Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
Global Guide 2024
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+971 4 393 7700Share profile
About
Chairman: Ziad Galadari
Managing Partner: Ahmed Galadari
Senior Partner: Abdulla Galadari
Firm Overview:
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants is one of the UAE’s oldest and leading full-service law firms that has grown and evolved over the past 39 years in parallel with the growth and advancement of the nation. The firm's understanding of the region and its commitment to client satisfaction is at the heart of its engagement to clients and the business community in the region.
The firm's three offices located in the UAE’s and its team of 12 partners and 60+ local and international lawyers allow it to assist clients across the seven emirates and appear before all UAE courts.
The firm's expertise and services can assist clients in all business requirements, including contentious and non-contentious construction and real estate, energy and infrastructure projects, corporate, commercial, banking and finance transactions and disputes, regulatory and compliance, anti-bribery and white-collar crime. Clients praise the litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution team as one of the strongest in the region.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants delivers legal advice to clients in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Italian, French, Greek and Afrikaans.
The firm has supported a diverse range of clients across sectors, of which some include:
· Government and Government-Owned Entities
· Banks and Financial Institutes
· Real estate developers and investors
· Construction and Engineering firms
· Family Conglomerates
· Private Clients
· Hospitals, Clinics and Pharmaceutical/Life Sciences companies
· Maritime and Logistics Companies
· Media and Telecommunications providers
· Oil and Gas, Related Services and Renewable Energy companies
Main Areas of Practice:
Arbitration, Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Corporate and Commercial
Compliance and Regulatory
Intellectual Property
Insurance and Reinsurance
Healthcare and Medical Malpractice
Employment
Construction
Real Estate
Finance
Maritime
Banking & Finance:
• Represented Kuwait-based billionaires Kian Saadat and Hassan Saadat (major shareholders of utility company Pacific Controls) on a fraud and forgery case including a bank syndicate. This includes more than 38 cases in UAE Courts, involving over 20 major regional and international banks and finance houses. The bank syndication has raised claims in excess of AED 700 million against the client, and various banks have also raised claims individually against the client and against the previous company managers who have fled the country and are wanted internationally by the banks involved. Galadari has filed numerous cases on behalf of the client and has successfully proven several the forgeries in court to date. The total amount of claims by the banks involved exceeds AED 2 billion. In relation to this, we tackled a first-of-its kind case. Application for recusal of three judges for bias and prejudice: Galadari filed in Dubai courts for a request for recusal of three judges in Dubai Courts, in respect of claims brought against our client by various banks. This was due to accused prejudice and unfair preferential treatment towards the banks and against the firm's client. This is an extremely rare occurrence in Dubai courts and to date it is not aware of any similar publicly known request.
Corporate/M&A:
• Representing a multinational industrial manufacturer in the restructuring of its regional activities and divestment of certain industry sectors by means of asset transfers
Arbitration, Litigation & Dispute Resolution:
• Representing a major sub-contractor in its claim amounting to AED 3 billion against the main contractor
• Representing a major UAE developer, defending a claim for over US$ 2 billion brought by a sub-developer, and counterclaiming over US$ 2 billion
• Representing an international construction company employed on the region’s largest PPP project for social housing, and the disputes that arose from it
• Representing numerous contractors and sub-contractors in final account disputes against employers and main contractors and defending numerous employers and main contractors in final account disputes brought against them by main contractors and sub-contractors
Real Estate & Property:
• Represented Trident Global Opportunities Fund (“Fund”) in relation to their USD 240 million private equity fund investment in Trident International Holding (Dubai registered property developer). Trident Holding’s stalled project Pentominium was referred to Tanmia (RERA) which handle the restructuring, reinvestment and restarting of stalled projects
• Instructed by the ruler and executive council of Um Al Quwain to study and review the existing laws and institutional framework governing the land rights in Um Al Quwain. The project saw the firm rework the existing regulations and develop the land regulations with a focus on improving foreign investment within Um Al Quwain. The regulations are currently in the process of being implemented within the real estate sector in Um Al Quwain
• Representation of the Government of Umm Al Quwain in negotiating and signing a joint venture agreement for a US$4 billion mixed-use development in Umm Al Quwain
• Represented with Almoayed Chambers (Bahrain), the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the commissioning of a hotel project within Dubai. Galadari provided advisory services on the structuring of the entity, the acquisition of the land valued at AED 50 million and entered negotiations with TECOM for the issuance of hotel licenses
• Represented and advised ERAA Hotel Management LLC with relation to their widely popular gastropub in Dubai that faced dispute under their Hotel Service Agreement entered with the lessor of the property.
