News and publications

Company Liquidation and Closure in the UAE: Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore Procedures

Closing a business in the United Arab Emirates requires compliance with a formal legal process. To ensure compliance, all financial and regulatory obligations must be settled, including the cancellation of licenses, visas, and permits, and formal de-registration with the relevant authorities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the required steps for closing a business

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Common Legal Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Business in the UAE

The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs and global investors looking to establish a foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Its strategic location, business-friendly regulatory environment, and tax advantages make it an ideal destination for startups and international expansions alike. However, despite the clear opportunities, businesses often encounter legal and operational setbacks —

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Multi-Class Trademark Registration in the UAE

Overview A multi-class trademark application allows an applicant to seek protection for a trademark across multiple classes of goods or services with a single application instead of filing separate applications for each class. This approach is particularly relevant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where businesses often offer diverse products and services under one brand.

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Hiring in the UAE: Legal Checklist for Employers

Hiring employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) requires careful compliance with local labor laws and regulations. Following the sweeping reforms under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the “New UAE Labour Law”) – which took effect in February 2022 and replaced the 1980 labor law– employers must ensure their hiring practices align with the

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Common Labour Disputes in the UAE and How to Resolve Them

The UAE’s robust economy and diverse workforce make it a dynamic place to work. However, like any employment landscape, labour disputes can arise. This article provides an overview of the most common labour disputes and presents approaches for their effective resolution in the context of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of

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End-of-Service Benefits (EOSB) in the UAE

Overview of EOSB End-of-Service Benefits (EOSB), commonly known as gratuity, are lump-sum payments due to employees when their employment ends. In the UAE, EOSB serves as a financial safety net to reward employees for their service and support them during career transitions. For employees, EOSB can fund future plans or cushion periods of unemployment, making

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What The UAE’s Newest Free Zones Offer

The United Arab Emirates is actively expanding its economic landscape with the creation of new free zones designed to attract global investors and nurture a wide range of industries. With nearly 50 free zones spread across the country, the UAE continues to offer a diverse array of business activities and cost-effective setup packages. These free

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Opportunities for Investors in Dubai’s Healthcare Sector

Healthcare Growth in Dubai Dubai’s healthcare sector has become one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding industries in the region. Driven by government initiatives, a robust legal framework, and a growing demand for specialized services, the sector offers significant investment opportunities for local and international stakeholders. The number of healthcare facilities and professionals licensed

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UAE’s Updated Commercial Agency Law: Key Changes and Implications for Foreign Principals

In 2023, the UAE revised its Commercial Agency Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2022) to attract foreign investment and support its vision of becoming a global business hub. This new law, which came into effect on June 15, 2023, replaced Federal Law No. 18 of 1981 and seeks to modernize the regulatory framework by

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Overview of the ADGM Employment Regulations 2024

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority has introduced the Employment Regulations 2024 (“New Employment Regulations“) to provide clearer guidance on the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. These New Regulations will supersede the Employment Regulations 2019 and the Employment Regulations 2019 (Compensation Awards and Limits) Rules 2019, which will be repealed

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