Laya Aoun-Hani

Advised multinational manufacturers from different industries (including luxury goods, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and MedTech companies) on the planning and implementation of their regional distribution centres in the UAE, including the VAT, Customs, transfer pricing and income tax aspects across the Middle East.

Advised multinational manufacturers on market entry and the restructuring of their distribution arrangements in the Middle East.

Advised global companies from different industries in the negotiation of settlements and/or new engagement terms with their current distributors in the Middle East and drafted related agreements.

Advised and assisted manufacturers on their legal position in relation to commercial agencies disputes and the termination of their agency agreements with their agents in the Middle East. Drafted and negotiated settlement agreements for the termination of the agency.

Advised global clients as part of their general compliance programs and delivered compliance trainings on various aspects of UAE laws such as anti-bribery, sanctions, export controls, competition, consumer protection and data protection.

Conducted various compliance investigations for multinational companies from different industries.

Advised on customs regulations across the GCC relating to different types of products and advised on related governmental approvals.

Advised global clients on the tax and customs implications of their corporate or distribution restructuring plans.

Assisted global clients located in the UAE free zones in customs audits and helped them to reduce customs penalties.

Advised clients on customs valuation in the GCC.

Advised pharmaceutical and MedTech companies on regulatory and commercial matters.

Advised clients from different industries on their market entry plans and supply chains across the GCC.

Drafted and revised all kind of commercial agreements such as distribution, franchising and licensing agreements for clients from different industries and addressed regulatory requirements.

Advised clients on import and export regulations as well as export controls regulations and liaising with the UAE Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation.

Advised on trade sanctions and embargoes applied by GCC countries (such as the lifting of the Qatar and Israel embargoes by the UAE and the Russian sanctions).