Government licensing and approvals

We help businesses and individuals secure essential government licences, permits, and authorisations across the UAE. From regulatory submissions to strategic advice, we guide clients through complex approval frameworks with confidence and efficiency.

Practice Overview

Government licensing is a critical step for doing business in the UAE. At Kayrouz & Associates, we provide legal guidance to local and international clients navigating regulatory requirements set by ministries, free zones, and other public authorities. Whether applying for a new licence, amending an existing one, or addressing delays or denials, we ensure each application is aligned with legal standards and commercial needs.

We understand the legal and procedural nuances that govern permits in highly regulated sectors including healthcare, education, telecommunications, energy, and professional services. Our lawyers advise on documentation, eligibility, approvals, renewals, and strategic positioning to expedite licensing processes.

Our work often involves direct engagement with regulators to clarify requirements or resolve objections. When issues arise, we assist clients in contesting refusals or conditions through formal correspondence, legal opinion letters, and, where necessary, administrative appeals. Our goal is always to secure approvals while protecting our clients’ long-term interests.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Preparing and submitting licence and permit applications
  • Regulatory assessments and compliance mapping
  • Addressing licence denials, delays, or conditions
  • Advising on licence transfers, amendments, and renewals
  • Coordinating with free zone authorities and federal regulators
  • Supporting special approvals in restricted or strategic sectors
  • Meet Our Team

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

    Pierre Kayrouz

    Chief Legal Officer
    Maria Valeyeva

    Maria Valeyeva

    Chief Compliance Officer
    Georges Touma

    Georges Touma

    Head Litigator
    Carlos Rahme

    Carlos Rahme

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Souhad Al Ghorayeb

    Senior Legal Consultant
    Sandy Y. Geagea

    Sandy Geagea

    Legal Consultant
    Rita Semaan

    Rita Semaan

    Legal Consultant
    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Jenifer Abu Nasr

    Paralegal
    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Muhammed Ali Charif

    Junior Legal Counsel
    Saeed Gaber

    Saeed Gaber

    Legal Research Analyst

    Priya Bavanasi

    Senior Corporate Lawyer
    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Lathamani Chandrashekar

    Senior Corporate Counsel
    Nashita Nazneen

    Nashita Nazneen

    Junior Corporate Counsel

    Patricia Abi Mansour

    Business Development Manager

    Marium Razzaq

    Solicitor

    Parvathy Pavithran

    HR and Document Controller

    Göksu Öznergiz

    Associate

    Chantal Elia Khawam

    Front Desk Specialist
    Dispute Resolution

    UAE Arbitration Enforcement and Article 53 Challenges

    Winning a UAE arbitration does not automatically mean recovery. Domestic arbitral awards must first be ratified by the UAE courts, and award debtors often challenge enforcement on procedural grounds.

    read article
    May 14, 2026
    Construction Law

    Defending Late Construction Defects Claims in the UAE

    A late construction defects claim is not automatically valid under UAE decennial liability rules. Contractors often succeed or fail based on limitation periods, delivery dates, and whether the alleged defect is truly structural.

    read article
    May 14, 2026
    Corporate Law

    UAE Insurance Law and Compliance Guide For Insurers in 2026

    Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 reshaped how insurance companies are regulated in the UAE. This guide explains licensing, compliance, enforcement, Sanadak disputes, takaful structures, reinsurance, and what insurers must do before the 16 September 2026 reconciliation deadline.

    read article
    May 12, 2026
    View all news and insights