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.

    Pierre Kayrouz

    Chief Legal Officer
    Maria Valeyeva

    Maria Valeyeva

    Chief Compliance Officer
    Georges Touma

    Georges Touma

    Head Litigator
    Hanan Ahmed Al Balushi

    Hanan Ahmed

    Practicing Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Arka Navle

    Arka Navle

    Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen

    Nashita Nazneen

    Junior Corporate Counsel
    Professor Mark Engelman

    Mark Engelman

    Intellectual Property Barrister
    Rita Semaan

    Rita Semaan

    Legal Consultant
    Carlos Rahme

    Carlos Rahme

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Y. Geagea

    Sandy Geagea

    Legal Consultant
    Saeed Gaber

    Saeed Gaber

    Legal Research Analyst
    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Junior Legal Counsel
    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Paralegal
    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Business Development Manager
    Valakshmi Balasubramanian

    Varalakshmi Balasubramanian

    Operations Assistant
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