Hourani recently hosted the second in its Private Wealth breakfast series examining the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on private wealth planning. The panel brought together experts from the UAE, United Kingdom, United States, Switzerland, Belgium, and Russia to discuss how global developments are reshaping migration, structuring, and succession strategies for internationally mobile families. The session…
In a landmark judgment issued on 25 July 2025, the Dubai Court of Cassation has delivered a decisive ruling that fundamentally reshapes how legal fees are treated in commercial disputes. This decision marks a clear shift in judicial thinking and is expected to have a significant and lasting impact on B2B contracts governed by UAE…
Introduction The rights and obligations of the shareholders of a company inter se are typically regulated in a shareholders’ agreement (“SHA”). The SHA (together with the company’s constitutional documents) sets out the governance structure of a company and it ensures business continuity by providing a mechanism for resolving a deadlock or impasse in the decision-making…
The Dubai Court of Cassation has issued a landmark judgment clarifying key principles of the UAE Commercial Agency Law (Federal Law No. 3 of 2022), in a precedent-setting dispute involving the unauthorised distribution of branded confectionery products in the UAE. The judgment provides authoritative guidance on the legal position governing registered commercial agencies during disputes…
As part of establishing a dedicated construction disputes capability, Hourani announced today the appointment of Daniel Xu as a Partner in its Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice. Based in the firm’s Dubai office, Daniel is a disputes specialist with significant experience in complex construction, engineering and infrastructure matters, and a particular focus on international arbitration…
The UAE recently announced Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2025 amending key provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2021 Concerning Commercial Companies (the UAE Commercial Companies Law). These amendments introduce several provisions that directly support succession planning and estate management, complementing the 2022 UAE Family Business Law. Key Succession-Focused Updates: Drag-Along and Tag-Along Rights:…
Introduction: The Rise of Digital Deals Imagine closing a multimillion-dirham property deal without ever touching a pen. In today’s fast-moving business environment, this is no longer a futuristic concept but an everyday reality. As companies in the UAE increasingly pivot toward digital transformation, the use of electronic signatures has become a practical and efficient method…
Employment disputes in Saudi Arabia can escalate quickly if not managed within strict procedural rules. Our latest practice note provides a step-by-step overview of how employment litigation unfolds in the Kingdom, from mandatory pre-litigation settlement efforts to multi-level appeals. Key topics covered Pre-litigation stage All claims must first be filed with the Amicable Settlement Committee…
Hourani is pleased to announce that Kasam Kiani has joined the firm as a Counsel in the Corporate & M&A practice. Kasam is a UK-qualified corporate lawyer with a distinguished track record advising on complex, high-value mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings across the Middle East, Europe, and the UK. His industry experience…