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Insights

Insights

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.

Real Estate

Abu Dhabi Tightens Governance for Jointly Owned Property

Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector has taken a significant step toward greater maturity with the issuance of Administrative Decision No. 25/2025 on 28 February 2026. Titled “Regulation of Ownership and Controls of Use and Management of Real Estate, Parts and Common Facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” this landmark measure provides much-needed operational detail to the existing […]

Milen Zachariah John · 8 Apr 2026 · 4 minRead →
Corporate and Commercial

Renegotiating a Contract Under Pressure: A Practical Framework for UAE Businesses

Most contracts that run into difficulty do not end in court. They end in a renegotiation — or they should. The businesses that preserve value in a downturn are not those with the strongest legal position on paper, but those that engage their counterparties early, frame the conversation well, and document the process properly. This […]

George Mathew · 8 Apr 2026 · 9 minRead →
Copyright Broadcast

Podcast Copyright & IP Strategies in India: What Every Podcaster Must Know

The Indian podcasting ecosystem has exploded over the last few years, driven by affordable internet, regional content demand, and the rise of creator-led media. What began as a passion project for many has now turned into a serious business opportunity involving brand deals, licensing, live events, and even cross-platform adaptations. Yet, most podcasters in India […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 7 Apr 2026 · 9 minRead →
Litigation

Construction Contracts and Conflict: FIDIC Exceptional Events, Force Majeure, and Termination Rights in the UAE

The UAE construction sector is one of the largest and most active globally. From large-scale infrastructure projects on the UAE mainland to commercial and mixed-use developments in the DIFC and ADGM free zones, the sector encompasses tens of billions of dollars in live contracts at any given time. A significant proportion of these projects are procured using the FIDIC suite of standard […]

Jose Joseph · 7 Apr 2026 · 16 minRead →
Corporate and Commercial

Pulling Out of a Resale Property SPA in the UAE: What Happens to Your Deposit and Your Deal

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.  […]

Aparna T Nambissan · 4 Apr 2026 · 19 minRead →
Corporate and Commercial

Your Company Is in Financial Difficulty — When and How to Engage Your Creditors

Businesses under financial pressure often delay creditor engagement until the position has deteriorated beyond easy resolution. Under UAE law, the timing, tone, and structure of that engagement can determine whether a company retains the ability to restructure — or loses it. This article complements our foundational article on UAE bankruptcy law and examines the legal and practical […]

Vipul Kulshreshtha · 4 Apr 2026 · 10 minRead →
Copyright Broadcast

The Meme Copyright Minefield: How Indian Meme Creators Can Monetize Without Getting Sued

Memes Are Culture, But Also Legal Risk  Memes today are not just jokes; they are digital assets, branding tools, and in many cases, revenue-generating content streams. Entire Instagram pages, YouTube channels, and marketing campaigns are built around memes. Yet, the legal reality behind this booming ecosystem is far less casual than it appears.  Most meme […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 4 Apr 2026 · 8 minRead →
Corporate and Commercial

Pulling Back from an Off-Plan SPA in the UAE: What the Law Actually Says

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 | […]

Aparna T Nambissan · 2 Apr 2026 · 21 minRead →
Legal Help Desk

PDF vs Original vs ‘Certified’: The Hidden Rules Behind UAE Corporate Signatures

Question: “Why does a UAE company paperwork job keep getting stuck on ‘how it’s signed’ rather than what it says? One office accepts a PDF upload, the notary says ‘bring originals,’ and the bank rejects it unless it’s stamped or ‘certified.’ What’s the simple rulebook for UAE corporate documents on what can be e-signed vs signed by hand, what can […]

Legal Help Desk · 2 Apr 2026 · 5 minRead →
News

“Of a Showgirl” at the Centre of the Taylor Swift–Maren Wade Trademark Battle

A dispute over three shared words is testing the limits of prior rights, reverse confusion, and celebrity brand dominance — with lessons for the UAE and India    Introduction  The intersection of entertainment and intellectual property law has once again taken center stage with the recent trademark dispute involving Taylor Swift’s 2025 album The Life of […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 2 Apr 2026 · 6 minRead →