4.9
Google rating
25+
Lawyers
4,500+
Matters handled
DIAC · ICC · LCIA

The legal partner for regulated business in the UAE

Kayrouz & Associates handles the licensing, compliance and corporate work that keeps companies running, and the disputes and arbitration when matters escalate. Since 2006.

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Pierre Kayrouz
Founder and CEO
consults in 5 areas of law
Maria Valeyeva
Partner and Managing Director
Maria Valeyeva
Georges Touma
Head Litigator
consults in 5 areas of law
Saeed Gaber
Head of Execution Department
consults in 6 areas of law
Souhad Al Ghorayeb
Senior Legal Consultant
consults in 5 areas of law
Souhad Al Ghorayeb
Sandy Geagea
Legal Consultant
consults in 5 areas of law
Sandy Y. Geagea
Jenifer Abu Nasr
Junior Legal Counsel
consults in 3 areas of law
Jenifer Abu Nasr
Muhammed Ali Charif
Junior Legal Counsel
consults in 3 areas of law
Muhammed Ali Charif
Carlos Rahme
Senior Legal Consultant
consults in 5 areas of law
Carlos Rahme
Roshanraj Seetahul
Senior Corporate Counsel
Priya Bavanasi
Senior Corporate Lawyer
consults in 4 areas of law
Lathamani Chandrashekar
Head of Corporate Department
consults in 2 areas of law
Lathamani Chandrashekar
Mark Engelman
Intellectual Property Barrister
consults in 3 areas of law
Professor Mark Engelman
Patricia Abi Mansour
Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Business Development
consults in 3 areas of law
Marium Razzaq
Solicitor
consults in 3 areas of law
Göksu Öznergiz
Junior Corporate Counsel
consults in 3 areas of law
Daniela Lano
Client Relations Executive (Italian)
Rita Semaan
Legal Consultant
consults in 4 areas of law
Rita Semaan
Parvathy Pavithran
HR and Document Controller
Chantal Elia Khawam
Front Desk Specialist
Nashita Nazneen
Senior Corporate Counsel
consults in 3 areas of law
Nashita Nazneen

How we think

July 29, 2026

What does VARA require to issue an asset-referenced virtual asset in Dubai in 2026?

An asset-referenced virtual asset falls into VARA's Category 1, which requires a licence and per-token approval before issuance. This article sets out what VARA asks on capital, reserves, custody and redemption, and shows when a token instead falls to the Securities and Commodities Authority or the Central Bank.
Read more
July 28, 2026

DIFC foundations for family offices in the UAE

A DIFC foundation gives family wealth a separate legal owner, with private governance through its charter and by-laws. This article explains the Article 17 corporate tax election, transparency requirements for underlying companies, the DIFC firewall against certain foreign succession and creditor claims, and the migration of foreign foundations into the DIFC.
Read more

About Us

Built on sharp legal thinking, efficient execution, and deep understanding of client priorities.

Founded in 2006 by Pierre Kayrouz, a leading legal practitioner in the nation, Kayrouz & Associates has grown into a trusted provider of end-to-end legal services for start-ups, global companies and individuals in the United Arab Emirates and the broader Middle East region.

We work closely with our clients to anticipate their legal needs and proactively protect their interests with advice and professional representation.

Our team embraces the highest standards of communication to deeply understand our clients' unique situations and is always committed to achieving the best possible resolution in the most efficient manner.
Learn more about us

Practice Areas

Expertise
Full-spectrum legal practice.

We combine sharp legal thinking with real-world experience to solve complex business challenges. Our teams move fast, think clearly, and speak your language. Whatever the deal, the dispute, or the decision, we’re on it.

Our expertise

Arbitration

We represent businesses, investors, and private clients in complex arbitration proceedings, from contract disputes and shareholder conflicts to construction, real estate, and cross-border commercial claims.

Construction

Construction lawyers in Dubai acting on FIDIC claims, delay and defect disputes, decennial liability, unpaid payment certificates, and contractor termination across the UAE.

Corporate and commercial

We advise leading businesses on complex transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate governance for clear, strategic guidance at every stage of growth.

Criminal

We defend individuals and corporations in high-stakes criminal matters with determination, discretion, and deep procedural expertise.

Employment

We guide employers and employees through sensitive workplace issues, from hiring and dismissal to compliance and complex disputes.

Family

We support clients through deeply personal matters with sensitivity, confidentiality, and sound legal judgement, from divorce to child custody.

