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
    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.

    read article
    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.

    read article
    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.

    read article
    April 27, 2026
    View all news and insights