Company formation & restructuring

We guide businesses through every stage of company formation and restructuring, ensuring a compliant and efficient legal foundation in the UAE and across the Middle East.

Practice Overview

Setting up or reshaping a business requires strategic legal planning. At Kayrouz & Associates, we assist clients in choosing the optimal legal structure, navigating regulatory frameworks, and completing formation procedures with precision. Whether launching a new venture, expanding into the region, or restructuring an existing entity, we provide tailored legal advice to support long-term success.

We work closely with entrepreneurs, family offices, SMEs, and multinationals to establish entities in the UAE mainland, free zones, and offshore jurisdictions. Our lawyers handle licensing, shareholder agreements, MOA drafting, and compliance with local company laws. For clients undergoing restructuring, we manage mergers, demergers, conversions, and capital changes while safeguarding governance standards.

Our goal is to ensure clients are operationally sound and legally resilient. We also assist in aligning corporate structures with strategic goals, whether entering joint ventures, preparing for investment, or transitioning family-owned businesses.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Internal reorganisations and entity rationalisation
  • Voluntary liquidation and winding up
  • Ownership transition and succession planning
  • Shareholder buyouts and exit negotiations
  • Asset or share divestment strategies
  • Regulatory filings and compliance management
  • Drafting restructuring plans and board resolutions

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
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
Close-up of a modern glass skyscraper facade in Dubai, featuring geometric zigzag patterns and blue sky reflections symbolizing architecture, engineering, and construction growth in the UAE.
Construction Law

Construction Company Setup in Dubai: Comprehensive Legal Guide for Contractors and Developers

The UAE’s construction industry, valued at over USD 42 billion in 2025, continues to attract global contractors and investors. This guide explains every legal, financial, and regulatory step to establish a construction company in Dubai — from licensing and classification to compliance and operational permits.

read article
October 30, 2025
Restaurant business setup in Dubai showing modern commercial kitchen
Corporate & Commercial Law

Restaurant and F&B Business Setup in Dubai: Comprehensive Legal and Strategic Guide for 2025

Dubai's F&B sector is projected to reach $52.76 billion by 2030, creating substantial opportunities for restaurant and hospitality businesses. This comprehensive guide covers legal structures, licensing requirements, costs, compliance obligations, and strategic considerations for establishing successful F&B operations in Dubai.

read article
October 29, 2025
Corporate & Commercial Law

Banking and Financial Services Law in the UAE: A Complete Guide for Fintech Companies and Financial Institutions in 2025

Comprehensive guide to UAE banking law, fintech regulations, and VARA cryptocurrency compliance for financial institutions. Navigate Central Bank, DIFC, and ADGM licensing requirements with expert legal insights for 2025.

read article
October 28, 2025
View all news and insights