Information & Communications Technology (ICT)

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.

 

  • “Responsive, pragmatic, and capable.”

    Legal 500, 2023

  • “Hadef & Partners is a one stop shop firm with deep knowledge of the local market.” “The team has good connections and expertise with a business mentality which help clients to achieve good results.”

    Legal 500, 2022

  • Clients praise Hadef & Partners' “extremely wide-ranging and extensive knowledge in the international field,” pointing to the firm as a “stellar leader in the legal field in the UAE.”

    Chambers Global, 2022

  • One source endorses the firm for its "strength and depth in understanding the complex and untested areas of UAE law when taking projects into a space where, if it is the first of its kind, issues arise." The same interviewee adds: "They have access to people that most firms don't necessarily have."

    Chambers Global, 2021

  • Interviewees describe the firm as "a very good UAE-based local firm with talented lawyers."

    Chambers Global, 2021

  • A market source commended the team's “genuine local advice.”

    Chambers Global, 2019

  • “Hadef & Partners LLC is ‘absolutely excellent, giving practical and useable advice’ concerning media-related disputes, software development, fintech and data protection.”

    Legal 500, 2018

  • “The lawyers have good time and cost management.”

    Chambers Global, 2016

  • “We're impressed at how fast they provide us with the work and how comprehensive it is”

    Chambers Global, 2016

  • Clients say "They are pragmatic, can-do lawyers."

    Chambers Global 2015

  • Clients say "they are definitely major players - one of the first names to spring to mind in the UAE."

    Chambers Global 2015

  • Advises media and technology companies on marketing, licensing and franchising agreements. Huge manpower and experience in contentious matters make the firm a strong choice for the enforcement of intellectual property rights, as well as the collection of related royalties.

    Chambers Global 2015

  • Finalist for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2022

    Finalist for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2022

    By : The Middle East Legal Awards

  • Finalist for UAE TMT Team of the Year 2022

    Finalist for UAE TMT Team of the Year 2022

    By : The Middle East Legal Awards

  • Winner for Managing Partner of the Year

    Winner - Managing Partner of the Year 2020

    By : IFLR Middle East Awards

    Lawyer : Dr. Faraj Ahnish

  • Honourable mention for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2019

    Honourable mention for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2019

    By : The Oath Middle East Legal Awards

  • Highly regarded for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2019

    Highly regarded for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2019

    By : The Middle East Legal Awards

  • Shortlisted for TMT Team of the Year 2019

    Shortlisted for TMT Team of the Year 2019

    By : The Middle East Legal Awards

  • GAR100 Selected Firm 2019

    GAR100 Selected Firm 2019

    By : Global Arbitration Review – GAR

  • Shortlisted for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2018

    Shortlisted for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2018

    By : The Oath Middle East Legal Awards

  • Shortlisted for Regional Law Firm of the Year – Large Practice 2018

    Shortlisted for Regional Law Firm of the Year – Large Practice 2018

    By : The Middle East Legal Awards

  • GAR100 Selected Firm 2018

    GAR100 Selected Firm 2018

    By : Global Arbitration Review – GAR

  • Most Responsive Domestic Firm of the Year 2017

    Most Responsive Domestic Firm of the Year 2017

    By : Asian MENA Counsel In-House Survey

  • GAR100 Selected Firm 2017

    GAR100 Selected Firm 2017

    By : Global Arbitration Review – GAR

  • Shortlisted for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2016

    Shortlisted for Regional Law Firm of the Year 2016

    By : The Oath Middle East Legal Awards

  • Most Responsive Domestic Firm in the UAE 2016

    Most Responsive Domestic Firm in the UAE 2016

    By : Asian-MENA Counsel – In-House Community Survey

  • Middle East Law Firm of the Year 2016

    Middle East Law Firm of the Year 2016

    By : Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards

  • Shortlisted as Regional Law Firm of the Year 2015

    Shortlisted as Regional Law Firm of the Year 2015

    By : The Oath Middle East Legal Awards

  • Most Responsive Domestic Firm in the UAE 2015

    By : Asian MENA Counsel In-house Survey

  • Highly Commended for Middle East Law firm of the Year 2015

    By : Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards