Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants

Galadari wins two titles at the 2026 LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants won Arbitration Team of the Year and Real Estate Team of the Year at the 2026 LexisNexis Middle East Legal Awards, recognising the strength of both practices and their work for clients across the region.

Charbel Fadel named in the inaugural Law Middle East M&A List 2026

Charbel Fadel, Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial at Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants, has been named in the inaugural Law Middle East M&A List 2026, recognising 15 leading practitioners across the region for their work on significant corporate, M&A and private equity transactions.

Ibtisam Al Raisi promoted to Senior Advocate at Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants is pleased to announce the promotion of Ibtisam Jaafar Al Raisi to Senior Advocate. With rights of audience before all levels of the UAE Courts, she brings extensive experience across a broad range of disputes.

The Corporate Flip: Restructuring for the Next Stage of Growth

As businesses grow, their original corporate structure may no longer meet their needs. A corporate flip or holding-company restructuring can support investment, governance and expansion while addressing ownership, IP, tax and regulatory considerations.

Music licensing in the UAE: What businesses should do before 1 December 2026

The UAE’s new music rights framework takes effect from 1 December 2026. Businesses should review how music is used across their operations, assess applicable tariffs, check existing licences and contracts, and establish clear compliance processes.

Beyond the Headlines: What’s Really New in UAE Competition Law?

UAE competition law has entered a more detailed enforcement phase, with new 2026 regulations clarifying merger control, dominance, predatory pricing, exemptions, complaints, settlements, jurisdiction and fees. Businesses should reassess compliance, transactions and commercial strategies.

Music copyright in the UAE: Managing dispute risks under the new licensing framework

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has issued new guidance on collective music rights management, effective 1 December 2026. Businesses using music commercially should secure appropriate licences and review how music is used across their premises to avoid licensing gaps and disputes.

Dubai Courts: New Controls for Referring Cases to Expert-Assisted Judicial Circuits

Dubai Courts Resolution No. 9 of 2026 moves technical expert evidence earlier in litigation, requiring reports during case preparation. The change affects civil, commercial, real estate and labour disputes, making early technical preparation increasingly critical to litigation strategy.

Galadari continues investment in Corporate & Commercial practice with Darren Bradshaw appointment

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants has appointed Darren Bradshaw as Partner in its Corporate & Commercial practice. With 25+ years of UAE and international experience, Darren strengthens the firm’s capabilities across transactions, commercial contracts, major projects, governance and strategic b

The UAE Joins the Singapore Convention on Mediation: What Changes for Cross-Border Settlements

The UAE’s accession to the Singapore Convention on Mediation strengthens cross-border enforcement of mediated settlements. With an opt-in requirement, parties should review settlement agreements and mediation clauses now to ensure they can benefit once the Convention enters into force.

UAE Medical Malpractice Data Reporting: What's in the Public Interest

An examination of medical malpractice data reporting in the UAE and the potential for greater data analysis to improve patient safety and healthcare standards.

Galadari Advocates recognised in United Kingdom IP STARS 2026 for Trademark Prosecution

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants has been recognised in the 2026 edition of United Kingdom IP STARS for Trademark Prosecution, highlighting the firm’s continued excellence and expertise in Intellectual Property.

DIFC Arbitration Reform: More Teeth for Awards, Urgent Relief and Weak-Defence Cases

The DIFC’s proposed Arbitration and Mediation Law 2026 introduces significant reforms to strengthen arbitration, including summary disposal, enhanced tribunal powers, faster enforcement, expanded interim relief and improved procedural efficiency for commercial disputes.

Medical liability commentary series

Stephen Ballantine explores whether filing fees have reduced medical liability appeals at the cost of limiting access to justice for patients in the UAE.

Galadari expands Capital Markets, Structured Finance and Funds Practice with Partner Luke Stowe

Galadari appoints Luke Stowe as Partner in its Capital Markets, Structured Finance and Funds practice, bringing extensive international experience advising global financial institutions, private equity firms and asset managers on complex cross-border financing and structured transactions.

