Mergers and Acquisitions in the GCC: The Payoffs and Pitfalls of Legal Due Diligence
Share As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) enters a new phase of economic maturity, mergersand acquisitions (M&A) are fast becoming a strategic instrument of growth, diversification, and consolidation. Yet, behind the glossy headlines of billion-dollar valuations lies the unglamorous but decisive factor that determines whether a deal delivers on its promise, legal due diligence. A […]
ADGM Proposes Comprehensive Regulatory Framework for Virtual Asset Staking
Share The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), through its Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), has published Consultation Paper No. 10 of 2025, proposing a detailed framework for the staking of virtual assets (VAs). The initiative reflects ADGM’s commitment to enhancing regulatory clarity in one of the most rapidly developing areas of the digital asset ecosystem. […]
The Legal Strategy Table for Startups: Why Your Lawyer Should Be in the Room From Day One
Share Startups move fast. Contracts are signed, partnerships formed, and critical decisions made under pressure. But too often, these decisions are made without legal guidance. The consequences may not surface immediately. When they do, they cost time, capital and control. These are three things no startup can afford to lose. Legal should not be treated […]
Client Brief: Law No. 9 of 2025
Share Effective Date: July 17, 2025 Amends: Dubai Law No. 18 of 2021, which regulates conciliation and disputes via the Center for Amicable Settlement of Disputes (CASD) Key Changes From Law No. 18 of 2021 to Law No. 9 of 2025 In 2021, Dubai enacted Law No. 18 of 2021, which established the Centre for Amicable Settlement of […]
Succession, Governance, and the Future of GCC Family Businesses: A Legal Architecture for Generational Transition
Share Succession, Governance, and the Future of GCC Family Businesses: A Legal Architecture for Generational Transition Family businesses in the Gulf do not simply generate wealth. They embody legacy, identity, and resilience. Yet in 2025, legacy alone is no longer sufficient to ensure continuity. Across the GCC, family enterprises account for more than 60 percent […]
Securitisation in the UAE: Legal Developments and the Blockchain Horizon
Share Executive SummarySecuritisation continues to be one of the most effective means for financial institutions and corporates to unlock liquidity and manage balance sheets. In the UAE, where capital markets are maturing rapidly, securitisation offers banks, corporates, and family offices both opportunities and challenges. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market […]
Governance in Startups: Why it Matters
Share Introduction Starting a business is exciting, but as a founder, one thing that should not be overlooked is corporate governance. At its core, governance is simply how you run your company. It is about defining how decisions are made, and how risks are managed. In the hustle of launching your product and attracting customers, […]
ADGM Proposes New Consumer Protection Regulations 2025
Share The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Registration Authority has launched a public consultation on its proposed Consumer Protection Regulations 2025 (Consultation Paper No. 4 of 2025). These draft regulations aim to establish a comprehensive consumer protection framework for retail products and services within ADGM. They introduce new obligations for retail providers and strengthen consumer […]
Dubai Tightens Crypto Regulations: What You Need to Know
Share Introduction: Dubai has taken another bold step in shaping the future of digital assets. The Emirate’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (“VARA”) has released the second edition of its crypto rulebook, reinforcing its commitment to a transparent, disciplined, and credible regulatory framework. For anyone involved in Web3, whether building, investing, or advising, this update is […]
Data Privacy in an Era of Digital Transformation
Share Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily life. While it brings significant benefits, such as enhanced business efficiency and personalized user experiences, it also attracts data privacy risks. As AI systems increasingly engage with personal data, the potential for misuse grows, often without the consent of individuals. Personal […]