Shareholder agreements and disputes

We help companies prevent and resolve shareholder disputes with clear agreements, proactive advice, and decisive legal strategies grounded in UAE and regional company law.

Practice Overview

At Kayrouz & Associates, we support companies and stakeholders with all legal aspects of shareholder relationships—from drafting tailored agreements that define rights and obligations to managing disputes that threaten corporate stability. Our focus is on preventing conflict through strong governance, and resolving disputes efficiently when they arise.

We work with founders, minority shareholders, joint venture partners, and corporate boards to put in place legally enforceable shareholder agreements that clarify voting rights, share transfer rules, exit options, and dispute resolution procedures. In contentious matters, we represent clients in shareholder oppression claims, breach of fiduciary duty actions, deadlocks, and derivative claims before UAE courts and arbitral tribunals.

Our team combines legal insight with commercial understanding to protect equity interests, unlock stalled decision-making, and safeguard business continuity. We also advise on shareholder rights in public companies and regulatory disclosures in listed entities.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Drafting and negotiating shareholder agreements
  • Advising on minority protections and control mechanisms
  • Dispute resolution and litigation between shareholders
  • Deadlock resolution and buyout arrangements
  • Regulatory guidance for listed entities and joint ventures
  • Shareholder exit planning and succession
  • 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