Galadari strengthens Banking & Finance Practice with Senior Counsel Rimma Izmaylova

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants has appointed Rimma Izmaylova as Senior Counsel in its Banking & Finance practice in Abu Dhabi.

Economic Boost: AED 1.5 Billion Incentive Package Approved

Essa Galadari provides insight on the approval of the AED 1.5bn economic stimulus package (AED 2.5bn total with earlier measures), which introduces 33 initiatives across key sectors.

Balancing Workforce Protection and Employer Liability

Workforce protection in the UAE continues to evolve, placing greater emphasis on how businesses approach their legal and regulatory obligations. Understanding these responsibilities is key to managing risk and maintaining compliance, particularly in times of crisis.

What Dubai’s AED 1 billion measures mean for business confidence and economic management

Dubai’s AED 1B facilitation measures, under HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, show a proactive approach to economic policy. They support liquidity, flexibility, and business confidence through timely, precise intervention that strengthens stability and growth.

Rethinking Risk Allocation in Commercial Agreements

Are your contracts ready for global disruption? Standard clauses may no longer suffice. Review force majeure, change-in-law, termination, and relief provisions to manage risks, preserve certainty, and strengthen business resilience.

Fadi Hassoun appointed Senior Partner of Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants

Galadari has promoted Fadi Hassoun to Senior Partner, recognising his leadership of the Abu Dhabi office and over 22 years of experience. He will continue to drive growth, strengthen client relationships, and support the firm’s strategic expansion in the capital.

Galadari Welcomes Partner Hasan Elshafiey to Dubai Office

Galadari has appointed Hasan Elshafiey as Partner in Dispute Resolution. With 19 years’ experience in arbitration and complex disputes, his addition strengthens the firm’s regional capabilities across construction, energy, and cross-border litigation.

Galadari strengthens Tax Practice with appointment of Asmae Bazaani as Counsel

Galadari has appointed Asmae Bazaani as Counsel in its Tax practice, strengthening its capabilities in corporate tax, transfer pricing, and cross-border structuring, as the UAE’s evolving tax landscape drives demand for strategic and compliant tax solutions.

Construction Contracts Under the UAE 2025 Civil Transactions Law: What Has Changed?

The UAE’s New Civil Code modernizes construction law by strengthening contract certainty, enforcing notice obligations, introducing hardship and termination for convenience, and improving remedies for defects, creating a more balanced and predictable framework for project stakeholders.

Galadari recognised across eleven practice areas in The Legal 500 EMEA 2026, with strong client endo

Galadari Advocates is recognised in The Legal 500 EMEA 2026 with multiple rankings across key practice areas and lawyers. The results highlight its strength in complex, high-value matters, strong client feedback, and growing role in cross-border legal work.

Insurance contracts under the UAE 2025 Civil Transactions Law

The UAE’s New Civil Code updates insurance law by strengthening policyholder protections, clarifying indemnity and limitation rules, restricting unfair policy terms, and recognizing takaful insurance, creating a clearer and more modern framework for insurers and insured parties.

Leasing in the UAE: Key Legal Insights for Landlords and Tenants

The UAE’s leasing framework regulates landlord and tenant rights, covering contracts, rent, maintenance, eviction, and disputes. It ensures fairness, transparency, and legal protection across emirates, supporting stable rental markets and balanced responsibilities for both parties.

UAE issues detailed implementing rules for the R&D Tax Credit

The UAE’s 2026 R&D Tax Credit rules introduce up to 50% non-refundable credits for qualifying UAE-based R&D, subject to strict conditions on staffing, expenditure, and pre-approval. The regime emphasizes substance, documentation, and compliance to support innovation and tax efficiency.

AI and Patents: Key Considerations (UAE)

applications. This Note discusses recent AI patenting trends, potential types of AI-related inventions, and key issues and best practices for obtaining patent protection for AI-related inventions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It also discusses AI inventorship, novelty, inventive step.

Modernising UAE Company Law: Key Amendments to the Commercial Companies Law in 2025

The UAE’s 2025 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law modernize corporate governance, allow flexible share classes, succession planning, re-domiciliation, private fundraising, and non-profit companies, enhancing investor protection and aligning UAE law with global standards.