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Expired BSA Law Mock Trial | 15 October 2025 | 9 AM to 1 PM | DIFC Academy – L1 Lecture Theatre

31/07/202513/10/2025
by Malini Dean

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BSA Law Mock Trial | 15 October 2025 | 9 AM to 1 PM | DIFC Academy – L1 Lecture Theatre
15/10/2025
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

REGISTER HERE Cryptocurrency and virtual asset trading have become increasingly prevalent in the UAE, particularly in jurisdictions like Dubai where innovation in digital finance is rapidly evolving. As more individuals and businesses engage in trading platforms and peer-to-peer transactions, many are unaware that such activities are strictly regulated by UAE law. Under current legislation, (more…)

News developments

UAE: Bankruptcy Court Created

31/07/202531/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 24 July 2025: The Ministry of Justice announced a decision regarding the organisation of the Bankruptcy Court, which will be headquartered at the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of First Instance.

The court will be responsible for adjudicating all applications and disputes arising from the implementation of the provisions of the Federal Decree-Law on Financial Reorganisation and Bankruptcy (Federal Decree-Law No. 51/2023). The Federal Judiciary Council will also be able to establish one or more branches of the court in any other emirate, subordinate to the main court, to handle these applications and disputes.

The court shall consist of a chief judge with a rank no lower than that of an appellate judge, and several specialised judges appointed by the Federal Judiciary Council.

A bankruptcy division will also be created within the court, headed by a judge of at least appellate rank, which will be responsible for tasks, including receiving applications, objections, and grievances, registering applications, among others.

The court will be able to engage professionals with relevant experience and expertise to perform various tasks such as managing the debtor’s funds and business operations, implementing precautionary measures, expediting procedures, meeting with creditors, and hearing the debtor or their representative on matters related to debts, assets, or operations.

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News developments

UAE: Agreement with US on Patent Procedures

25/07/202525/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 20 July 2025: The UAE and the US signed a statement that aims to accelerate patent-granting procedures in the UAE

The agreement was signed at the 66th Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva, by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The Joint Statement of Intent aims to launch a bilateral cooperation programme which provides collaborative mechanisms to recognise positive examination results issued by the USPTO for corresponding Emirati patent applications.

This will be implemented in accordance with applicable national laws.

The focus is on industrial property rights and the development of patent registration procedures that provide flexible and efficient services which support an innovation-driven and entrepreneurial environment.

This partnership with the US side is part of a new push to accelerate patent issuance by strengthening international cooperation and adopting advanced operational models.

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News developments

Dubai: New Law on Housing Contract Disputes

25/07/202525/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 21 July 2025: A new law has been issued which focuses on resolving disputes involving housing building contracts with nationals in Dubai.

The new law will come into force on 1 January 2026 and will introduce a dedicated legal framework to swiftly and efficiently handle disagreements, without disrupting the progress of housing development projects. There will be a new alternative dispute resolution system for construction projects, which will protect all parties’ rights. Amicable and consensual solutions will be promoted. The aim will be to ensure construction work continues even where there are disagreements.

The Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes will set up a new specialist section to cover this area. First there will be mediation, which will be concluded in 20 days, although it will be possible to extend this for up to 20 more days if both parties agree.

If mediation fails, the case can then be referred to a special committee made up of one judge and two industry experts. This committee must issue a decision within 30 days – although a 30-day extension is possible. Parties will have the right to appeal to the court of first instance within 30 days of that decision.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Digital Currency Payments for Court Fees

25/07/202525/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 21 July 2025: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) becomes the first government entity in the Middle East to officially accept the AE Coin for judicial and legal service fees.

This means court fees can be paid in digital currency.

Under a strategic partnership agreement signed with the Al Maryah Bank court users can pay for a wide range of judicial service using AE Coin which is a stablecoin regulated by the UAE Central Bank — via the AEC Wallet. This offers a secure, fully digital, and rapid alternative to traditional payment methods.

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News developments

UAE: Market Regulator Introduces New Goodwill Valuation Rules for Listed Companies

18/07/202518/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 14 July 2025: The UAE Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) has approved new regulations governing how listed companies must account for goodwill in mergers and acquisitions.

The regulatory framework establishes specific valuation principles for goodwill—the premium paid above a company’s net asset value during an acquisition. Under the rules, goodwill can only be recognised when a company is acquired and cannot be created internally.

The new regulations, which classify goodwill as an intangible asset, will affect all publicly listed UAE companies involved in mergers and acquisitions. Several companies, including Gulf Navigation, Multiple Group, and Emirates Driving, have recently been active in corporate acquisitions.