Employment:
• Representation of BPG (Bates Pan Gulf L.L.C) Vs. Hammed Yousuf Mohamed – claim amount AED 227,440 + return home ticket by AED 3,500
• Representation of IMH (International Modern Hospital L.LC) Vs. Mahmoud Mohamad Azzam – claim amount AED 84,764 + return home ticket by AED 2,000)
Construction:
• Representing an international bank based in an unstable middle eastern country, drafting the tender and construction contract documents for the various phases of the project, including bomb defences and bunkers
• Representing a leading international entertainment events company, preparing a suite of standard contract documents for use when appointing consultants and contractors within the UAE
• Expert witness work in an arbitration on an infrastructure project in the Middle East region.
Maritime:
• Representing a Russian oil and gas tycoon in relation to cases before the Dubai courts and DIFC courts, as well as applications before a joint judicial committee of the ruler’s court, in respect of arrest of one of the world's most expensive yachts in the UAE (USD 450 million)
• Representing a major shipping and logistics company and their manager in a customs duty evasion claim of AED 500 million
• Successfully defended the firm's client’s legal position with respect to the claim of ownership of Oil cargo of over 175,000 M/T stored by a sovereign government at our client’s storage facility valued at AED 439 million
• Handling recourse recovery action on behalf of an international insurance company against Managers of the vessel and others to recover AED 92 million being the value of the vessel that was declared as a total loss
• Overall supervision of a construction of one of the biggest Pleasure Yachts in the Middle East and associated legal advisory services to one of the ruling family members of Dubai, in a yacht building contract valued at US$ 50 million entered with one of the world’s largest Yacht manufacturers in the US
• Handling a complex multimillion-dollar trade dispute involving shipping of Agro commodities by a Turkish commodity major, from Europe to Middle East and South Asia.
Projects & Infrastructure:
• Representation of the Umm Al Quwain Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation on its award of a long-term concession to operate Ahmed Bin Rashid Port in Umm Al Quwain to Hutchison Ports, the Hong Kong based port operator
Energy & Renewables:
• Representation of the government of a Northern Emirate on the removal of, and subsequent farming in of, third parties relating to an existing Petroleum Concession Agreement in that Emirate
Ranked Offices
Provided by Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
- DubaiGaladari Associates Building, Al Ghubaiba Street, Souk Al Kabeer, PO Box 7992, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Web: www.galadarilaw.com
- Tel: +971 4 393 7700
- Fax: +971 4 393 7755
- View ranked office
- DubaiGate Precinct Building 5, Sheikh Zayed Road, DIFC, PO Box 506916, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab EmiratesView ranked office
Contributions
Latest contributions provided by Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
60 items provided by Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants
Dubai Sets Up a Judicial Authority to Resolve Jurisdictional Conflicts
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai has issued Decree No. 29 of 2024 (“The Decree”) on the Judicial Authority for Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts between DIFC Courts and Judicial Authorities in Dubai.
The Federal Judicial Council: Private Companies and Offices May Serve Judicial Summons
The Chairman of the Federal Judicial Council issued Decision No. 2 of 2024 on allowing Private Companies and Offices to Serve Judicial Summons (“Decision”). The Decision applies to the private companies or offices which are established in the UAE in accordance with the applicable law.
UAE Central Bank Regulates Insurance Disputes with Sanadak
The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates issued recently Administrative Resolution No. 10-A/1/2024 (“Resolution”) on the Jurisdiction, Powers, Work System, and Fees of the Committees for Settling and Resolving Insurance Disputes.
Economic Ambitions and Legal Norms: The Balance in UAE Citizenship Laws
For many years, the Gulf region has thrived as a result of its ability to attract talent from abroad. The Gulf states entice and retain foreigners by permitting a select group of expatriates to become citizens without giving up their original nationality.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants on the Benefits and Challenges of AI in Dispute Resolution
Galadari's Senior Counsel Sergejs Dilevka and Associate Dimitriy Mednikov were quoted by the Jus Mundi in an article titled "Generative AI and Dispute Resolution: The New Reality". The article examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dispute resolution, particularly in arbitration.
