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Single vs. Mirror Wills: Which is Better for Expat Families in the UAE?

Introduction Estate planning for expats in the UAE requires careful legal structuring as there may be jurisdiction-specific concerns which don’t normally exist in common law nations. The most serious include: Such concerns can be addressed through proper will registration under approved UAE frameworks for non-Muslim expats. The choice often becomes a pragmatic one between separate

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Temporary Rent Freeze in Abu Dhabi: What You Need to Know

On 2 June 2026, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) announced a temporary freeze on rent increases across the emirate, effective immediately and covering residential, commercial and industrial tenancy contracts. What the measure does ADREC has adjusted the permitted annual rent increase from 5 percent to 0 percent. In practice: The freeze is temporary

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Immigration Penalties in the UAE: Fines, Bans, and How to Resolve Issues

The UAE draws people from across the world — for work, business, and a better quality of life. Expatriates and migrants from over 200 countries now make up more than 88% of the population, and millions of tourists pass through each year. With that volume of movement, immigration violations are an everyday reality. Visa overstays,

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KYC Obligations for UAE Companies: Who Must Comply and How

The UAE has made great strides in recent years to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework. This regulatory development means that Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations are not only limited to banks and financial institutions. Today, companies operating across the UAE mainland and free zones are expected to conduct thorough customer due

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Title Deed Verification in Dubai: How to Avoid Property Fraud

Why property verification matters in Dubai Dubai’s property system is highly structured, but title deed verification in Dubai should be treated as an essential due diligence step. Under Dubai Law No. 7 of 2006, the Dubai Land Department title deed and its Property Register carry strong evidentiary value, unless fraud or forgery is proven. Electronic

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Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025: Practical Considerations for Businesses Under the UAE’s New Civil Transactions Law

The UAE’s new Civil Transactions Law entered into force on 1 June 2026. Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 replaces Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 and now forms the principal legislative framework governing civil legal relationships in the UAE. The new law addresses a broad range of matters relevant to commercial activity, including contractual

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UAE Introduces Fixed Monthly Salary Deadline for Private Sector Employers Under New WPS Rules

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issued Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 on 12 May 2026, establishing a revised Wage Protection System (WPS) framework for private sector employers in the UAE. The Resolution takes effect from 1 June 2026 and replaces Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, which previously governed wage protection

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From Strohal Legal to Kisser Legal

We are pleased to announce that Strohal Legal has officially transitioned to Kisser Legal. Originally established in 2005 as Strohal Legal Consultants, the firm has maintained a continuous presence in the United Arab Emirates for more than 20 years, advising international businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and private clients on their legal and commercial interests in the

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The Digital Dirham: Shaping the Future of Money in the UAE

The Digital Dirham is poised to become a digital equivalent of the physical UAE Dirham, backed by the UAE Central Bank and recognized as legal tender. It will coexist with cash and bank deposits, offering a secure, state-guaranteed form of digital money for use by consumers, businesses, and government entities. Legal Status and Policy Framework

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UAE Tax and Regulatory Updates

The UAE continues to refine its fiscal and compliance framework through a series of recent tax changes and regulatory updates that will take effect in 2026. These developments include targeted amendments to the VAT regime, procedural reforms that apply across all federal taxes, a redesigned excise model for sugar-sweetened beverages, and a revised administrative penalties

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