M&CO Legal
Global Guide 2024
About
Founding Partner: Mahmood Hussain
Managing Partners: Hafidh Thani
Number of partners: 5
Number of lawyers: 17
Languages: Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Tagalog, Urdu
Firm Overview:
Mahmood Hussain Advocates and Legal Consultancy (MHLF) was founded in September 2012 by Mr. Mahmoud Hussain. Since then, the firm has grown to be one of UAE’s leading legal service provider, an active boutique law firm with international exposure and expertise that focuses on select clients and quality mandates. The firm expertise includes dispute resolution, arbitration, employment, corporate and commercial such as M&A and hospitality.
Main Areas of Practice:
■ Litigation
■ Arbitration
■ Corporate Commercial Law
■ Construction and Engineering
■ Franchise and Company Set Up
■ Family and Personal Status
■ Employment and Labour Law
■ Intellectual Property
■ Banking and Finance
■ Insurance
Litigation:
Dispute Resolution, Domestic 2 partners; 7 fee earners based in Dubai
■ Representing a real estate case against a major property developer based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a claim amount of AED 31M.
■ Representing an individual on embezzlement case with a claim amount of AED 43M.
■ Representing a financial company on a commercial case with a claim amount of AED 56M
Key Contact: Mahmoud Hussain
Tel: +55 508 0908 Email: [email protected]
Corporate: TMT
1 partner; 6 fee earners based in Dubai
■ Acting as lead counsel for a client who will be entering into a joint venture with a third party investor to establish a new digital streaming platform for the Middle East region, which shall initially run approximately 540 episodes of original TV series every year and 1000 episodes of original TV programs every year. In addition, it is envisaged that new content shall also be produced and created for this digital streaming platform by the client. The firm's role consists of advising and negotiating on the joint venture arrangement with the client’s partner in this project, advising on the corporate and management structure for the joint venture, including the ownership of the assets, digital platform and IP rights, and the jurisdiction in which the entities should be set up, and all related matters up to the launch of the digital platform
■ Acting as a lead counsel for a client who has developed a mobile application under the name of “Novio” which acts as a hub connecting consumers with service providers that provide salon, laser hair removal, spa and home services. MHLF has provided the client with it legal consultancy services pertinent to the required permits, structuring, and the required commercial agreements. MHLF has drafted the master mobile application listing agreement alongside the relevant schedules, terms and conditions and the privacy policy for the application
■ Acting as a lead counsel for a client engaged in trading in food products online through electronic marketplaces and mediums. MHLF has provided extensive legal consultancy services to the client in relation to the structuring and the commercial agreements to be drafted for the operation of the companies including but not limited to logistics and transportation, management agreement, NDAs, privacy policies for the websites, terms and conditions for the websites, product agreements, website management and marketing
Corporate: F&B Sector
■ Acting as lead counsel for a client that operates in the food and beverage sector and who now wishes to expand its horizons and focus on digital sales, predominantly in the MENA region by, including but not limited to, developing new brands for digital restaurants, investing into “cloud kitchens” to organise and facilitate the production of food for such digital restaurants and launch its own digital application for the online sales and delivery of food. MHLF’s role consists of advising on the corporate and management structure for this project, the arrangement between the client and other third party investors, advising and negotiating on all material contracts for the project, and assisting on all compliance and regulatory issues for the client to set up such a business in the UAE Key Contact: Hafidh Thani
Tel: +50 559 44192 Email: [email protected]
Arbitration:
1 partner; 4 fee earners based in Dubai
■ Counsels for an international and globally recognised company specialising in turnkey projects for the energy, industrial and oil & gas sectors against a strategic UAE governmental entity, in an arbitration involving disputes in the amount of over 2 billion AED of claims and counterclaims in relation to a national turnkey project. The firm is handling parallel proceedings before the UAE Courts as well as negotiating on behalf of its clients before the Legal Affairs Department for an amicable resolution.
■ Counsels for the largest hospitality group in the UAE in a DIAC seated arbitration against one of the most prominent contractors in the UAE, for a dispute in construction of a luxury hotel in the Jumeirah Beach Residences. The quantum of the dispute is evaluated to be over 200 million AED for termination of the agreement, the reimbursement of purchase price of the property and consequential damages.
