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Find out moreWelcome to the first edition of Law Update for 2025. As we begin this exciting year, we are pleased to turn our attention to one of the most dynamic sectors in the UAE and the broader GCC region – healthcare. Over the past several years, the region has seen unprecedented growth in this sector, driven by legislative advancements, technological innovations, and the increasing focus on sustainability and AI. As such, healthcare is set to be one of the most important sectors in the coming decade.
In this issue, we explore key themes that are significantly shaping the future of healthcare in the UAE, such as recent changes in foreign ownership laws. These reforms present a major opportunity for foreign investors, opening up new avenues for international collaborations and improving the overall healthcare infrastructure. The changes in ownership laws are an important milestone, and we provide an analysis of what this means for the industry and the various players involved.
Read NowMadhurima Basu - Senior Counsel - Banking and Finance
Ahmed Amin - Senior Associate - Corporate / Mergers and Acquisitions
Parties often rely on third party guarantees provided by companies and individuals for third part debts as a form of security or credit enhancement. While such corporate and personal guarantees provide some comfort to the creditor, there are various issues a creditor should be aware of to avoid pitfalls.
In Kuwait, the relevant provisions governing guarantees are set out in Law No. 67 of 1980 concerning enactment of the civil code ‘Civil Code’. A guarantee, according to Article 745 of the Civil Code, is a contract between the guarantor and the creditor “ where a person joins his liability with that of the debtor in the performance of an obligation on him by undertaking to the creditor to discharge it should the debtor fail to do so”. Therefore, the guarantor’s liability may be considered joint with the debtor. A guarantee may not be presumed and the consent of the surety must be express and accordingly, should be in writing.
Where a future obligation is being guaranteed, the maximum limit of the guarantor’s obligations and the duration of the guarantee should be specified so that the guarantor may not back out of its responsibilities under the guarantee. There is no limit set out in the Civil Code regarding the guaranteed amount limit or the duration. However, according to Article 751 of the Civil Code and as confirmed by the Kuwait Court of Cassation in its decision no. 58 of 1985, hearing session dated 22 January 1986, a guarantee shall not be of a sum greater than the debt due from the debtor or have more stringent conditions.
Unless the parties to a guarantee agree to submit their dispute to an amicable dispute resolution forum such as arbitration, the procedure to demand a guarantee under Kuwait Law includes, but is not limited to, serving a demand notice to both the guarantor and debtor (if applicable) to claim the amount of debt. If such amount is not paid by either the guarantor or the debtor, the creditor may file a lawsuit before the competent Kuwait court asking the court to oblige the guarantor to pay the debt. If the guarantee relates to a commercial debt, Article 99 of Law No. 68 of 1980 concerning the commercial laws sets out that the guarantors are jointly liable and the debtor and the creditor have an option of claiming its debt from whatever party.
Moreover, the lawsuit application shall be submitted by the creditor or a person legally authorised by the creditor, such as its lawyer. The court requests the creditor to pay the applicable court filing fees which are calculated based on the claimed amount. The court schedules a hearing session and notifies the respondents of the hearing.
The concept of corporate benefit is not specifically included in Kuwait law. However, the provision of third party guarantees needs specific approvals from various types of Kuwait companies and is not considered ordinary course of business. If proper corporate authorisation is not in place, such a guarantee may be invalidated.
If authority cannot be established, a creditor may rely on the ostensible authority argument under the Civil Code. However, establishing the ostensible authority argument and piercing the veil between the company and the act made by an unauthorised person, is subject to the sole discretion of the court or tribunal in light of the circumstances, facts and documents presented by the parties to the dispute.
While it is necessary to consider the legal issues set out above to avoid pitfalls, there is no substitute to conducting due diligence prior to the execution of a guarantee in respect of the nature of the guarantor’s assets. Moreover, creditors should undertake periodic monitoring of the guarantor’s assets as the provision of a guarantee does not prevent a guarantor from encumbering or disposing of their assets which has a practical effect on the value that may be placed on the guarantee.
It is important to note that Kuwait law does not recognise the concept of ‘self-help remedies’. As such, guarantees in Kuwait must be enforced through a process led by the Kuwait courts and a creditor will require a court order to recover amounts due under a guarantee. In this context, conducting due diligence and identifying the guarantor’s unencumbered assets assist the court in an expedient issuance of the attachment order and such order will prevent the sale of such assets pending the final judgment.
While there are various factors to consider before relying on a guarantee, guarantees can be helpful in enhancing the credit package of a transaction. Parties should consult with their legal counsel on the nuances of each situation to confirm the efficacy and suitability of a guarantee.
For further information, please contact Omar Handoush (o.handoush@tamimi.com) or Madhurima Basu (m.basu@tamimi.com).
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