International Sanctions and Export Controls

We advise clients navigating international sanctions, export controls, and trade restrictions. Our lawyers help ensure regulatory compliance across jurisdictions while mitigating legal and commercial risks in cross-border operations.

Practice Overview

At Kayrouz & Associates, we support companies, financial institutions, and NGOs in managing the legal complexities of international sanctions and export control regimes. With ever-changing regulatory landscapes, particularly involving the US, EU, UK, and UN frameworks, our team provides practical legal guidance tailored to cross-border transactions and supply chains.

We assess clients’ operations for potential exposure to sanctions or export restrictions, conduct internal audits, and develop compliance programs that align with international best practices. When dealing with restricted parties, dual-use goods, or sensitive technologies, we provide pre-transaction due diligence and licensing advice to minimise risk.

Our team also assists in responding to regulatory inquiries or enforcement actions. Whether facing penalties from domestic authorities or navigating secondary sanctions risk, we work quickly to protect our clients’ legal standing and reputational interests.

Clients trust us to provide commercially sound, legally compliant solutions that keep international trade flowing despite evolving geopolitical conditions. We are regularly engaged by entities operating in high-risk sectors such as energy, defence, aviation, and humanitarian relief.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Sanctions screening and due diligence for transactions and counterparties
  • Risk assessment related to US, EU, UK, and UN sanctions regimes
  • Advice on dual-use goods, technology transfers, and export licensing
  • Design and implementation of compliance programs and policies
  • Representation in regulatory investigations and enforcement actions
  • Training for compliance teams and executive leadership
  • Advising NGOs and international businesses on humanitarian exceptions
  • 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