Impossible, Delayed or Simply More Expensive? Force Majeure and Hardship under the New UAE Civil Code

Commercial disruptions can affect contractual performance in different ways. A government restriction may prevent delivery, a critical asset may be destroyed, or performance may remain possible but become substantially more expensive. These situations are often…

Before the Signature: Why Good Faith Now Matters at the UAE Negotiating Table

What if the biggest legal risk in your next deal has nothing to do with the contract itself? Most businesses assume that legal obligations only kick in once a contract is signed. Under the new…

Force Majeure or Force Mirage? Middle East Conflict, Maritime Disruption and the New Contract Reality

The current Middle East crisis, particularly the most recent announcement of Yemen’s Houthis declaring a naval blockade and maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia has brought force majeure out of contractual boilerplate clauses and firmly into…

Avoiding Tax Fines in the UAE: Why Compliance Starts Before Filing

Tax compliance in the UAE is no longer just a filing exercise. It is a business discipline that affects cash flow, audit readiness, financing, and the ability to respond when the Federal Tax Authority asks…

Major Changes Ahead for DIFC Prescribed Companies

The Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) is considering significant reforms to its Prescribed Company regime. If adopted, these changes would further expand access to DIFC holding structures and shift the regulatory focus from entry requirements…

DIFC COURTS VS. DUBAI COURTS: Resolving the Jurisdictional Divide in the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards

The Emirate of Dubai operates two legally distinct court systems: the onshore Dubai Courts, constituted under UAE federal and local law, and the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts (“DIFC Courts”), which administer a common-law framework…

Ship Arrest: The One Legal Tool That Can Stop a Vessel Overnight

In shipping, most disputes take time. Ship arrest doesn’t. It is one of the very few tools in maritime practice that can immediately disrupt operations, create pressure, and force action sometimes within hours. And that’s…

Doing Business in Uncertain Times: Key Dos and Don’ts For UAE Employers and Employees

Periods of regional uncertainty raise immediate, practical questions for businesses. The starting point, however, remains unchanged: UAE Labour Law continues to apply in full, regardless of external circumstances For employers, the real issue is not…

What Happens to Your Assets in the UAE When You Die? Most Expats Don’t Know and It’s Costly

If you live or invest in the UAE and don't have a valid Will, your family could face frozen accounts, lengthy court proceedings, and inheritance rules you never intended. Here's what every expat needs to…