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

    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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