Law Update Magazine #381

The Technology Issue

Judgments and Rulings

Recent Court Judgments: UAE Courts Affirm Breach‑Based Cancellation of Longstanding Commercial Agencies

Two recent judgments clarify a key point in UAE commercial agency law: the statutory moratorium protecting longstanding agencies from unilateral...

Recent Saudi Court Judgments: Governing Law and Choice-of-Law Principles

Saudi Arabia’s court system has undergone significant modernisation over the past few years. The Commercial Courts Law, reforms to evidentiary...

Case Number: 819

Recent Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation Judgment: The Enforceability of Consumer Credit Claims in the UAE

The enforceability of consumer credit claims in the UAE has been reshaped by recent case law interpreting the statutory requirement...

Metrics that Matter

Strong appetite among UAE’s wealthiest families for emerging asset classes like cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and tokenised traditional assets.

71%

of ultra-high-net-worth families in the UAE believe they should strategically invest in digital assets, compared to 69% globally.

AI adoption is gaining momentum in the DIFC, with more than half of DFSA-authorised firms now leveraging artificial intelligence.

52%

of DFSA-authorised firms now use AI, up from 33% in 2024.

Firmwide Articles

Agreed Damages: Their Scope and Legal Basis Under Iraqi Laws

Often contracts include clauses that specify what damages will be paid if one party doesn't uphold their end of the deal. These clauses can make things simpler by providing clarity and predictability.

LLC Governance and Managers’ Liability: New RAK Court Ruling

Limited liability companies (LLCs) are the most common type of company in the United Arab Emirates. The LLC was introduced in the UAE under the Federal Commercial Companies Law of.

A New Era for Contractors in Dubai: An Overview of Law No. (7) of 2025

Dubai has officially ushered in a new, unified legal framework for the construction and contracting industry with the enactment of Law No. (7) of 2025 Regulating Contractors' Activities in the.

Reflections from the Managing Partner

The rapid evolution of technology across the region is reshaping how legal systems respond to innovation. A more mature digital regulatory environment is taking shape, bringing clarity to online communication, personal data use, and the responsibilities tied to automated decision-making. These developments highlight how central technology has become to commercial activity in the Middle East.

This shift is influencing every area of legal practice. Digital processes are changing how disputes are handled, how families engage in mediation, and how transparency and accountability shape conduct in online and commercial settings. As technology-driven transactions grow, so does the need for stronger intellectual property protection and a deeper understanding of risks embedded in digital systems. These trends are also transforming slower-moving sectors: transportation is advancing toward automation, media and advertising are gaining regulatory clarity, and data protection regimes are becoming more detailed.

Together, these changes reflect a region preparing for a future where technology-driven activity is the norm. They underscore the need for legal frameworks that evolve quickly to maintain stability, confidence, and responsible growth. As this landscape develops, our commitment is to provide thoughtful analysis and practical guidance. The insights in this edition aim to support you as you navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly digital era and look ahead to the region’s continued progress.

Jody Waugh
Jody Waugh
Managing Partner
Tim Meredith Chief Marketing Officer
Danny Crouch Head of Marketing & Communications
Shahida Khalid Head of Business Development
Charlotte Nash Senior Business Development Manager
Hadi Ayedh PR and Communications Manager
Malavika Shiv Marketing Communications Advisor
Hannah Donnan Digital & Social Media Marketing Manager
Marwa Elfaki Senior Digital Media Executive
Shriya Sanjeev Senior Brand Manager
Anas Mansour Senior Graphic Designer
Saif Zulfiqar Digital Designer & Artist
Zeina Makarem Regional Marketing Manager
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