Freedom of information and public records

We advise clients on access to government-held information and the legal use of public records. Our team helps navigate disclosure requests, confidentiality rules, and government transparency laws across the UAE and wider Middle East.

Practice Overview

Kayrouz & Associates supports both private entities and public bodies in matters involving access to information and the protection of sensitive government-held data. We advise on compliance with freedom of information principles, public access laws, and internal disclosure frameworks applicable to ministries, regulators, and semi-governmental entities.

For individuals and organisations seeking access to public records, we guide clients through the request process, prepare formal applications, and advise on appeals in cases of denial or partial disclosure. Our lawyers are skilled at balancing transparency obligations with privacy, confidentiality, and national security restrictions.

We also work with government entities to develop disclosure policies and manage requests in a consistent, legally defensible manner. This includes training public sector teams on proper handling of personal data, internal memos, contracts, and regulatory filings.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Preparing and submitting access to information requests
  • Challenging refusals to disclose under administrative law
  • Advising on exemptions and confidentiality restrictions
  • Developing internal policies for government departments
  • Handling disclosure obligations during litigation or investigations
  • Advising media, NGOs, and private clients on rights of access
  • Meet Our Team

    Our team is equipped to handle complex legal matters with precision and care. Learn more about our lawyers below.

    بيار كيروز

    الرئيس القانوني الأول
    Maria Valeyeva

    ماريا فالييفا

    الرئيس التنفيذي للامتثال
    Georges Touma

    جورج توما

    رئيس قسم التقاضي والمنازعات
    Hanan Ahmed Al Balushi

    حنان أحمد البلوشي

    Practicing Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    لاثامني تشاندراشيكار

    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Arka Navle

    أركا نافلي

    Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen

    ناشيتا نازنين

    Junior Corporate Counsel
    Professor Mark Engelman

    البروفيسور مارك إنجلمان

    Intellectual Property Barrister
    Rita Semaan

    ريتا سمعان

    مستشار قانوني
    Carlos Rahme

    كارلوس رحمة

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    سُهاد الغريّب

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Y. Geagea

    ساندي ي. جعجع

    مستشار قانوني
    Saeed Gaber

    سعيد جابر

    Legal Research Analyst
    Muhammed Ali Charif

    محمّد علي شريف

    مستشار قانوني مساعد
    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    جينيفر أبو نصر

    Paralegal
    Patricia Abi Mansour

    باتريسيا أبي منصور

    مديرة تطوير الأعمال
    Valakshmi Balasubramanian

    فارالاكشمي بالاسبرامانيان

    Operations Assistant
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