GCC-based family businesses are increasingly looking towards the US commercial real estate market for potential investments. Latham & Watkins recently hosted a seminar in our Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Riyadh offices to discuss how GCC investors typically structure US commercial real estate investments and what US tax considerations businesses should keep in mind. A … Continue Reading
The final text of the UAE’s long-awaited new Investment Funds Regulation (the Regulation) has been approved by the Board of the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (the SCA). The Regulation will take effect as SCA Board Resolution No. 37 of 2012 on the Regulation of Investment Funds following publication in the Official Gazette in late … Continue Reading
A number of significant changes to the securities and capital markets regime in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) came into force on 5 July 2012. The changes represent the policy of the DIFC’s regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to more closely align the DIFC with leading benchmark jurisdictions and the requirements of … Continue Reading
Family-owned businesses continue to drive commercial activities in the economies of the Middle East. According to recent statistics, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region alone, family businesses control over 90% of commercial activity. Today, family businesses are confronted with numerous challenges in the changing economic environment, including governance, globalisation, technology, generational change and innovation. … Continue Reading
Over the last 12 months, structured finance transactions in the Middle East (both Islamic and conventional) have seen increased use of a comparatively new and previously underutilized type of special purpose vehicle (SPV) – the DIFC special purpose company (SPC). An SPC is a private company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the … Continue Reading