CRYPTOCURRENCY PLATFORMS IN THE UAE: ACCEPT ALL?
The price of Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, has skyrocketed over the last 12 months with the most recent significant appreciation in its price directly caused by the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Galadari's Senior Associate Mahmood Shakir Quoted in Gulf News on UAE Cybercrime Law and Cyberbullyi
Galadari's Senior Associate Mahmood Shakir was recently quoted in Gulf News magazine, providing crucial legal insight on cyberbullying and online harassment in the UAE.
Dubai Creates a Unified Digital Platform for Establishing Companies
H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a decree to establish a Unified Digital Platform named "Invest in Dubai" for establishing companies in Dubai.
The Local and Federal Jurisprudence of the Legislative Authority
In a recent article for the Al Mizan Magazine, issued by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, Galadari’s Senior Associate Abdulmajeed Al Sweedy explored the legal principles in civil and criminal procedures laws for protecting legal interests.
The Local and Federal Jurisprudence of the Legislative Authority
In a recent article for the Al Mizan Magazine, issued by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, Galadari’s Senior Associate Abdulmajeed Al Sweedy explored the legal principles in civil and criminal procedures laws for protecting legal interests.
The Local and Federal Jurisprudence of the Legislative Authority
In a recent article for the Al Mizan Magazine, issued by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, Galadari’s Senior Associate Abdulmajeed Al Sweedy explored the legal principles in civil and criminal procedures laws for protecting legal interests.
The Local and Federal Jurisprudence of the Legislative Authority
In a recent article for the Al Mizan Magazine, issued by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, Galadari’s Senior Associate Abdulmajeed Al Sweedy explored the legal principles in civil and criminal procedures laws for protecting legal interests.
Tax on Foreign Banks Operating in the Emirate of Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai issued Law No. 1 of 2024 regarding Tax on Foreign Banks Operating in the Emirate of Dubai (“Law”).
Key to Preventing Cargo Fraud: The Power of Shipping Policies
When it comes to shipping goods across international borders, there are a number of checks and balances in place to ensure that the cargo is delivered to the correct recipient. One of the most important of these checks is the requirement for the original shipping policy to be presented at the port.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants Welcomes New Partner George Abou Jreich: Elevating Corporate
On 5 March 2024, Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants welcomed a new partner, George Abou Jreich, who will be instrumental in enhancing the firm's corporate practice. George is an expert in corporate, commercial, construction, and tax law.
Enhancing Local Legislative Governance: Abu Dhabi Executive Office Circular No. (1) of 2024
The Abu Dhabi Executive Office has issued a circular with directives for governmental bodies involved in drafting and assessing local laws. The aim is to improve legislative processes and preserve public interests in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."
Galadari Boosts its Corporate Practice with the Addition of a New Partner
Effective 1st of March, Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants will be boosting its corporate practice and expertise with the addition of a new partner, Charbel Fadel, formerly Ince & Co. Charbel's practice covers corporate, finance, and commercial law matters.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants Shortlisted in Six Categories by AML Middle East Legal Awards
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants Shortlisted in Six Categories by AML Middle East Legal Awards 2024
Conclusive Criminal Judgments Issued by Supreme Courts May be Retracted
The Commission for Unification of Federal and Local Judicial Principles resolved a conflict between two judicial principles passed by Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation and Dubai Court of Cassation.
Regulation of Credit Data and Open Banking in UAE
The UAE has attracted much attention from fintech companies engaged in credit data and credit scoring services. This heightened interest is a direct result of the country's proactive policies which support the fintech ecosystem.
Khaleej Times Spotlights Senior Counsel Stephen Ballantine's Analysis of Mental Health Law
Our Senior Counsel, Stephen Ballantine, has been quoted recently by Khaleej Times, sharing insightful commentary on the recently enacted Mental Health Law.
Galadari Elevates Vanessa Maalouf to Junior Associate, Reinforcing Commitment to Talent Development
Galadari Advocates continues to strengthen its Litigation & Corporate practice by announcing Vanessa's promotion to Junior Associate at the firm’s Dubai office, effective today.
Enhancing Mental Health Patient Rights and Supervision of Facilities
Federal Law No (10) of 2023 strengthens mental health patient rights, introducing a Control and Follow-up Committee (CFC) to oversee services and Patients’ Rights Committees (PRCs) in facilities. It allows appeals on PRC decisions, with CFC decisions within six days.
Establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC)
In a groundbreaking development, the esteemed President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has enacted a law of considerable significance, giving rise to the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC).
Economic Empowerment: The Latest UAE-India Collaborations and Their Impact
The UAE Ministry of Investment has recently signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with India. These agreements outline plans for the expansion of bilateral investment cooperation in the renewable energy, food processing, and healthcare sectors.
Navigating Cryptocurrency Investments: Insights and Strategies for Dubai and GCC Markets
In recent years, the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies as investment assets has captivated global markets, with Dubai and The GCC region being no exception. Recently, we have observed a growing interest among the market in understanding the intricacies of these digital assets.
Weaving Diversity: UAE's Visionary Rule for Inclusive Corporate Culture
The UAE has taken a significant step in promoting cultural inclusivity with the reinstatement of a demographic diversification rule for companies operating on the mainland.
The UAE Expands its Horizons by Officially Joining BRICS
The UAE expands its horizons as it officially joins the BRICS which is considered a start of a new international partnership to further implement bilateral trade across many regions for the UAE.
Competition Law 2023 - key changes and legal implications
The UAE stands at the forefront of economic dynamism which is marked by its recent efforts to revamp the legal and regulatory framework dealing with the protection of competition in UAE’s markets.
Two conflicting judicial principles resolved by USCAD
Two conflicting judicial principles resolved by USCAD
Dubai Sets Up a Judicial Authority to Resolve Jurisdictional Conflicts
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai has issued Decree No. 29 of 2024 (“The Decree”) on the Judicial Authority for Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts between DIFC Courts and Judicial Authorities in Dubai.
The Federal Judicial Council: Private Companies and Offices May Serve Judicial Summons
The Chairman of the Federal Judicial Council issued Decision No. 2 of 2024 on allowing Private Companies and Offices to Serve Judicial Summons (“Decision”). The Decision applies to the private companies or offices which are established in the UAE in accordance with the applicable law.
UAE Central Bank Regulates Insurance Disputes with Sanadak
The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates issued recently Administrative Resolution No. 10-A/1/2024 (“Resolution”) on the Jurisdiction, Powers, Work System, and Fees of the Committees for Settling and Resolving Insurance Disputes.
Economic Ambitions and Legal Norms: The Balance in UAE Citizenship Laws
For many years, the Gulf region has thrived as a result of its ability to attract talent from abroad. The Gulf states entice and retain foreigners by permitting a select group of expatriates to become citizens without giving up their original nationality.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants on the Benefits and Challenges of AI in Dispute Resolution
Galadari's Senior Counsel Sergejs Dilevka and Associate Dimitriy Mednikov were quoted by the Jus Mundi in an article titled "Generative AI and Dispute Resolution: The New Reality". The article examines the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dispute resolution, particularly in arbitration.
CRYPTOCURRENCY PLATFORMS IN THE UAE: ACCEPT ALL?
The price of Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, has skyrocketed over the last 12 months with the most recent significant appreciation in its price directly caused by the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Galadari's Senior Associate Mahmood Shakir Quoted in Gulf News on UAE Cybercrime Law and Cyberbullyi
Galadari's Senior Associate Mahmood Shakir was recently quoted in Gulf News magazine, providing crucial legal insight on cyberbullying and online harassment in the UAE.
Dubai Creates a Unified Digital Platform for Establishing Companies
H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a decree to establish a Unified Digital Platform named "Invest in Dubai" for establishing companies in Dubai.
The Local and Federal Jurisprudence of the Legislative Authority
In a recent article for the Al Mizan Magazine, issued by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, Galadari’s Senior Associate Abdulmajeed Al Sweedy explored the legal principles in civil and criminal procedures laws for protecting legal interests.
The Local and Federal Jurisprudence of the Legislative Authority
In a recent article for the Al Mizan Magazine, issued by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, Galadari’s Senior Associate Abdulmajeed Al Sweedy explored the legal principles in civil and criminal procedures laws for protecting legal interests.
The Local and Federal Jurisprudence of the Legislative Authority
In a recent article for the Al Mizan Magazine, issued by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, Galadari’s Senior Associate Abdulmajeed Al Sweedy explored the legal principles in civil and criminal procedures laws for protecting legal interests.
