Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) | Setup, Tax & Legal Framework

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is now considered one of the world’s top financial hubs, attracting multinational corporations, startups, family offices, and professional service firms from across the globe. The centre is home to major global banks, insurance firms, asset managers, fintech pioneers, law firms, and professional service providers. The DIFC now has over […]

10 Feb 2026•By Waleed Tahirkheli

deadlock, share valuation, breaches of shareholders’ agreements and director misconduct

Dispute Resolution

Deadlock, Valuation and Director Misconduct Disputes

1. Deadlock and stalemate disputes Deadlock happens when equal shareholders cannot agree on key decisions, paralysing business operations. Disputes can arise in relation to major decisions, such as whether to pursue expansion, hire key personnel, approve significant expenditure, or sell the business. Without a controlling shareholder, day-to-day operations grind to a halt as neither party […]

30 Jan 2026•By Waleed Tahirkheli

Sanctions & Export Control

When the Oil Sanctions Hit Home

How Sanctions Work in Three Moves The coordinated sanctions offensive operates across three dimensions, each carrying distinct legal implications. The first move is the direct designation of oil producers. When Lukoil was designated on 15 October 2025, any UK person or entity became prohibited from dealing with frozen Lukoil assets without specific authorisation from OFSI. […]

30 Jan 2026•By Rashid Gaissin

Sanctions & Export Control

How to Enforce an Arbitration Award and Sanctions Law

Recognition and Enforcement of an Arbitration Award The New York Convention (the “Convention”) has been widely adopted by most countries in the world. The Convention sought to ensure that arbitration was a viable international commercial dispute resolution mechanism. Article III of the Convention obligates contracting states to recognise and enforce foreign arbitral awards. This enabled […]

16 Jan 2026•By Waleed Tahirkheli

Blog

Insights On Dubai Arbitration Week 2025

Dubai Arbitration Week 2025 started as a community project in 2014 and has grown into a significant event on the international arbitration calendar. Every November, specialists gather in Dubai for technical sessions, strategy talks and social events that showcase the city’s capability as a global forum for cross-border disputes. The programme is curated by a […]

21 Dec 2025•By Rashid Gaissin

Sanctions & Export Control

Can the British Government force Abramovich to transfer money to Ukraine?

Waleed’s Interview at LBC News A clip of Waleed’s interview at LBC News with John Stratford. The full episode can be found here. What happened this week The money sits in a British bank account like a sealed room that everyone can point to, and nobody can enter. More than £2.5bn, raised when Mr Roman […]

18 Dec 2025•By Waleed Tahirkheli

Arbitration

Azerbaijan Arbitration Days 2025 And The Baku Arbitration Centre Inauguration

A strong sense of motion defines modern Azerbaijan. Known as the land of fire and ice, the country is enjoying stability in terms of commerce and the rule of law. Nowhere does progress echo more loudly than in Baku, where old stone meets glass, and aspiration is as bright as the Flame Towers at dusk. […]

08 Dec 2025•By Rashid Gaissin

Sanctions & Export Control

Countering Russian Trade Sanctions Evasion: OTSI Guidance for the Freight and Shipping Industry

Background Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, the UK has implemented an extensive regime of sanctions and export controls, restricting Russia’s access to goods required to sustain its military operation. In response, Russia has taken increasingly complex steps in an effort to evade sanctions by the UK and its partners. Under Regulation […]

26 Nov 2025•By Waleed Tahirkheli

Arbitration

Uzbekistan And Kazakhstan International Disputes: The Role Of London-Based Arbitration In 2025

Cross-border commercial disputes involving Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan increasingly call for the strategic use of international arbitration. Both countries have modernised their legal systems to attract investors and offer transparent and efficient dispute resolution options. Yet, many large-scale disputes still look to London as the trusted seat or court for complex, high-value cases. In this article, […]

24 Oct 2025•By Rashid Gaissin

Legal Blog

Expert insights, case studies, and practical legal advice from our experienced team of solicitors.

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