Intellectual property

We protect, enforce & commercialize intellectual property rights to help our clients navigate innovation, creativity & competition with precision & confidence.

Litigation and dispute resolution

Our litigators are known for their strategic mindset, courtroom skill, and relentless focus on achieving favourable outcomes in complex disputes.

Real estate

We advise on all aspects of real estate — acquisition, development, leasing, and finance — with precision and commercial awareness.
our people

Attorneys

Kayrouz & Associates is a UAE firm of lawyers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with a Beirut office, known for sharp thinking and efficient execution.

From corporate and real estate to family and criminal matters, our 25+ team operates across 12 practice areas, combining courtroom skill and deal experience to help clients move with confidence across the region.
find people
Portrait of Pierre Kayrouz, Chief Legal Officer at Kayrouz & Associates, expert in litigation and arbitration

Pierre Kayrouz

Chief Legal Officer

Professional headshot of Maria Valeyeva, Chief Compliance Officer, specializing in regulatory compliance and office management

Maria Valeyeva

Chief Compliance Officer

Headshot of Georges Touma, Head Litigator with expertise in civil, commercial, and real estate litigation

Georges Touma

Head Litigator

Portrait of Lathamani Chandrashekar, senior corporate counsel with over 14 years of experience advising clients in corporate and commercial law, arbitration, international trade, and sports law.

Lathamani Chandrashekar

Senior Corporate Counsel

Headshot of Arka Navle, Corporate Counsel with multi-jurisdictional expertise in criminal, family, and commercial law

Arka Navle

Corporate Counsel

Photo of Nashita Nazneen A., Junior Corporate Counsel with a strong academic background and litigation training

Nashita Nazneen

Junior Corporate Counsel

Portrait of Professor Mark Engelman, UK barrister specializing in intellectual property, media, defamation, and commercial law

Mark Engelman

Intellectual Property Barrister

Image of Rita Semaan, Legal Consultant with experience in civil, criminal, and employment law

Rita Semaan

Legal Consultant

Portrait of Carlos Rahme, Senior Legal Consultant with more than 15 years of experience in corporate, civil, and labor law

Carlos Rahme

Senior Legal Consultant

Portrait of Souhad Al Ghorayeb, Senior Legal Consultant specializing in corporate structuring and bankruptcy law

Souhad Al Ghorayeb

Senior Legal Consultant

Photo of Sandy Y. Geagea, Legal Consultant with cross-border litigation and mediation experience

Sandy Geagea

Legal Consultant

Portrait of Saeed Gaber, Legal Research Analyst experienced in civil and criminal law in Egypt and the UAE

Saeed Gaber

Legal Research Analyst

Portrait of Muhammed Ali Charif, a professional male litigator with a composed expression, dressed in formal business attire, photographed against a neutral background.

Muhammed Ali Charif

Junior Legal Counsel

Image of Jenifer Abu Nasr, Paralegal and international dispute resolution specialist

Jenifer Abu Nasr

Paralegal

Professional photo of Patricia Abi Mansour, Business Development Manager with a legal background and marketing expertise

Patricia Abi Mansour

Business Development Manager

Portrait of Pierre Kayrouz, Chief Legal Officer at Kayrouz & Associates, expert in litigation and arbitration

Pierre Kayrouz

Chief Legal Officer

Professional headshot of Maria Valeyeva, Chief Compliance Officer, specializing in regulatory compliance and office management

Maria Valeyeva

Chief Compliance Officer

Headshot of Georges Touma, Head Litigator with expertise in civil, commercial, and real estate litigation

Georges Touma

Head Litigator

Portrait of Lathamani Chandrashekar, senior corporate counsel with over 14 years of experience advising clients in corporate and commercial law, arbitration, international trade, and sports law.

Lathamani Chandrashekar

Senior Corporate Counsel

Headshot of Arka Navle, Corporate Counsel with multi-jurisdictional expertise in criminal, family, and commercial law

Arka Navle

Corporate Counsel

Photo of Nashita Nazneen A., Junior Corporate Counsel with a strong academic background and litigation training

Nashita Nazneen

Junior Corporate Counsel

Portrait of Professor Mark Engelman, UK barrister specializing in intellectual property, media, defamation, and commercial law

Mark Engelman

Intellectual Property Barrister

Image of Rita Semaan, Legal Consultant with experience in civil, criminal, and employment law

Rita Semaan

Legal Consultant

Portrait of Carlos Rahme, Senior Legal Consultant with more than 15 years of experience in corporate, civil, and labor law

Carlos Rahme

Senior Legal Consultant

Portrait of Souhad Al Ghorayeb, Senior Legal Consultant specializing in corporate structuring and bankruptcy law

Souhad Al Ghorayeb

Senior Legal Consultant

Photo of Sandy Y. Geagea, Legal Consultant with cross-border litigation and mediation experience

Sandy Geagea

Legal Consultant

Portrait of Saeed Gaber, Legal Research Analyst experienced in civil and criminal law in Egypt and the UAE

Saeed Gaber

Legal Research Analyst

Portrait of Muhammed Ali Charif, a professional male litigator with a composed expression, dressed in formal business attire, photographed against a neutral background.

