Business Formation and Incorporation

We guide entrepreneurs and corporations through every legal step of setting up a business in the UAE and the wider Middle East, ensuring a solid foundation for growth.

Practice Overview

At Kayrouz & Associates, we support clients at every stage of business formation, from choosing the right legal structure to completing registrations, licensing, and compliance requirements. Whether launching a start-up, forming a new subsidiary, or expanding an existing business into the region, our legal team ensures a seamless process.

We advise on the selection of onshore, offshore, or free zone entities, taking into account tax efficiency, liability exposure, ownership structures, and sector-specific regulations. Our lawyers prepare all necessary incorporation documents, shareholder agreements, and company constitutions to formalise the business under local laws.

Our experience extends to multi-jurisdictional formations, joint ventures, and complex ownership arrangements involving foreign investors and public-private partnerships. We also advise on Emiratisation policies, governance requirements, and regulatory filings to ensure businesses remain in good standing post-launch.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Advising on legal structure selection (LLC, sole proprietorship, branch, etc.)
  • Drafting incorporation documents and shareholder agreements
  • Coordinating regulatory approvals and business licensing
  • Registering with relevant ministries, free zone authorities, and trade departments
  • Advising on governance, compliance, and post-incorporation obligations
  • Supporting foreign ownership and cross-border entity structuring
  • 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 Judgment Enforcement: How the Execution Court Recovers Debt in 2026

    Winning a UAE judgment is only half the story. This guide explains how the Execution Court converts rulings into recovery, from asset attachment to travel bans and bankruptcy routes.

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    April 30, 2026
    Corporate Law

    VAT Rules in the UAE: When Registration Becomes Mandatory in 2026

    VAT registration in the UAE depends on turnover thresholds, business structure and the nature of supplies made. This article explains when businesses must register, when voluntary registration makes sense and how to avoid costly penalties.

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    April 28, 2026
    Construction Law

    Concurrent Delay in UAE Construction Projects

    Concurrent delay is one of the most disputed issues on UAE construction projects, especially where both contractor and employer contributed to late completion. This article explains how tribunals assess time extensions, liquidated damages and apportionment under UAE law.

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    April 27, 2026
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