This measure follows recent SCA regulatory initiatives, including new frameworks for social media financial influencers and robo-adviser funds. The authority’s board has also reviewed the implementation of its recently launched financial influencer registration programme.

The regulations require boards of directors, audit committees, and external auditors to follow specific guidelines for goodwill valuation and disclosure to investors.

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News developments

Abu Dhabi: Introduces Comprehensive Maritime Safety Regulations

18/07/202518/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf News, 12 July 2025: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has unveiled new maritime safety regulations to govern the emirate’s extensive waterways, spanning 45,000 square kilometres and featuring a 2,400-kilometre coastline.

The “Regulatory Bylaw for Maritime Safety” establishes mandatory standards for licensing, operations, and environmental protection across Abu Dhabi’s waters, including its 230 islands.

Abu Dhabi Maritime, working alongside the Integrated Transport Centre, will oversee the implementation of the new framework. Their responsibilities include conducting vessel inspections, managing wreck removal, monitoring infrastructure, and maintaining navigational aids.

The regulations introduce a new fee structure covering licenses, permits, and inspections. A system of financial penalties will be imposed for violations, including unsafe conduct, environmental infractions, and breaches of navigation rules.

Under the new framework, maritime stakeholders must comply with specific requirements regarding:

Operational conduct
Licensing procedures
Environmental protection measures
Emergency response protocols

The implementing body, Abu Dhabi Maritime, will provide maritime users with access to relevant legislation, codes of practice, and guidelines. The organisation will also deliver information services covering tidal conditions and weather forecasts.

These regulations will apply to both commercial and recreational waterway users across the emirate’s maritime jurisdiction, establishing unified standards for all vessel operations and water-based activities.

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News developments

UAE: New Media Legislation Enforces Strict Penalties Across Media Activities

10/07/202518/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Khaleej Times, 3 July 2025: The UAE enforced a new media law designed to regulate media activities, establishing stringent penalties that escalate to fines as high as Dh1 million for violations such as disrespecting religious beliefs and operating without proper licensing.

The law imposes penalties up to Dh1,000,000 for insulting religious beliefs and up to Dh100,000 for any media content violating public morals or spreading destructive ideas. Further fines up to Dh150,000 apply to inciting crimes like murder, rape, or drug abuse.

Disrespecting the UAE’s ruling system, national symbols, or state institutions incurs fines between Dh50,000 and Dh500,000, and content undermining national unity or foreign relations leads to fines up to Dh250,000.

Operating without a licence incurs penalties ranging from Dh10,000 for first-time offences to Dh40,000 for repeat violations. Similar fines apply to expired licences and unapproved changes to licensing conditions.

First-time dissemination of false information attracts a fine of Dh5,000, doubling upon repetition. Organising events like book fairs without permits draws fines of Dh40,000, incrementally increased for repeated offences.

Finally, if a foreign correspondent works without a licence they will receive written warnings, and repeat offences will lead to fines starting at Dh10,000.

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News developments

Sharjah: SEWA Introduces Automatic Service Connection System

10/07/202510/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 6 July 2025: The Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA) and the Sharjah Municipality have launched an innovative electronic linkage system to facilitate automatic service connections.

This system activation follows the authentication of rental contracts by the Sharjah Municipality, which integrates into SEWA’s services seamlessly. These include the automatic closure of accounts once a clearance certificate is provided by the Sharjah Municipality.

As part of this new system, on authenticating a rental contract, new subscribers receive a text message indicating the required deposit. Once this deposit is paid, services are automatically connected, eliminating the need for any further subscriber intervention.

This will simplify new tenants’ access to essential utilities.

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News developments

Dubai: New First-Time Property Buyer Incentives Unveiled

10/07/202510/07/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Gulf Today, 2 July 2025: Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched a “First Property Ownership” programme, targeting UAE citizens and residents to facilitate property ownership.

The legal framework of the programme introduces substantial incentives for first-time property buyers. It extends credit facilities up to 18 years and allows the registration fee of 4% with the DLD to be paid in instalments. Real estate developers involved in the scheme are offering significant price reductions, lowering property costs by up to 10% below the market rate for both ready and off-plan properties.

Eligibility criteria are that applicants must be UAE residents aged 18 or older, who do not own any freehold residential property in Dubai, and wish to purchase properties valued at up to Dhs5 million. The programme applies a one-time eligibility and waives rental restrictions for long-term investments.

The programme enforces legal obligations by integrating exemptions and facilitating financial processes within established legal requirements. It prioritises access to new project units, offers preferential rates, and provides interest-free registration fee payment options through credit cards and competitive financing offers with reduced interest and fees.

Applications are subject to review, and eligible participants are added to the beneficiary list, which will be accessible to developers, providing legal assurance and clarity for all those involved.

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