Foreign direct investment (FDI)

We help international investors structure and protect their investments in the UAE and wider MENA region. Our lawyers provide comprehensive support for foreign direct investment, balancing opportunity with regulatory compliance.

Practice Overview

Kayrouz & Associates advises multinational corporations, investment funds, and high-net-worth individuals on all legal aspects of foreign direct investment in the Middle East. Our lawyers assist clients in identifying appropriate entry structures, navigating foreign ownership laws, and securing necessary approvals from regulatory authorities.

We provide end-to-end support across various sectors including energy, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. Whether establishing greenfield operations, entering into joint ventures, or acquiring existing businesses, our team ensures that investment strategies are aligned with local legal frameworks and national economic goals.

Our expertise extends to licensing, tax structuring, labour law compliance, and negotiation of shareholder arrangements. We also help investors understand sector-specific incentives, foreign ownership thresholds, and Emiratization obligations, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

We work closely with economic zones, investment authorities, and ministries to help clients secure investor-friendly terms and long-term stability. Our practice also includes advising on investment protection under bilateral and multilateral treaties.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Legal structuring of foreign investments and joint ventures
  • Negotiation of investment terms and shareholder agreements
  • Regulatory approvals and licensing
  • Due diligence and local partner vetting
  • Tax and employment compliance advice
  • Investment protection under treaty law
  • Sector-specific regulatory counsel
  • 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
    Corporate & Commercial Law

    Shareholder Agreements in UAE: Key Clauses and Enforcement

    Foreign shareholders and investors frequently ask whether their shareholder agreements are actually enforceable in the UAE. This guide explains which clauses work in onshore courts versus DIFC and ADGM, why alignment with constitutional documents matters, and how to draft agreements that hold up when relationships break down.

    read article
    December 13, 2025
    Corporate & Commercial Law

    How UAE Law Handles Supply Chain Contract Disputes

    Global supply chains face unprecedented disruption, and UAE businesses must understand how contracts allocate risk when things go wrong. This guide examines force majeure under Article 273, INCOTERMS selection, and dispute resolution options available to logistics companies.

    read article
    December 11, 2025
    Corporate & Commercial Law

    UAE letters of credit: legal framework, documentary requirements, and dispute resolution

    The UAE's trade volumes exceeded AED 2.2 trillion in 2024, with letters of credit facilitating over 40% of import-export transactions. This comprehensive guide examines the legal framework, documentary requirements, costs, and strategic considerations for businesses using documentary credits in UAE cross-border trade.

    read article
    December 10, 2025
    View all news and insights