■ Counsels for a well-known construction company in the UAE against a foreign developer having a branch office in the UAE in a DIAC arbitration concerning a dispute in construction, commissioning and maintenance of a community in the UAE. The disputed amount is evaluated at 42 million AED for non-payment, extension of time claims and prolongation claims
Key Contact: Dr.Mahmood Hussain
Tel: +56 803 8483 Email: [email protected]
Ranked Offices
Provided by M&CO Legal
- Dubai34th Floor, Central Park Towers Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) , Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, P.O. Box: 233066
- Web: www.mahmoodhussain.net
- Tel: +971 4 4228410
- View ranked office
M&CO Legal rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
28 items provided by M&CO Legal
Latest Executive Regulations to Federal Law No. (15) of 2020 on UAE Consumer Prote
The issuance of the new executive regulation of Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on consumer protection, the Ministry of Economy once again proves that the UAE stays on top of ever-evolving rules and regulations to ensure consumer protection in this era of digital economy and e-commerce.
Establishment of the first division for the inheritance of non-Muslims & the execution of their will
The new announcement by Dubai Courts on the establishment of the first division for the inheritance of non-Muslims and the execution of their wills
ADGM Courts Affirm the ADGM as a Pro-Arbitration Jurisdiction
On 26 June 2023, the ADGM Courts handed down a landmark ruling in A8 v B8[1], a case that concerned the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award in the ADGM.
Navigating Non-Fungible Tokens, Copyright Challenges, and Regulatory Perspectives in the UAE and EU
From a technical standpoint, NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are segments of code hosted on a digitized decentralized ledger known as the Blockchain
UPDATE ON THE UAE PRIVATE SECTOR EMIRATISATION RULES: MORE PRIVATE COMPANIES ARE NOW INCLUDED
On 11th July 2023, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (“MoHRE”) in the UAE has issued a new update on the companies that are subject to the Emiratisation targets in the private sector in the UAE.
An Arbitral Tribunal’s Discretion to Award Legal Costs in Domestic Arbitrations
When cases are brought before an arbitral tribunal, the issue of who bears the financial burden of legal expenses becomes a crucial consideration, especially when an adverse party raises a baseless defense and/or vexatious claims
The Special Judicial Committee for Incomplete and Cancelled Real Estate Projects in the Emirate of D
This short brief discusses the Jurisdiction of the Special Judicial Committee for Incomplete or Cancelled Real Estate Projects in Courts and Arbitration in the Emirate of Dubai.
Demystifying UAE Corporate Tax
The Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (hereinafter referred to as the “Corporate Tax Law”) was issued by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 9th December 2022.
Legal analysis of enforceability of assignment of arbitration clause in the light of Dubai Court of
In a nutshell, this judgement illustrates how Arbitration clause assignment is interpreted in the backdrop of the underlying transactions and wider contract between the parties in an enforceability perspective
Overview on the Insurance Disputes in the UAE
Insurance disputes are increasingly common in the UAE due to the denial of claims, policy interpretation, liability, and compensation.
INTERIM MEASURES IN CONSTRUCTION MATTERS EX PARTE APPLICATIONS – FRIEND OR FOE?
Ex parte applications during Arbitration proceedings are rare, due to procedural fairness and the transparency of arbitration proceedings. However, if notifying the other party will defeat the purpose of the application, especially during interim measures applications, what is a party to do?
Public Policy and Arbitrability of Real Estate Disputes in the UAE
Parties to a contract tend to enter into agreements without considering whether arbitration is the appropriate forum for their dispute to be determined or if the chosen forum will provide an effective method of enforcing their contractual rights.
Payment of Wages through the Wages Protection System
The timely payments of salary is an important aspect of the employment relationships in the UAE. The New Ministerial Decision No. 598 of 2022 issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Decision No. 598) reinforces the employer’s obligations to make wage payments in a timely manner
Concept of Limitation Period and its application in tortious liability under the UAE Legal System
the time bar under tortious liability, and in general, becomes a critical rule that, if used, might prove to be a turning point in disputes or compensation claims. It is always recommended that both the victim and the tortfeasor carefully investigate all aspects and circumstances in surrounding.
BANK GUARANTEES AND EMPLOYEE’S PROTECTION INSURANCE SCHEMES
The article discusses the employer’s obligations to procure adequate guarantees/ insurances in relation to the protection of the employee’s entitlements, and discusses the impact of Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 on the same.
LEGAL CHANGES IMPACTING THE CAPITAL MARKET AND JOINT STOCK COMPANIES IN UAE
Federal Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies incorporates significant number of amendments to the provisions governing joint stock companies and has also introduced new corporate concepts. Such recent developments are expected to facilitate the growth of the capital market in the United Arab
THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL ASSETS IN DUBAI
This article discusses the placement of virtual assets in Dubai, looking at platforms, and the legal issues surrounding such.
