We are regarded as having a deep understanding of our region's business and legal environment. Our international and regional clients gain the benefit of our long-standing presence in the UAE, which corresponds to a wealth of knowledge and contacts in relation to the structuring and conduct of business. In the UAE, we regularly advise on significant equity capital market transactions, as well as substantial private placements, privatisations, corporate mergers, disposals and acquisitions, and restructurings.
A large part of our corporate offering consists of the provision of legal advice in relation to the formation of companies, establishment of branch and representative offices, and related agency and sponsorship arrangements, both inside and outside the UAE's free zones and special economic areas. The firm has acted in the establishment of the vast majority of premier public and private joint stock companies in the UAE.
Managing for successful outcomes is our strength. Whether completing a groundbreaking public equities offering or setting up a business in a free zone, our 30 years of experience in the UAE ensures our clients receive a well-rounded and considered service.
We have led the industry on numerous matters such as playing an instrumental role in establishing the legal framework governing private placements and IPO prospectus preparation in the UAE. Indeed, our lawyers pioneered western style IPOs in the UAE and have advised on more IPOs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai than any other law firm. On many occasions, we assisted in the creation of procedures and standards used by governmental authorities. We offer a comprehensive, entry to exit service which includes advising on:
- inward investment projects including licensing and incorporation in the UAE
- mergers, acquisitions and disposals
- corporate structuring and restructuring
- changes to ownership and management structures
- initial public offerings and securities underwritings
- capital markets regulation
- corporate governance and duties of directors
- listing of debt and equity instruments
- rights issues
- UAE corporate laws and regulations
- regulatory strategies and compliance
- establishment of branch and representative offices of foreign companies
- commercial agencies, sponsorship and related arrangements
- shareholder and joint venture agreements
- shareholder and management disputes.
We work closely with our
Employment,
Dispute Resolution,
Banking & Finance,
Financial Services and
Real Estate teams to offer clients a truly seamless service.
Highly recommended, Chambers Global, 2009
“Among the few local firms to provide a full capital markets service, this two-office outfit is active throughout the mid-market and is frequently sought as local counsel … IPO highlights frequently involve structuring and incorporation issues and feature some of the leading entities in the UAE … Sources describe it as ‘a superior local firm handling good quality work’”
Chambers Global, 2009
“This local firm is vying for pre-eminence and quietly building up respect in the market … ‘this is a top firm and the lawyers really understand the whole of the UAE too – if you want to get beyond the free zones they are a great choice’”
Chambers Global, 2009
Hadef & Partners “combines unrivalled local acumen with a mighty client following … worked on many of the more notable corporate listings and private placements in the UAE”
Legal 500, 2008
“The firm is no stranger to the international market … With its proactive outlook and strong grip on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets, the outfit earns consistent market praise – ‘it is an impressive firm that is growing stronger’”
Chambers Global, 2008