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Disputes on Delayed Approvals in Construction: An Analysis of Dubai Court Judgments
In the intricate tapestry of construction law within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), delays related to approvals have emerged as a recurring theme in disputes. The courts’ approach to these matters is both nuanced and pragmatic, reflecting a deep understanding of the complex realities of construction projects. This article

UAE judgments and tax committee decisions on FTA reconsideration procedures
Wasel & Wasel has represented clients in over two hundred tax dispute procedures in the United Arab Emirates, gaining valuable experience in protecting taxpayers from significant losses over small procedural errors. From the start of a dispute at the reconsideration stage to the final trial at the Federal Supreme

Legal Risk for Australian Businesses in Cross-Border Transactions
In the intricate matrix of cross-border legal risks, Australian enterprises are met with the most acute and perturbing challenges when they encounter situations such as insolvency, litigation, or arbitration with an international facet. However, these situations represent but a minute fraction of the total scenarios. A minuscule number of

Dubai Judgments on Extension of Time Claims: Repair and Additional Works, Concurrent Delay, and Contractual Wording
In the construction and engineering sector, extension of time claims (EoTs) are ubiquitous, often representing complex contractual and legal implications. Amid the evolving international perspectives on these claims, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has carved out its distinct path, driven by a pragmatic and robust legal framework. A deep

Actual Acceleration and Constructive Acceleration in Canadian Construction Claims
When one treads the intricate path of construction claims, a keen understanding of concepts such as ‘actual acceleration’ and ‘constructive acceleration’ becomes crucial. While these terms may appear to be mere technical jargon at first glance, they in fact encapsulate distinct scenarios that arise from deviations in schedule and

UAE Supreme Court: Fraud and deception in construction quantity schedules
Introduction The United Arab Emirates Federal Supreme Court has offered an important perspective on the implications of fraud and deception in the context of construction contracts, based on a ruling that delved into these concepts. The ruling gives critical insights into how the court views contractual procedures, quantity schedules,

Adapting to Change: Key Insights for In-House Counsel from Veteran GC David Cosgrave
David Cosgrave, Of Counsel in Australia at the law firm Wasel & Wasel, is no stranger to navigating the complex and ever-evolving legal landscape. With years of experience serving as a General Counsel (GC), he understands the unique challenges and demands of the role. In a recent interview on The

Korean Investment in Canada: The Gateway to the U.S. EV Market
Investing in Canada: A Strategic Move for Korean Companies Recent developments in international agreements and U.S. legislation present unique opportunities for Korean companies investing in Canada’s clean energy sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and Korea announced in May 2023 has laid a firm foundation for Korean

Dubai Court finds Canadian company and its owner liable in USD 7M cryptocurrency dispute
Background The plaintiff, a Canadian businessman, filed a suit before the Dubai Primary Court against the first defendant, an individual who owned the second defendant, a company established according to the laws of British Columbia, Canada. The company operated in the cryptocurrency market, facilitating the buying and selling of

Abu Dhabi Court upholds out-of-scope award and indirect arbitration claims
A recent case from the Abu Dhabi Cassation Court serves as an exemplary canvas on which several key arbitration concepts were explored, particularly concerning the validity and enforceability of an arbitration award that delves beyond the scope of its underlying arbitration agreement and the role of indirect claims in

FIDIC 2023 Guide: Navigating Risk Effects and Contractor Relief Amidst COVID-19, Inflation and War
The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war have posed unprecedented challenges to the construction industry worldwide. Projects have faced significant disruptions, delays, and cost escalations due to factors such as unavailability of goods, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating market conditions. In such scenarios, it is crucial for the parties

Disruption and prolongation construction claims between Canada and the UK
In the construction industry, disputes often arise due to delays and disruptions, leading to claims for additional time or costs. This article discusses the distinction between disruption and prolongation claims in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada, with a focus on the application of formulas considering the basis of

Shariah rules and crypto disputes: UAE court judgment and official Fatwa invalidate cryptocurrency transaction
Brief “Bitcoin is a digital currency that does not meet the legal and Sharia criteria that make it a currency subject to the rulings of dealing with official legal currencies recognized internationally. It also lacks the Sharia controls that make it a commodity capable of being exchanged for other

Landmark Judgment on the Extension of Arbitration Agreements to Non-Parties through Indirect Claims in Jordan
The Economic Chamber of the Amman Court of First Instance issued a groundbreaking judgment addressing the topic of extending arbitration agreements to non-parties through indirect claims. Case Background The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant, demanding a sum exceeding $30 million. In the statement of claim, the plaintiff

UAE Federal Court rules no penalties on voluntary disclosures related to unintentional tax errors
Overview The taxpayer filed its tax return with incorrect amounts by mistakenly calculating the tax rate at a different value than the standard rate of 5%, resulting in an incorrect tax amount. The taxpayer submitted a voluntary disclosure to correct the error, and the Federal Tax Authority imposed a

