Baker McKenzie

United Arab Emirates

Insight
Doing Business in the United Arab Emirates

Overview

In an increasingly competitive market, we remain ahead of the curve as the first and only international law firm to fully merge with a leading UAE firm. We have worked on some of the most significant matters and legislation in the country, including the successful defence of Dubai Islamic Bank in a highly complex USD 2 billion dispute, and the drafting and review of the new maritime law, the first in over 30 years, for the UAE Federal Transport Authority. We have also advised on one of the first competition filings under the new UAE Competition Law as well as on complex cross-border investigations in the UAE.

Offices

Abu Dhabi

Level 8, Al Sila Tower
Abu Dhabi Global Market Square
Al Maryah Island, P.O. Box 44980
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 2 696 1200 Fax: +971 2 676 6477

Dubai

Level 14, O14 Tower
Al Abraj Street
Business Bay, P.O. Box 2268
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 423 0000 Fax: +971 4 447 9777

Dubai - DIFC

Level 3, Tower 1
Al Fattan Currency House
DIFC, P.O. Box 2268

Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 423 0005 Fax: +971 4 447 9777

As the only global law firm to merge with a major local firm, Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla leverages its local knowledge and global resources to help domestic and international clients meet the increasingly sophisticated requirements of doing business in the UAE. Based on our experience drafting major UAE legislation and advising clients on their practical application, we provide a unique platform for doing business in the Gulf region.

As one of few firms authorized to provide formal legal training to all lawyers in the UAE, Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla lawyers benefit from working in an environment filled with experienced legal professionals. Our lawyers also receive professional development training from the Dubai Legal Affairs Department and participate in global training programs such as the Associate Transfer Program.

Our UAE offices also offer England & Wales Training Contracts, a two-year training program encompassing at least three areas of English law that provides trainees with the basic knowledge and skills to become qualified E&W lawyers.

Insight
22 May 2018
The UAE Takes Further Steps to Boost Foreign Investment
UAE government intends to further relax foreign ownership restrictions, allowing international investors to own 100% of companies operating in the UAE mainland and granting long-term residency permits ...
Insight
22 May 2018
The UAE introduces Long-awaited Stand-alone Arbitration Law
Click this insight for the summary of key provision.
Insight
02 May 2018
A Buyer's Guide to M&A in Latin America - A Focus on Healthcare
As the recession of 2015-2016 fades from view, investors anticipate making even more acquisitions in Latin America in the coming year.
Insight
21 March 2018
UAE Government Appoints Dr. Habib Al Mulla to ICSID
The Government of UAE has designated Dr. Habib Al Mulla, to serve on the Panel of Arbitrators maintained by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
Insight
01 March 2018
UAE Approves New Federal Law on Arbitration
The UAE’s Federal National Council approved the draft Arbitration bill this week.
Insight
04 January 2018
A Sneak Peek into the New DIAC 2018 Arbitration Rules
The New Rules are designed to ensure the efficiency of the arbitration process itself and facilitate the ratification and enforcement of DIAC awards.
Insight
15 December 2017
December 2017 Overview l Qatar Diplomatic Crisis - Where are we now?
The political and economic boycott of Qatar continues to have a significant impact on trade in the Middle East and has caused significant disruption to supply chains.
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News
29 April 2018
Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla grows in the UAE, enhances IP capabilities
Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla has appointed David Harper as a partner and head of the Firm's UAE IP practice.
News
24 April 2018
Baker McKenzie Recognised for Regulatory & Investigations in the Middle East
Baker McKenzie has been voted "Regulatory & Investigations Team of the Year" at The Middle East Legal Awards 2018, hosted by Legal Week and the Association of Corporate Counsel.
News
14 April 2018
Baker McKenzie wins Mergermarket Financial Services M&A industry award
Now on its third year, the awards hosted by Mergermarket recognised the top banks and law firms supporting M&A in a range of sectors in the region.
News
09 April 2018
Foreign investment "first" in Saudi Arabia: Allianz Group acquires stake in Saudi-listed company
This is the first time that a foreign strategic investor has been allowed to acquire shares in a company already listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange.
News
27 March 2018
Consolidation in KSA Dairy Industry: NADEC Acquires Al Safi Danone
The deal will help consolidate NADEC's and ASD’s business in the dairy industry in Saudi Arabia, reinforce their position to create a leading regional dairy and beverage player, and extend ...
News
20 March 2018
UAE Government appoints Dr. Habib Al Mulla to ICSID
One of the five organizations of the World Bank Group, ICSID is an autonomous international arbitration institution.
News
08 March 2018
Managing trade compliance and optimizing supply chains: Baker McKenzie Insights
Baker McKenzie recently hosted workshops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on how companies operating in the Middle East can manage increasingly complex trade compliance risks and optimize supply chains.
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Events
25 June 2018
New Law, Renewed Commitment: UAE’s New Federal Arbitration Law
Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla invites you to a seminar in Dubai to discuss the key developments under the UAE’s new Arbitration Law.
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Diversity & Inclusion

We launched our BakerWomen Middle East initiative in 2015 to support the progression of women in the workplace at all stages of their careers. As part of the initiative, we host internal and client meetings to provide a forum for women to share their experiences and challenges.

Key Contacts