The Local and Federal Jurisprudence of the Legislative Authority
In a recent article for the Al Mizan Magazine, issued by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, Galadari’s Senior Associate Abdulmajeed Al Sweedy explored the legal principles in civil and criminal procedures laws for protecting legal interests.
Tax on Foreign Banks Operating in the Emirate of Dubai
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai issued Law No. 1 of 2024 regarding Tax on Foreign Banks Operating in the Emirate of Dubai (“Law”).
Key to Preventing Cargo Fraud: The Power of Shipping Policies
When it comes to shipping goods across international borders, there are a number of checks and balances in place to ensure that the cargo is delivered to the correct recipient. One of the most important of these checks is the requirement for the original shipping policy to be presented at the port.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants Welcomes New Partner George Abou Jreich: Elevating Corporate
On 5 March 2024, Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants welcomed a new partner, George Abou Jreich, who will be instrumental in enhancing the firm's corporate practice. George is an expert in corporate, commercial, construction, and tax law.
Enhancing Local Legislative Governance: Abu Dhabi Executive Office Circular No. (1) of 2024
The Abu Dhabi Executive Office has issued a circular with directives for governmental bodies involved in drafting and assessing local laws. The aim is to improve legislative processes and preserve public interests in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."
Galadari Boosts its Corporate Practice with the Addition of a New Partner
Effective 1st of March, Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants will be boosting its corporate practice and expertise with the addition of a new partner, Charbel Fadel, formerly Ince & Co. Charbel's practice covers corporate, finance, and commercial law matters.
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants Shortlisted in Six Categories by AML Middle East Legal Awards
Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants Shortlisted in Six Categories by AML Middle East Legal Awards 2024
Conclusive Criminal Judgments Issued by Supreme Courts May be Retracted
The Commission for Unification of Federal and Local Judicial Principles resolved a conflict between two judicial principles passed by Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation and Dubai Court of Cassation.
Regulation of Credit Data and Open Banking in UAE
The UAE has attracted much attention from fintech companies engaged in credit data and credit scoring services. This heightened interest is a direct result of the country's proactive policies which support the fintech ecosystem.
Khaleej Times Spotlights Senior Counsel Stephen Ballantine's Analysis of Mental Health Law
Our Senior Counsel, Stephen Ballantine, has been quoted recently by Khaleej Times, sharing insightful commentary on the recently enacted Mental Health Law.
Galadari Elevates Vanessa Maalouf to Junior Associate, Reinforcing Commitment to Talent Development
Galadari Advocates continues to strengthen its Litigation & Corporate practice by announcing Vanessa's promotion to Junior Associate at the firm’s Dubai office, effective today.
Enhancing Mental Health Patient Rights and Supervision of Facilities
Federal Law No (10) of 2023 strengthens mental health patient rights, introducing a Control and Follow-up Committee (CFC) to oversee services and Patients’ Rights Committees (PRCs) in facilities. It allows appeals on PRC decisions, with CFC decisions within six days.
Establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC)
In a groundbreaking development, the esteemed President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has enacted a law of considerable significance, giving rise to the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC).
Economic Empowerment: The Latest UAE-India Collaborations and Their Impact
The UAE Ministry of Investment has recently signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with India. These agreements outline plans for the expansion of bilateral investment cooperation in the renewable energy, food processing, and healthcare sectors.
Navigating Cryptocurrency Investments: Insights and Strategies for Dubai and GCC Markets
In recent years, the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies as investment assets has captivated global markets, with Dubai and The GCC region being no exception. Recently, we have observed a growing interest among the market in understanding the intricacies of these digital assets.
Weaving Diversity: UAE's Visionary Rule for Inclusive Corporate Culture
The UAE has taken a significant step in promoting cultural inclusivity with the reinstatement of a demographic diversification rule for companies operating on the mainland.
The UAE Expands its Horizons by Officially Joining BRICS
The UAE expands its horizons as it officially joins the BRICS which is considered a start of a new international partnership to further implement bilateral trade across many regions for the UAE.
Competition Law 2023 - key changes and legal implications
The UAE stands at the forefront of economic dynamism which is marked by its recent efforts to revamp the legal and regulatory framework dealing with the protection of competition in UAE’s markets.
Two conflicting judicial principles resolved by USCAD
Two conflicting judicial principles resolved by USCAD