Navigating International Jurisdiction in Fraud Cases: Scenna v Persons Unknown and Its Implications
Introduction The introduction of a new jurisdictional gateway into the UK Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) in October 2022 has attracted significant attention from practitioners involved in cross-border fraud disputes. The new gateway, provided under CPR PD6B, para 3.1(25), allows parties to obtain ‘Norwich Pharmacal’ relief from foreign non-parties, significantly

UAE cryptocurrency mining disputes: Dubai Court judgment sheds light on Bitcoin mining investment issues
Introduction A recent judgment by the Dubai Appeals Court following a series of civil suits and criminal complaints has shed light on pitfalls and best practices when faced with disputes arising from cryptocurrency mining investments and when litigated before the UAE courts. This case involved a complicated series of

Public procurement construction contract forms under the Austroads and the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) Guide
The Austroads and the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) published in 2014 the Building and Construction Procurement Guide – Principles and Options, which outlines the various standard forms of contracts for different delivery models, as well as the dispute resolution procedures available. The most commonly used standard form

No tax penalties without Federal Tax Authority public clarification – rules the Dubai tax dispute resolution committee
In various decisions issued by the (second) Tax Dispute Resolution Committee of Dubai, the Committee ordered that tax obligations that are not explicitly provided for in the legislation do not create a tax obligation on the taxpayers until a public clarification is issued by the Federal Tax Authority. Disputes

Australia FIRB commercial land foreign investment guidance 2023
Overview In January 2023, the Foreign Investment Review Board issued a series of guidance notes to assist investors and stakeholders in their engagement with foreign investments in Australia. As a foreign investor, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of the Australian Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, which

New instruments announced by Dubai Courts to expedite and support enforcement of judgments and arbitration awards
On 22 February 2023, Dubai unveiled a new strategic plan that is set to further advance its judicial system towards a world-class model for efficiency and service excellence. The benefits that will be derived by litigants in Dubai, especially those with high-value claims, cross-jurisdictional disputes, arbitration matters, and litigants

Five years on: developments and dispute resolution under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
Overview The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union, which came into effect in 2017. The agreement aims to deepen the economic relationship between the two regions and facilitate the flow of goods, services, and investments. One

UAE High Court finds ICC ADGM office subjects Abu Dhabi seated ICC arbitrations to the jurisdiction of the ADGM Courts
Brief Two parties to a construction contract agreed that all disputes would be subject to the International Chamber of Commerce Rules of Arbitration and for the arbitration to be seated in Abu Dhabi. The arbitration award was challenged by one of the parties before the Abu Dhabi Appeals Court.

Corporate income tax disputes under the new UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47/2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses
The new UAE law on taxation of corporate (“Corporate Tax Law”) and business income was promulgated on 03 October 2022 and applies to tax periods commencing on or after 01 June 2023. The Corporate Tax Law does not define its own dispute procedure system. The Corporate Tax Law is
Special Reports
Strategic intelligence for high-stakes disputes and critical regulatory frameworks.
Iran War 2026: Business Risks, Continuity, and Disputes
The events that commenced in the early hours of February 28, 2026, represent the most severe systemic shock to the global economic order in a generation. For the executive leadership reading this publication: the time for theoretical risk modeling has expired. The illusion of a geographically contained Middle East has been irrevocably shattered. We have entered a theater of active, conventional warfare. This comprehensive briefing will serve as your definitive operational and legal blueprint for ensuring corporate solvency, preserving human capital, and navigating the profound legal disputes that are already beginning to crystallize.
Panoramic Tax Controversy United Arab Emirates (Lexology)
This guide on Tax Controversy in the United Arab Emirates, contributed by Wasel & Wasel for Lexology, offers a comprehensive overview of the nation’s framework for tax disputes. It details the core legislation, including the Value Added Tax Law, Excise Tax Law, and Corporate Tax law, and outlines the enforcement powers of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). The guide explains the mandatory, sequential process for challenging FTA decisions and appeals to the federal courts up to the Federal Supreme Court. Key aspects such as taxpayer rights, the calculation of penalties, the strict “pay now, argue later” principle, and rules of evidence are thoroughly examined. The guide concludes with recent trends, including the UAE’s adoption of the OECD’s Pillar Two framework and influential judicial precedents shaping taxpayer defenses.
A Definitive Commentary on the 2021 ICC Rules of Arbitration Through the Jurisprudence of the United Arab Emirates Courts
A specialized analysis of the 2021 ICC Rules of Arbitration, uniquely framed through the lens of UAE judicial precedent. The commentary is structured article-by-article, citing specific judgments from the Dubai and Abu Dhabi courts where a particular rule was central to the case. It covers a wide range of critical topics, including the effect of the arbitration agreement (Article 6), the constitution of the arbitral tribunal (Article 12), challenges to arbitrators (Article 14), time limits for awards (Article 31), and the decision on costs (Article 38). This text serves as a practical guide offering direct insight into how UAE courts interpret and apply the ICC’s procedural framework in real-world disputes.