Muhammed Ali Charif

Junior Legal Counsel

Image of Jenifer Abu Nasr, Paralegal and international dispute resolution specialist

Jenifer Abu Nasr

Paralegal

Professional photo of Patricia Abi Mansour, Business Development Manager with a legal background and marketing expertise

Patricia Abi Mansour

Business Development Manager

4,500+

Matters handled

25+

Full-time lawyers & consultants

96%

Client satisfaction rate

16

Average lawyer PQE

HERE TO HELP
Guiding you with clear legal solutions to protect your rights and interests.
contact us

testimonials

I've worked with Pierre and Kayrouz & Associates on several occasions and have always appreciated their clear, prompt, and reliable legal advice. Pierre combines legal expertise with an understanding of broader financial and cultural factors, which made me feel supported and in capable hands during difficult times.
Edward Jones
Owner of Fitness Zone DMCC
testimonials
Polite and highly professional. Thoughtful, experienced and extremely knowledgable. I am very happy with Mr. Kayrouz as he represented me with nothing but respect, compassion and some of the best help I have ever had!
Ziad El Kasir
Battle Park Owner
testimonials
Pierre Kayrouz was respectful, thoughtful, and highly professional throughout the process. His calm, knowledgeable approach gave me great confidence and peace of mind. I felt genuinely heard and supported every step of the way.
Rene Stephen
testimonials
It’s always great to see that people are interested to know how their business is perceived by clients. I’ve been really impressed with how your company has handled this particular piece of work. Hopefully we can work together in the future. Thanks again.
Mr. Tom
testimonials
The support, professionalism, and dedication this firm provided during one of the most challenging periods our family has faced was exceptional. They combined outstanding legal expertise with real compassion, integrity, and care, and the communication throughout was thoughtful and reassuring. We are deeply grateful for the time and commitment they invested in achieving a successful outcome and helping our family move forward.
Parent of a client

News & Insights

Corporate and commercial

What does VARA require to issue an asset-referenced virtual asset in Dubai in 2026?

An asset-referenced virtual asset falls into VARA's Category 1, which requires a licence and per-token approval before issuance. This article sets out what VARA asks on capital, reserves, custody and redemption, and shows when a token instead falls to the Securities and Commodities Authority or the Central Bank.

read article
July 29, 2026
Corporate and commercial

DIFC foundations for family offices in the UAE

A DIFC foundation gives family wealth a separate legal owner, with private governance through its charter and by-laws. This article explains the Article 17 corporate tax election, transparency requirements for underlying companies, the DIFC firewall against certain foreign succession and creditor claims, and the migration of foreign foundations into the DIFC.

read article
July 28, 2026
Corporate and commercial

Corporate power of attorney in the UAE under the 2026 Civil Transactions Law

Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 restructured agency from 1 June 2026, so a general power of attorney no longer covers sales, mortgages, or settlements. This guide explains what corporate authority documents must now specify, who can sign one, the Article 58(2) special authority rule for arbitration and settlement, and how a foreign parent legalises an instrument for use in the UAE.

read article
July 28, 2026
View all news and insights

Our Offices

Dubai, UAE

Address: Business Bay, Empire Heights, block B, office 1604

PO Box: 415048

Opening hours:
‍
Mon-Thu: 9am-5pm
Fri: 9am-12pm

contact us

Sharjah, UAE

Address: Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), Al Messaned, Sharjah, UAE

Opening hours:
‍
By appointment only.

contact us

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Address: Electra Street, Al Mazrooei building, 9th floor, office 903

PO Box: 62829

Opening hours:
‍
Mon-Thu: 9am-5pm
Fri: 9am-12pm

contact us

Beirut, Lebanon

Address: Miziara Centre, above Sea Sweet, Block C, 4th floor

Opening hours:
‍
Mon-Thu: 9am-5pm
Fri: 9am-12pm

Email: [email protected]

contact us