcement ends with it—except where past infringement leaves a financial trail. A decisive ruling on the limits of judicial relief after patent expiry, clarifying why exclusivity ends with the statutory term but monetary accountability for past infringement does not. In a significant intellectual property law ruling, the Delhi High Court has clarified how patent rights in […]
Challenge The client approached ATB Legal with a dual-jurisdiction trademark matter involving parallel trademark filings in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). While the UAE trademark proceeded smoothly, the KSA trademark encountered a critical procedural issue that required immediate legal intervention. In Saudi Arabia, trademark ownership requirements are strictly enforced. The client’s […]
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 […]
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken decisive enforcement action against a domestic worker recruitment agency operating in Ajman, revoking its licence after confirming serious violations of domestic labour regulations. The move reflects the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance transparency, and protect the rights of domestic workers across the country. According […]
The United Arab Emirates has implemented a significant overhaul of its visa and residency regime, introducing new visit-visa categories and revising existing eligibility and sponsorship requirements. The reforms, approved by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and effective from 2025, form part of the UAE’s broader strategy to strengthen economic competitiveness, attract […]
Explore how UAE onshore law addresses employee confidentiality and non-compete breaches with civil damages, criminal penalties, and termination rights—plus strategies for employers to safeguard sensitive business information. In the UAE, protecting confidential business information is not just a contractual obligation—it is a legal imperative. When employees breach confidentiality or violate non-compete clauses, the fallout […]
Explore how the ADGM Courts’ Fast Track Procedure enables efficient, fair, and expedited resolution of commercial disputes—often within six months—under Part 40 of the Court Procedure Rules. Delay is one of the most common concerns raised by parties considering litigation. Even where the legal position is strong, prolonged proceedings can dilute commercial value, increase costs, […]
The rapid growth of digital commerce has challenged traditional notions of trademark use and enforcement, particularly in jurisdictions where physical presence was once viewed as a key indicator of commercial activity. In a significant recent development, the Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has reaffirmed that online-only brands enjoy full trademark protection in the UAE, even […]