United Arab Emirates Practice

Agha & Shamsi, based in Abu Dhabi, has lawyers who have practiced in the United Arab Emirates and the GCC region for many years. Agha & Shamsi's lawyers have both advisory and transactional experience in relation to UAE law and are therefore able to assist clients in relation to the federal laws of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate-based local laws and customs. Agha & Shamsi offers clients UAE legal advice in relation to corporate-commercial transactions, joint ventures, cross-border transactions, foreign investment advice and arbitration and dispute resolution.

Agha & Shamsi lawyers have experience in advising foreign entities on the requirements for establishment of a corporate presence in the UAE, including opening branches/representative offices in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, advising as to the optimal commercial vehicle and relevant licensing requirements in the UAE or free zones. Agha & Shamsi lawyers are also knowledgeable in legal peculiarities of UAE agency/distribution and employment laws. Lawyers at Agha & Shamsi have experience in all aspects of joint venture arrangements, whether they relate to the establishment of the joint venture company through a limited liability corporation or a joint stock company.

The firm's attorneys are well-versed in legalities of the UAE property market, including extensive experience in large, complex real estate transactions (including those in excess of US$ 4 billion), as well as familiarity with recent REIT listings on the DIFX. In addition, the firm's attorneys have had experience in acting as lead counsel to Noor Islamic Bank, arranger and Islamic lender in a US$115 million Shariah compliant syndicated ijara facility including advice on the structuring, documentation and negotiation of the transaction documents.

Through its partners and relationships in the region, Agha & Shamsi can access authoritative litigation and dispute resolution counsel. Agha & Shamsi can provide legal assistance in matters involving UAE federal courts of First Instance, Appeal and High Supreme Court, as well as the courts of First Instance, Appeal and Cassation in Dubai.

Agha & Shamsi is experienced in working with UAE governmental authorities, such as Land Department, DFSA, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Immigration and Naturalization Department, Department of Economy and Planning, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, RERA and others.

For further information regarding any transactions that we have been involved in or for further information relating to our experience in the United Arab Emirates, please contact Agha & Shamsi's managing partner, Oliver Agha.