The Seat of Arbitration & Its Significance
The article discusses the significance of the seat of arbitration, and why parties are encouraged to be informed and specific when agreeing on the seat, in light of two recent UAE court decisions.
Principles of Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism
The UAE has enacted a suite of regulations that aim to counter crimes in relation to anti-money laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism as amended from time to time.
UAE’s New Federal Law on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes– Key Amendments
This article discusses about the The UAE Federal Law by Decree No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes which repeals Federal Law by Decree No. 5 of 2012 on Cybercrimes.
The Concept of Dispute in the UAE Courts
By just being a party to a case, does not that confirm that a party shall be liable, unless there are valid claims that are directed and/or raised against the said party and the capacity of such parties are proven within the claim.
THE NOTICE PERIOD UNDER UAE FEDERAL DECREE BY LAW NO. (33) OF 2021 REGULATING LABOUR RELATIONS
On 2nd February 2022, the new UAE Federal Labour Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations is coming into effect. One of the highlighted changes as per the new Law, is regarding the 'Notice Period'. This article provides an overview of its applicability towards future and existing contract.
Work patterns under the UAE Federal Labour Law
The newly promulgated Federal Labour Law No. 33 of 2021, legalizes existing and commonly-accepted types of employment agreements, including, but not limited to, part-time employment agreements and flexible hours employment agreements that were initially generated out of the Covid-19 Implications.
Benefit of Justice Principle in Arbitration Agreements
Benefit of Justice Principle in Arbitration Agreements
PRE-CONDITIONS TO ARBITRATION: IS STRICT COMPLIANCE NECESSARY?
PRE-CONDITIONS TO ARBITRATION: IS STRICT COMPLIANCE NECESSARY?
I am a Manager I am In Jeopardy
A Manager or a member of board of managers of the Limited Liability Company is considered to be a pillar of the company and its most important employee, thus Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies in the United Arab Emirates regulated clearly and in detail a chapter of legal articles.
UAE Employment Practices and Development Under COVID-19nsert Title Here
The various supplemental guidance provided by the authorities recognized that the government shutdown would directly impact the labor market.
Foreign Direct Investment under the UAE Federal Commercial Companies Law Amendment
The Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020 (the “Amendment”) was issued to revoke the FDI Law No. 19 of 2018, and to amend the Federal Commercial Companies Law No. 2 of 2015 (“CCL”)
Latest Executive Regulations to Federal Law No. (15) of 2020 on UAE Consumer Prote
The issuance of the new executive regulation of Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on consumer protection, the Ministry of Economy once again proves that the UAE stays on top of ever-evolving rules and regulations to ensure consumer protection in this era of digital economy and e-commerce.
Establishment of the first division for the inheritance of non-Muslims & the execution of their will
The new announcement by Dubai Courts on the establishment of the first division for the inheritance of non-Muslims and the execution of their wills
ADGM Courts Affirm the ADGM as a Pro-Arbitration Jurisdiction
On 26 June 2023, the ADGM Courts handed down a landmark ruling in A8 v B8[1], a case that concerned the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award in the ADGM.
Navigating Non-Fungible Tokens, Copyright Challenges, and Regulatory Perspectives in the UAE and EU
From a technical standpoint, NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are segments of code hosted on a digitized decentralized ledger known as the Blockchain
UPDATE ON THE UAE PRIVATE SECTOR EMIRATISATION RULES: MORE PRIVATE COMPANIES ARE NOW INCLUDED
On 11th July 2023, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (“MoHRE”) in the UAE has issued a new update on the companies that are subject to the Emiratisation targets in the private sector in the UAE.
An Arbitral Tribunal’s Discretion to Award Legal Costs in Domestic Arbitrations
When cases are brought before an arbitral tribunal, the issue of who bears the financial burden of legal expenses becomes a crucial consideration, especially when an adverse party raises a baseless defense and/or vexatious claims
The Special Judicial Committee for Incomplete and Cancelled Real Estate Projects in the Emirate of D
This short brief discusses the Jurisdiction of the Special Judicial Committee for Incomplete or Cancelled Real Estate Projects in Courts and Arbitration in the Emirate of Dubai.
Demystifying UAE Corporate Tax
The Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (hereinafter referred to as the “Corporate Tax Law”) was issued by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 9th December 2022.
