Middle East: Corporate/Commercial Law

Register NGO Guide in Egypt explains the legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements for establishing and operating NGOs under Egyptian law.

في ظل تنامي دور العمل الأهلي الدولي وتزايد إسهام المنظمات غير الربحية الأجنبية في مجا&

Global philanthropic giving is a major economic force, with cross-border philanthropy totalling USD70 billion in 2023.*

Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 on the Civil Procedure Law introduced an updated procedural framework for civil and commercial disputes before the onshore courts of the United Arab Emirates. It replaced the former Civil Procedure Code and supports a more streamlined and digitally enabled approach to litigation and enforcement.

When a business partner vanishes, a borrower goes silent or an investor suspects funds might have been diverted, the first question is often simple: What happened to the assets?

The UAE Cabinet has declared a Financial Emergency under the Bankruptcy Law in response to regional conflict, fundamentally altering the landscape for creditors and debtors. While creditors are temporarily barred from initiating bankruptcy proceedings, debtors facing hardship from the declared emergency gain access to flexible restructuring mechanisms.

Antitrust approval in Egypt is mandatory before closing. Since 1 June 2024, any transaction creating a change of control or material influence, and crossing the statutory turnover thresholds, requires clearance...

The UAE has introduced Cabinet Decision No. 105 of 2026, establishing official fees for competition law filings under Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023. The fee structure includes a turnover-based calculation for merger clearance requests (0.02% of annual sales, capped at AED 150,000), flat fees for exemption requests (AED 5,000), and nominal charges for objections and grievances. These fees take effect on 29 July 2026, one day before the implementing regulation becomes operational.

The UAE has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the valuation of non-cash assets contributed to company capital. Ministerial Decision No. 117/2026 establishes mandatory accreditation requirements...

Saudi Arabia's Data and AI Authority has published the Kingdom's first national framework for managing artificial intelligence risks, establishing a comprehensive governance approach that combines Islamic values with international best practices. The framework provides government and private organisations with a structured methodology for identifying, assessing, treating and monitoring AI risks across all sectors, while supporting the country's Vision 2030 and National Data and AI Strategy.

Shareholder activism is evolving across the UAE, bringing new dynamics to corporate governance and investor relations. This comprehensive analysis examines the legal framework that shapes how activist shareholders can engage with companies, from requisitioning meetings to launching campaigns. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for both companies preparing defensive strategies and investors seeking to exercise their rights under UAE commercial law.

Corporate governance disputes in UAE companies often stem from unclear decision-making authority, management powers, and shareholder rights established at incorporation. Understanding statutory duties of directors, related party transaction requirements, and the 2025 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law can help businesses structure proper governance mechanisms and avoid costly conflicts over control, profit distribution, and share transfers.