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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.

Law Updates

Penalties in the UAE for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Crimes

Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in the UAE defines narcotic substances. This article attempts to clarify the original penalties for all crimes related to narcotic substances or psychotropic substances, in accordance with Federal Law No. 30 of 2021 AD. The Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and […]

Reda Farahat Karawan · 10 Jun 2024 · 37 minRead →
Corporate and Commercial

Qatar Signs Landmark Tax Treaties with UAE and KSA

  Following recent improvements in regional relations, Qatar has signed tax treaties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). These Double Tax Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) are a positive step for businesses and individuals operating in all three countries. GCC Economic Cooperation Takes a Leap Forward In a significant development […]

Ajay Denny · 7 Jun 2024 · 2 minRead →
Uncategorized

Abu Dhabi Courts uphold the DIFC-LCIA transition to DIAC

This represents a positive shift towards a more arbitration-friendly approach in UAE courts.  On 26 February 2024, the Abu Dhabi Court of First Instance, Commercial Division, ruled in Case No. 1046/2023, presided over by Judge Ahmed Bakri Abdullah Hassan Al-Sayed, affirming the validity of a DIFC-LCIA arbitration agreement. This decision was further upheld by the […]

Jerome Jose · 6 Jun 2024 · 4 minRead →
News

Dubai Developers Fined for Real Estate Escrow Law Violations

In a recent development, three prominent real estate developers in Dubai have been fined AED 500,000 each for violating the emirate’s stringent real estate escrow law. This significant enforcement action underscores the importance of compliance with regulations designed to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the real estate market. The authorities have not called […]

Benoy P Jacob · 4 Jun 2024 · 3 minRead →
Company Formation

Industrial License in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide

An industrial license in Saudi Arabia permits businesses to engage in manufacturing and production activities. Acquiring this license involves meeting specific requirements based on your business activity and company’s specifications.   This article outlines the steps to obtain an industrial license, the benefits of having one, and the regulatory framework governing industrial activities in Saudi […]

Kartik Shetty · 24 May 2024 · 6 minRead →
Compliance in the UAE

UAE Firms Face Countdown as Emiratisation Deadline Nears

UPDATED ON DECEMBER 05, 2025 The UAE MOHRE has urged private companies to meet their Emiratisation targets by December 31. For firms that fail the targets, fines will begin on January 1, 2026. Companies with 50 or more employees must raise their Emirati skilled workforce by 2%. As the UAE accelerates efforts to integrate more […]

ATB Research Team · 22 May 2024 · 18 minRead →
Dispute Resolution

UAE Penalty for Disclosing Secrets

Punishment for Disclosing Secrets in the UAE  Article 432 of the UAE Federal Penal Code stipulates that anyone who, by virtue of his profession, craft, status, or art, is the custodian of a secret and divulges it in other circumstances, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period of not less than one year and […]

Reda Farahat Karawan · 22 May 2024 · 3 minRead →
Family law

Custody of Children After Divorce: UAE Personal Status Law

In accordance with Federal Law No. (28) of 2005 AD and the latest amendment by Federal Decree Law No. (52) of 2023 AD regarding personal status, custody of children goes to the biological mother of the child, and the father is the guardian. The law defines custody as the daily care of the child, without […]

Reda Farahat Karawan · 21 May 2024 · 10 minRead →
Company Formation

Saudi National Investment Strategy: An Overview

The National Investment Strategy (NIS) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) represents a cornerstone of the nation’s economic future, crafted to harness and amplify the Kingdom’s inherent strengths. This ambitious initiative is not just about capital influx; it’s a pivotal movement designed to catalyse profound economic development, harmonizing with the broader Vision 2030 agenda. […]

Madhav Vinod Krishna · 20 May 2024 · 5 minRead →
Company Formation

UAE Blue Visa and Gaming Visa: For Business Growth and Innovation

UAE introduces Blue Visa and Gaming Visa addressing specific sectors with significant growth potential and opening substantial business opportunities. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid approves 10-year Blue Residency visa for environment champions https://t.co/7WKtLjJMBi pic.twitter.com/8Kkv47Pxqu — UAE News (@UAENews) May 15, 2024 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the Blue Visa, the latest in a series […]

Benoy P Jacob · 17 May 2024 · 8 minRead →