Posts by Ashraf Motei

UNDERSTANDING UAE CORPORATE TAX AND THE ROLE OF FREE ZONES

News
The UAE Corporate Tax (CT) Law, introduced by Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 and effective from 1 June 2023, establishes a comprehensive legal framework for taxing business profits in the country. It reinforces the UAE’s commitment to transparency and sustainable economic…

WHEN CAN YOU CANCEL A PROPERTY PURCHASE AGREEMENT IN DUBAI?

News
Over the past two years, buyers in Dubai have ridden one of the most dynamic real estate surges in the world. Property prices have soared nearly 75% since early 2021, while total transaction volumes skyrocketed, 2024 alone recorded 180,987 deals worth AED…

UNDERSTANDING PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS IN THE UAE: A GUIDE TO THE CURRENT LEGAL FRAMEWORK

News
Prenuptial agreements have become an essential legal tool for many couples worldwide, allowing them to establish clear guidelines on the division of assets, alimony, and other matters in the event of a divorce. For foreign residents in the UAE, understanding how prenuptial…

THE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF SUBLEASING AND SHARING A PROPERTY WITHOUT THE LANDLORD’S CONSENT

News
Under Dubai’s tenancy law, strict rules govern the relationship between the landlords, tenants, and subtenants. Law No. (26) of 2007, as amended by Law No. (33) of 2008, explicitly prohibits tenants from subleasing or sharing a property without the landlord’s written consent…

THE NEED FOR REGULATION ON ARBITRATORS’ WORKLOAD IN DIAC ARBITRATIONS

News
In recent years, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) has grown into a premier institution for resolving commercial disputes in the UAE and beyond. While this reflects confidence in the UAE’s arbitration framework, our recent experience with DIAC revealed a critical gap:…

Litigation v. Arbitration in the UAE

News
In the UAE’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, resolving disputes efficiently and effectively is paramount. Whether it’s a contractual disagreement, a shareholder dispute, or a commercial breach, the way in which a business resolves these issues can affect its operations, reputation, and…

DUBAI INTRODUCES SMART RENTAL INDEX: A GAME-CHANGER FOR TENANTS, LANDLORDS, AND INVESTORS

News
Dubai’s rental market is set to undergo a major transformation with the launch of a new Smart Rental Index by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). What Is the Purpose of the Smart Rental Index? The index aims to create transparency in rental…

FTA PUBLIC CLARIFICATION ON FIRST TAX PERIOD FOR CORPORATE TAX IN THE UAE

News
As the UAE business community gears up for its first Corporate Tax filing in 2025, businesses across the country are preparing to meet their obligations under the Corporate Tax Law. With the implementation of Corporate Tax for the first time, many companies—especially…

UAE NATIONAL MEDIA OFFICE ISSUES GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA USERS

News
The UAE’s National Media Office (NMO) has reinforced its commitment to ensuring ethical and legal standards in digital communication by issuing strict guidelines for social media users. The directives emphasize the importance of maintaining a responsible online presence in alignment with national…

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR UAE PROPERTY IF YOU DIE WITHOUT A WILL?

News
Buying property in the UAE is a significant milestone for many expats. But what happens if you pass away without a registered Will? With the new UAE Civil Law now in effect, the fate of your property—and your family’s right to it—could…