Legal support for international NGOs and development projects

We provide tailored legal support to international NGOs and development organisations operating in the UAE and wider Middle East, helping them navigate local laws while advancing global missions.

Practice Overview

Non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations face unique legal challenges when operating in foreign jurisdictions. At Kayrouz & Associates, we assist international NGOs, humanitarian agencies, and development programmes with comprehensive legal support tailored to their mandates and host country requirements.

We advise on entity registration, compliance with local charitable laws, and structuring agreements with host governments and donor agencies. Our team helps NGOs understand operational restrictions, tax exposure, employment regulations, and procurement obligations under UAE and international law. We also assist with licensing, MoUs with ministries, and legal frameworks for project delivery.

Where issues arise, our lawyers represent NGOs in administrative disputes, contract disagreements, or employment-related litigation. We work with organisations at every stage—from initial entry into the market to long-term programmatic operations—ensuring that their activities remain legally compliant and strategically protected.

We offer legal advice on a wide spectrum of matters:

  • Advising on legal status, registration, and licensing in the UAE
  • Drafting host country agreements and memoranda of understanding
  • Structuring contracts with implementing partners and donors
  • Ensuring compliance with anti-terrorism, sanctions, and funding laws
  • Employment law and volunteer agreements
  • Dispute resolution and litigation support in host countries
  • Legal due diligence for new programme launches

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
Chief Compliance Officer
Georges Touma
Head Litigator
Hanan Ahmed
Practicing Lawyer
Lathamani Chandrashekar
Senior Corporate Counsel
Arka Navle
Corporate Counsel
Nashita Nazneen
Junior Corporate Counsel
Mark Engelman
Intellectual Property Barrister
Rita Semaan
Legal Consultant
Carlos Rahme
Senior Legal Consultant
Souhad Al Ghorayeb
Senior Legal Consultant
Sandy Geagea
Legal Consultant
Saeed Gaber
Legal Research Analyst
Muhammed Ali Charif
Junior Legal Counsel
Jenifer Abu Nasr
Paralegal
Patricia Abi Mansour
Business Development Manager
Varalakshmi Balasubramanian
Operations Assistant
Corporate & commercial law

How International Businesses Can Navigate UAE Data Protection and Data Transfers in 2025

Navigate the UAE's data protection law requirements for cross-border transfers. Expert guide on DIFC vs Federal compliance for businesses.

read article
July 10, 2025
Corporate & commercial law

Global trends in merger control enforcement

Merger control and foreign investment hurdles contributed to a challenging 2024 for M&A. 2025 looks more promising, with pro-business agendas and regulatory easing in key jurisdictions expected to fuel a surge in dealmaking.

read article
June 3, 2025
Corporate & commercial law

Corporate transactions & AI

Explore the evolving role of AI in corporate transactions, from emerging trends in AI-driven deals to the growing use of AI tools throughout the transaction process.

read article
June 3, 2025
View all news and insights