Internet penetration in the UAE exceeds 95%, putting the UAE within the top 30 countries globally in terms of the internet’s economic impact. With the increasing adoption of information and communications technology (ICT), the UAE looks set to climb the ranks even higher. Already the second highest on the world scale of impact of ICT on social lives, there is rising demand for businesses to engage with customers online and adopt the use of cutting edge IT and technology in their operations, which also generates opportunities for expansion for those already operating in the ICT space.
Our ICT practice specialises in the legal, regulatory and commercial aspects of ICT, in both ‘onshore’ United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
We advise on compliance issues, effective risk management strategies, practical protective measures and the adoption of policies and procedures relating to their online personality. Our clients range from international corporations, to SME’s, public sector organisations and individuals.
We assist in relation to all aspects of ICT law, including legislation and regulations in connection with e-commerce, as well as more general matters relating to contractual arrangements such as software licensing, consultancy, equipment purchasing, website terms and conditions and contracts dealing with the supply and maintenance of hardware.
Our ICT lawyers have backgrounds in commercial, banking and finance, employment, corporate and regulatory. Firm wide, our lawyers have experience in almost every sector, including: media and advertising, retail, hospitality, IT, F&B, energy, utilities, financial services, education, health, construction, transportation, real estate, tourism, and manufacturing.
The breadth of knowledge gained from our experience enables us to provide well informed and practical advice, addressing international requirements and standards, while addressing specific laws, regulations, practices and market customs of the UAE and DIFC.
Our expertise covers all aspects of the ICT landscape, including:
- cybercrime;
- data privacy and security issues;
- online portals;
- e-commerce;
- software and hardware licensing;
- software development contracts;
- issues relating to intellectual property connected with IT systems, domain names and use of logos;
- supplier and end user agreements;
- development, hosting and co-location agreements;
- media contracts; and
- wholesale and retail telecommunications supply agreements.