Corporate regulation & minimum level best practices (July 2010)

The United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) offers multi-jurisdictional setting up opportunities for foreign companies (i.e. non UAE companies).

Environmental Laws in Abu Dhabi (June 2010)

It has long been a policy of the Abu Dhabi and UAE governments to protect the environment and several significant laws and regulations have been passed with that objective in mind.

Consumer Protection Law Trade Practices Issues (June 2010)

In last month’s Law Update (Issue 229) we looked at the steps being taken by the authorities to promote consumer awareness in the United Arab Emirates.

Carve-out Transactions (June 2010)

What is a Carve-out Transaction? M&A practice, perhaps to a greater extent than other areas of legal practice, has lead to the popularisation of commonly used - and misused - legal terminology.

Consumer Protection in the UAE (May 2010)

Following on from our article in last month’s Law Update (Issue 228) regarding the recently established consumer protection website, www.consumerrights.ae, this is the first in a series of three articles which will consider the UAE’s Consumer Protection Law which was introduced in 2006 (the “Law”) and its implementing Regulations which were enacted in 2007 (the “Regulations”).

“Be Right, Know  your Consumer Rights” The Dubai Department of Economic Development’s consumer protection initiative (April 2010)

The UAE Federal Law No. (24) of 2006 created an important framework for the protection of consumer’s rights in this country.

New UAE Corporate Governance Regulations (March 2010)

Companies and institutions whose securities are listed on the “on-shore” financial market in the UAE (“Company”, jointly “Companies”) are regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (“SCA”).

The Shareholder’s Legal Toolkit - Minority Shareholder Rights under UAE Law  (March 2010)

A striking feature of the UAE business landscape is the fact that a foreign investor must structure any operating company so that at least 51% of the issued shares are owned by UAE nationals.

Dubai, a Hub for Foreign Investment! (February 2010)

Dubai, which attracted the world’s attention recently with the inauguration of Burj Khalifa; the world’s tallest skyscraper, has always been a prime destination for foreign investment.

Changes in Corporate Governance Legislation (January 2010)

Ministerial Resolution No. 518 of 2009, Concerning Governance Rules and Corporate Discipline Standards (“R/518”) was issued by the UAE Ministry of Economy on 29th October 2009.

UAE Wage Protection System (December 2009)

What is the Wage Protection System? Effective 1st September 2009, the UAE Ministry of Labour (“Ministry”) introduced a mandatory electronic salary transfer system in the UAE called the Wage Protection System or WPS.

New Compulsory Share Registry Outsourcing Requirement For Private Joint Stock Companies (November 2009)

In an effort to improve company secretarial practice in the UAE and facilitate enforcement of corporate and foreign investment rules, the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Securities & Commodities Authority for the UAE (“SCA”) have issued new rules requiring any private joint stock company to outsource the maintenance of their share register to licensed Share Register Custodians.

Brief on Further Reform Initiatives by the Securities and Commodities Authority (September/October 2009)

The Securities and Commodities Authority (the “SCA”), in co-ordination with the Ministry of Economy (the “MOE”), has been actively taking initiatives to address market concerns in the aftermath of the global financial crisis (including issuing a regulation on book building and the valuation of shares in kind, etc.).

UAE Capital Markets (May 2009)

The options open to Public Companies after the Global Financial Crisis.

Offshore Companies (May 2009)

The UAE offers investors the opportunity to set up offshore companies to undertake their business activities.

Privatisation Potential in Dubai (May 2009)

The current global financial crisis has brought into sharp focus the dependency of some major UAE companies.

A New Corporate Governance Code for Qatar (April 2009)
In February 2009, the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) announced Board approval for a Corporate Governance Code for public and listed companies (the Code).

Labour Law in Qatar - Time for a Revamp? (April 2009)
Time For A Revamp?

Mergers and Acquisitions Amid the Global Financial Crisis (April 2009)
There is no question that the global financial crisis has affected all countries without exception. Most countries are in an economic slump and face their worst recession in decades.

Alternatives & Opportunities for Stressed Companies (April 2009)
A brief overview of the current bankruptcy framework in place in the UAE under the Commercial Transaction Law, and some suggestions for facilitating a streamlined process involving the debtor and its creditors.

Middle Eastern Promise (April 2009)
An update on the Middle East franchise market. This article originally appeared in the Spring 2009 edition of the “Franchisor News”.

Why Do A Vendor Due Diligence? (March 2009)
In these difficult times purchasers have the upper hand in merger and acquisition negotiations and due diligence investigations are more searching and become protracted.  Vendors wanting to maximise price can take the initiative and present issues with their business in a better light.

You Can't Take it With You... (March 2009)
This article considers the process of distribution of a deceased person's assets in the UAE and makes practical suggestions as to what an expatriate person ought to door need not do with a view to ensuring the smooth succession of this wealth.

Handling Redundancies in the UAE (February 2009)
Commentary on the employment laws applicable in the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone (February 2009)
Dubai Silicon Oasis Free Zone (“DSO”) was established by Law Number 16 of 2005. The impressive and distinctive Silicon Oasis headquarters building was completed in 2007, and since this time the Free Zone became fully operational and has continued to prosper and expand.

Government Tenders and Procurement - Part 2 (February 2009)
An understanding of the regulatory regime and the prescribed procurement process.

Environmental Law in KSA (February 2009)
Protection of the environment is enshrined in in KSA's Basic Law of Governance.

Strategic Acquisitions In a Distressed Economy (January 2009)
Potential opportunities for growth and investment in the UAE.