U.S. Sanctions and Shipping: Guidance for Port & Customs Authorities

In recent years, the US has focused increasingly on “intermediaries” or “facilitators” of sanctions evasion, such as shipping companies, logistics service providers, freight forwarders and transport intermediaries, as well as insurance companies. Over the past…

Dual Licensing in the UAE: Key Tax Implications

The UAE, known for its wide range of business setup and growth opportunities, offers a dual licensing regime that plays an important role for businesses seeking to expand across multiple jurisdictions within the country. Dual…

Standing Strong with Dubai and the UAE: Operations Remain Active

In light of recent developments being reported across the region, we would like to briefly confirm that Dubai and the United Arab Emirates remain fully operational, with business activities continuing as normal. All UAE courts,…

The DIFC Variable Capital Company (VCC): A Transformative New Company in the DIFC Framework

On 9 February 2026, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) enacted the Variable Capital Company Regulations 2026 (Regulations), introducing a new corporate structure within the DIFC legal framework.   What is a Variable Capital Company…

Impact of a Strait of Hormuz Closure on Shipping & Insurance

Strategic significance and the current disruption As of 28 February–3 March 2026, reporting indicates a sharp escalation in Gulf hostilities and a de facto interruption of safe commercial transits through the Strait of Hormuz, driven…

Unilateral Arbitration Clauses and How to Draft “Safe” Dispute Resolution Clauses

Unilateral dispute resolution clauses are common in cross-border trading and finance documents, particularly where one party has stronger bargaining leverage. The typical structure is that both parties are directed to one forum (often arbitration), but…

Green Horizons: UAE Steering the Maritime ESG Transition

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decision to postpone the formal adoption of its landmark Net-Zero Framework (NZF) until October 2026 has sent a predictable ripple of uncertainty across global shipping. This year’s long delay, driven…

Update: Significant Procedural Change Brought by DET for Incorporating New Companies in the Dubai Mainland

The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai, has recently introduced an update to the procedural requirements relating to the incorporation of new companies or subsidiaries in the Dubai mainland jurisdiction. The update affects foreign…

A New Era for the Commercial Companies Law: What the 2025 Amendments Mean in Practice

With Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025, the UAE has implemented one of the most far-reaching updates to its Commercial Companies Law in recent years. Rather than constituting incremental adjustments, the amendments implement structural reforms.…