Legal analysis of enforceability of assignment of arbitration clause in the light of Dubai Court of
In a nutshell, this judgement illustrates how Arbitration clause assignment is interpreted in the backdrop of the underlying transactions and wider contract between the parties in an enforceability perspective
Overview on the Insurance Disputes in the UAE
Insurance disputes are increasingly common in the UAE due to the denial of claims, policy interpretation, liability, and compensation.
INTERIM MEASURES IN CONSTRUCTION MATTERS EX PARTE APPLICATIONS – FRIEND OR FOE?
Ex parte applications during Arbitration proceedings are rare, due to procedural fairness and the transparency of arbitration proceedings. However, if notifying the other party will defeat the purpose of the application, especially during interim measures applications, what is a party to do?
Public Policy and Arbitrability of Real Estate Disputes in the UAE
Parties to a contract tend to enter into agreements without considering whether arbitration is the appropriate forum for their dispute to be determined or if the chosen forum will provide an effective method of enforcing their contractual rights.
Payment of Wages through the Wages Protection System
The timely payments of salary is an important aspect of the employment relationships in the UAE. The New Ministerial Decision No. 598 of 2022 issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Decision No. 598) reinforces the employer’s obligations to make wage payments in a timely manner
Concept of Limitation Period and its application in tortious liability under the UAE Legal System
the time bar under tortious liability, and in general, becomes a critical rule that, if used, might prove to be a turning point in disputes or compensation claims. It is always recommended that both the victim and the tortfeasor carefully investigate all aspects and circumstances in surrounding.
BANK GUARANTEES AND EMPLOYEE’S PROTECTION INSURANCE SCHEMES
The article discusses the employer’s obligations to procure adequate guarantees/ insurances in relation to the protection of the employee’s entitlements, and discusses the impact of Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 on the same.
LEGAL CHANGES IMPACTING THE CAPITAL MARKET AND JOINT STOCK COMPANIES IN UAE
Federal Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies incorporates significant number of amendments to the provisions governing joint stock companies and has also introduced new corporate concepts. Such recent developments are expected to facilitate the growth of the capital market in the United Arab
THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL ASSETS IN DUBAI
This article discusses the placement of virtual assets in Dubai, looking at platforms, and the legal issues surrounding such.
The Seat of Arbitration & Its Significance
The article discusses the significance of the seat of arbitration, and why parties are encouraged to be informed and specific when agreeing on the seat, in light of two recent UAE court decisions.
Principles of Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism
The UAE has enacted a suite of regulations that aim to counter crimes in relation to anti-money laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism as amended from time to time.
UAE’s New Federal Law on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes– Key Amendments
This article discusses about the The UAE Federal Law by Decree No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes which repeals Federal Law by Decree No. 5 of 2012 on Cybercrimes.
The Concept of Dispute in the UAE Courts
By just being a party to a case, does not that confirm that a party shall be liable, unless there are valid claims that are directed and/or raised against the said party and the capacity of such parties are proven within the claim.
THE NOTICE PERIOD UNDER UAE FEDERAL DECREE BY LAW NO. (33) OF 2021 REGULATING LABOUR RELATIONS
On 2nd February 2022, the new UAE Federal Labour Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations is coming into effect. One of the highlighted changes as per the new Law, is regarding the 'Notice Period'. This article provides an overview of its applicability towards future and existing contract.
Work patterns under the UAE Federal Labour Law
The newly promulgated Federal Labour Law No. 33 of 2021, legalizes existing and commonly-accepted types of employment agreements, including, but not limited to, part-time employment agreements and flexible hours employment agreements that were initially generated out of the Covid-19 Implications.
Benefit of Justice Principle in Arbitration Agreements
Benefit of Justice Principle in Arbitration Agreements
PRE-CONDITIONS TO ARBITRATION: IS STRICT COMPLIANCE NECESSARY?
PRE-CONDITIONS TO ARBITRATION: IS STRICT COMPLIANCE NECESSARY?
I am a Manager I am In Jeopardy
A Manager or a member of board of managers of the Limited Liability Company is considered to be a pillar of the company and its most important employee, thus Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies in the United Arab Emirates regulated clearly and in detail a chapter of legal articles.
UAE Employment Practices and Development Under COVID-19nsert Title Here
The various supplemental guidance provided by the authorities recognized that the government shutdown would directly impact the labor market.
Foreign Direct Investment under the UAE Federal Commercial Companies Law Amendment
The Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020 (the “Amendment”) was issued to revoke the FDI Law No. 19 of 2018, and to amend the Federal Commercial Companies Law No. 2 of 2015 (“CCL”)