Publications

In recent years, the UAE has taken steps to reduce certain restrictions applicable to onshore companies by passing various laws and regulations for the attraction of foreign direct investment into the UAE, by previously issuing Federal Law No. 19/2018 (regarding Foreign Direct Investment) and thereafter Cabinet Decision No. 16/2020 in line with such law (the “FDI Laws”). The UAE recently issued...

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has recently announced a new “Freelancer Visa” which shall cover about 48 type of business activities that can be conducted in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This new Freelancer License will be available not only for UAE citizens and residents, but also for non-UAE residents. A UAE resident who wishes to practise a similar activity to their regular jo...

The UAE Government has announced various decrees recently by amending some legal provisions in the corporate, criminal, civil, bankruptcy, personal status, and inheritance laws; which has been initiated in line with the UAE’s ongoing endeavors to enhance its legislative foundations to further develop its status as a global destination to attract foreign investment and expertise. Please find bel...

By Eric Teo – Head of International Practice & Special Projects   What are the questions to consider if an employer wishes to pay directly to a subcontractor - bypassing payment to its main contractor but without taking over the liability of the subcontract?  Lately, I have received an increasing number of enquiries concerning such a situation. The increase could be a sign of the COVI...

Project documents Covid crunch By Eric Teo - Head of International Practice & Special Projects Perhaps the current slow-down in the construction industry (whether in the UAE or internationally) brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic allows industry players some breather to focus their attention to the state of their project’s documents management and records keeping systems. Why is this impo...

- By Avv. RA Dr. Massimo Fontana Ros Each principal who decides to benefit from the activity of a commercial agent makes a prior assessment of the relevant business costs, in particular regarding commission, expense reimbursements and amount of the indemnity for termination. Therefore, it is quite clear that during the exceptional measures introduced by the Italian Government due to the COVID-...

- By Avv. RA Dr. Massimo Fontana Ros Decree-Law No 23 of 8 April 2020 (hereinafter referred to as “Liquidity Decree”) provides for a series of measures aimed at safeguarding business continuity throughout the emergency phase, particularly in respect of businesses that before the crisis were considered viable and that presented an ongoing prospect in terms of business continuity. A table summarizi...

What is a Material Adverse Effect? Interpretation of a Material Adverse Effect (MAE) may vary depending on a certain situation; as it is used to measure an effect of an event, and how it may or may not impact a small business or a larger corporation in various aspects. When related to finance, a MAE occurs when the following 3 matters are affected: A particular business and its assets, ...

Ministerial Resolution No. (279) of 2020 on Employment Stability in Private Sector during the Period of Application of Precautionary Measures to Curb the Spread of Novel Coronavirus. Federal Law No. (1) of 1972 on the Functions of the Ministries and Powers of Ministries and its amendments; Federal Law No (8) of 1980 regarding the Organization of Labour Relations; and as part of the States efforts...

The spread of COVID-19 has occasioned serious implications for the global economy. It has also affected, in particular, party obligations under contracts. In this light, the present note provides a broad overview of the principle of force majeure and the doctrine of frustration under Indian law. This note does not constitute legal advice. Force majeure literally means a ‘superior force’. Br...