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…
The introduction of the UAE Corporate Tax Law (CT Law) has transformed the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) corporate and investment environment. The UAE initially offered tax neutrality (no corporate tax, no capital gains tax, and minimal compliance). However, post the introduction of the CT Law, it now offers legal and tax efficiency comparable to global…
For centuries, the Middle East has been a pivotal hub of global commerce and culture. Today, it is emerging as a powerhouse in private wealth migration, led by bold economic reforms, geopolitical ambition, and a fresh vision for ultra-high-net-worth individual mobility. Nowhere is this more evident than in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi…
Partner Zain Satardien and Senior Associate Aakriti Sharma outline the key features of the ZATCA Advance Pricing Agreement Guidelines in the Summer 2025 issue of LexisNexis Middle East Gulf Tax. The article explains why the guidance is a milestone for Saudi transfer-pricing, details the SAR 100 million eligibility threshold, and breaks down the four-stage APA…
Hourani & Partners is pleased to announce that Katlego Lebea has joined the firm as a Senior Associate in the Corporate & M&A practice. Katlego is a seasoned corporate lawyer with over a decade of post-qualification experience, advising on complex cross-border mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and commercial transactions across Africa and the Middle East. His…