Legal Considerations On Blockchain-Based Bill Of Lading

The utility of blockchain technology extends to trade finance and shipping, as recent developments in the shipping industry have shown.  Shipping companies, technology firms, and government agencies are reportedly collaborating to use blockchain technology to…

Luna the Worlds 2nd Largest Yacht Arrested in Dubai in Divorce Court Battle

A London based Russian billionaire, Mr. Farkhad Akhmedov was ordered to pay £453m to his former wife Ms. Tatiana Akhmedova, following a London divorce court battle. Mr.Akhmedov, the Oil & Gas tycoon was ordered to…

Endofa could be stuck with million dollar claim in Dubai

A claim in Dubai of close to USD 1 million against Endofa will likely disappear because the bunker company is now closing its company in the desert state, says a local lawyer specialized in shipping.…

A Comparison: Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre and DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre

Approximately 10 years after the establishment of the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre (“DIFC-LCIA”), the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (“EMAC”) was officially launched.  Like arbitrations conducted under the auspices of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association and the…

UPDATE: FTA Releases List of Designated Zones

The Federal Tax Authority has issued Cabinet Decision no. 59 of 2017 on Designated Zones (“Cabinet Decision”) for the purposes of Federal Law no. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax (“VAT Law”). Art. 50…

Securing a Drydocks’ Claim

Introduction Historically drydocks were seldom facing the problem of obtaining security for the work performed over a vessel. Due to a general retention right recognized nearly worldwide, the payment was in fact made before the…

UAE cuts ties with Qatar – Recent Developments

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Monday 5th June 2017 that United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain were severing diplomatic ties with Qatar, as tensions escalate in the region…

Fichte marks official opening of its new office in Abu Dhabi

Fichte & Co held a very successful launch event to mark the official opening of its new office in Abu Dhabi, Fichte & Co LLP. The office marks the next phase of the award-winning company’s…

From Flags to Finance

As a Civil law jurisdiction, UAE maritime law is derived from the UAE's Maritime Code (or specifically Federal Law No. 26/1981) but all maritime financial transactions are governed by the Commercial and Civil Codes. The…