Technology, media & telecommunications

Technology is a vital sector in the UAE, which is growing at an extraordinary rate, in recent years there has been a surge in legal tech innovations, fintech and insurtech companies, and web-based start-ups. Long-standing organisations are looking to modernise, and Galadari is well placed to assist our clients on the legalities of modernising their systems and new clients when it comes to setting up tech companies in the UAE, whether onshore or in one of the many Free Zones.

The strict laws governing the media, including digital media, in the UAE must be known to companies and individuals entering the market. Our lawyers have expert knowledge of local laws and regulations surrounding media and regularly deal with the National Media Council (NMC), the federal government body that oversee media affairs in the UAE, regarding licensing, distribution of media content and accreditation. Our expertise includes traditional media such as news publications and magazines and extends to digital and social media platforms.

Our lawyers also work closely with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the telecommunications sector in the UAE. We advise a range of telecommunications companies on licenses required in order to operate public telecommunications networks and provide public telecommunications services, consumer protection, IP messaging services, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybercrime.

With online businesses overtaking physical retail stores, the retail landscape in the UAE is rapidly changing as e-commerce businesses continue to grow in number and popularity. Our team advise a wide range of e-commerce companies from fashion brands and food & beverage to service-based e-commerce and digital products. Our team will inform you of the UAE rules and regulations when it comes to setting up an online business or marketplace onshore or in any of the free zones. Our team advise on online contracting, i.e. click to-accept, payment methods, social media and online content, which includes guidance on IP and cybercrimes.

Our expertise spans across: