Regulatory compliance and approvals

We guide construction stakeholders through the regulatory landscape in the UAE and wider Middle East, ensuring every stage of the project meets compliance obligations.

Practice Overview

Construction projects are subject to a wide array of regulations, from zoning and safety standards to environmental permits and building code requirements. At Kayrouz & Associates, we advise developers, contractors, and consultants on achieving full regulatory compliance across all phases of project development.

Our team has extensive experience navigating federal, emirate-level, and free zone construction regulations. We assist clients with obtaining planning permissions, building permits, environmental clearances, and fire safety certifications, as well as ensuring ongoing compliance throughout the construction lifecycle.

We work closely with project teams to identify risks early, prepare documentation for authorities, and manage interactions with regulators. Whether launching a major infrastructure project or a private commercial development, we help clients avoid costly delays, fines, and reputational setbacks.

In an evolving legal environment, we also provide strategic advisory on updates to construction laws, ESG mandates, and foreign ownership regulations that may impact project feasibility and execution.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Building permit and planning approval applications
  • Regulatory audits and pre-approval compliance reviews
  • Environmental and zoning compliance
  • Government liaison for project clearance
  • Advice on free zone and mainland regulatory regimes
  • Compliance with construction safety and sustainability codes
  • 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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