Abu Dhabi 2025 | GCC Forum

GCC Forum | 27-30 April 2025 | Dubai

Expanding Your Business to the UAE

Visit to the UAE Ministry of Economy

Visit to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—represent a highly attractive region for business expansion and investment.

GCC FORUM offers business representatives from the EU and CIS, as well as lawyers advising businesses in these regions, exclusive training programs that provide in-depth insights into each GCC country.

In April 2025, the “Business Expansion to the UAE” program will feature expert-led lectures covering key legal and economic topics, along with official visits to government institutions.

Delegation members will engage directly with government officials and business leaders, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration and growth in a country renowned for its ambitious vision, forward-thinking leadership, and dynamic business environment—where the impossible becomes possible.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre

GCC Forum 2025
17 January | Abu Dhabi

LEGAL LECTURES ON BUSINESS EXPANSION TO THE UAE

Visit to the UAE Ministry of Economy

Visit to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, UAE

TARGET AUDIENCE

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—represent a highly attractive region for business expansion and investment.

In April 2025, the “Business Expansion to the UAE” program will feature expert-led lectures covering key legal and economic topics, along with official visits to government institutions.

PROGRAM: EXPANDING BUSINESS TO THE UAE

This four-day interactive training program equips entrepreneurs and legal professionals from EU and CIS countries with essential expertise for expanding business into the UAE. Participants will gain practical insights into the UAE’s legal framework, investment landscape, and corporate regulations through expert-led sessions. The program also includes official visits to key institutions such as the UAE Ministry of Economy, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, and Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, providing direct access to market intelligence, networking opportunities, and strategic connections for business growth.

UAE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY

During the visit to the UAE Ministry of Economy, participants will receive first-hand information on the country’s current economic strategies, investment attraction initiatives, entrepreneurship support programs, and the UAE’s international trade agreements with third countries. The agenda will also include discussions on regulatory frameworks and recent policy developments that impact foreign businesses.

ABU DHABI JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT

Participants will gain insights into the structure of the UAE judicial system, the qualification process for foreign lawyers wishing to practice family law in the UAE, procedures for notarizing documents, and the specifics of marriage registration for expatriates. The visit will also provide an overview of recent legal reforms aimed at improving judicial efficiency and cross-border legal cooperation.

DUBAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

During a meeting with representatives of Dubai Chambers, delegation members will receive information on Dubai’s business environment, investment opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and investors, insider details on Dubai Chambers’ projects, and answers to all relevant questions. The discussion will also cover government incentives, free zone advantages, and trade policies that facilitate business expansion in Dubai.

NETWORKING & B2B MATCHMAKING

A networking session in a roundtable format, using B2BMatchmaking AI integrated into the GCC FORUM APP, will be dedicated to establishing effective business contacts between delegation members and legal professionals and businesses from the UAE and other countries. The structured networking approach will help identify potential partnerships and strategic collaborations.

LEGAL PROTECTION FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTORS

This lecture covers key legal aspects of real estate investment in the UAE, including due diligence on developers, transaction registration for foreign nationals, the use of escrow accounts, and risk minimization measures when purchasing off-plan properties. The session will also highlight recent regulatory updates designed to enhance investor confidence and market transparency.

DEBT COLLECTION & CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT

Participants will gain knowledge about debt recovery procedures in the UAE, legal tools for creditor protection, effective credit risk management strategies under local legislation, and practical advice on handling debtors. The discussion will also include alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration and mediation, for expediting debt settlements.

CRIMINAL LAW & INTERPOL

This session will address economic crimes in the UAE, recent legal changes, current trends, and future expectations. Legal professionals from the UAE will share case studies on common offenses committed by foreign nationals and discuss INTERPOL-related matters. The session will also examine risk mitigation strategies for businesses to ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

BANKRUPTCY: LIABILITY & TIMELINES

The bankruptcy session will explore challenges faced by companies in financial distress in the UAE, required steps depending on various scenarios, legal timelines, liability of directors and shareholders, and protective measures. The discussion will also cover restructuring options and strategies for mitigating financial instability under UAE insolvency laws.

ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN COURT DECISIONS

This session will cover the enforcement of foreign court judgments in the UAE, explaining the legal framework, procedural requirements, practical considerations, and strategies for successful enforcement. The discussion will also highlight key precedents and jurisdictional challenges that affect enforcement.

INHERITANCE: LEGAL ASPECTS

This session will explore inheritance law in the UAE, focusing on cases involving foreign nationals. Common legal scenarios and practical insights will be provided for legal professionals dealing with international inheritance matters. The discussion will also address the complexities of Sharia-based inheritance laws and their implications for expatriates.

THE UAE INVESTMENT SYSTEM

This lecture provides an overview of investment funds and agencies in the UAE, detailing who provides grants and investments, in which sectors, and in what amounts. Practical recommendations will be offered for navigating the investment landscape in the Gulf region. The session will also explore emerging investment trends, including the role of sovereign wealth funds and venture capital in key industries.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS

The delegation will be introduced to an innovative technology that aims to revolutionize real estate transactions and management, enabling investments in property shares with minimal capital contributions. The session will highlight the benefits of fractional ownership, digital asset management, and regulatory considerations for this new investment model.

GENERAL TAXATION ISSUES

Participants will be briefed on the upcoming corporate tax, which will become mandatory for companies in 2024, as well as VAT regulations, tax exemption cases, double taxation treaties, and the UAE’s removal from the financial "grey list". The discussion will also focus on practical tax planning strategies to optimize business operations and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

ESSENTIALS OF UAE LABOR LAW

This lecture offers an overview of UAE labor legislation for employers, entrepreneurs, and investors, covering rights and obligations of employers and employees, hiring and termination procedures, and best practices for preventing labor disputes. Special attention will be given to employment contract regulations, dispute resolution mechanisms, and labor market trends.

MARRIAGE & DIVORCE IN THE UAE

This session focuses on the specifics of family law in the UAE, including recent legislative changes, regulations governing marriages involving foreign nationals, divorce procedures, child custody, and asset division in an international context. The discussion will also explore the impact of new family law reforms on expatriates and legal strategies for cross-border family disputes.

This four-day interactive training program includes

LEGAL LECTURES: APRIL 27-28

Lectures on UAE law will be delivered by practicing lawyers, legal experts, and business representatives operating in the UAE. These sessions will provide participants with exclusive first-hand insights and practical recommendations for developing a legally sound business strategy in the UAE. The program is designed for foreign entrepreneurs and legal professionals seeking to become a bridge between their clients and partners in the UAE.

OFFICIAL VISITS: APRIL 29-30

The official visit program includes meetings with key institutions, such as the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the UAE Ministry of Economy, and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting traditional Middle Eastern hospitality, the GCC FORUM delegation will have the opportunity to engage with representatives of these organizations. Participants will gain first-hand knowledge about the latest business regulations, key legal frameworks, and essential steps for successful business operations in the UAE.

B2B MATCHMAKING & NETWORKING

The networking section will bring together representatives of the UAE’s legal and business community, providing a unique opportunity for participants to effectively identify business partners. The B2BMatchmaking.AI application, powered by artificial intelligence, uses smart algorithms to match participants with the most relevant professional contacts based on their specific business needs. In addition to meeting industry peers from the UAE, participants will have the chance to identify and connect with potential partners for future collaboration.

B2BMatchmaking.AI

To fully understand how our state-of-the-art app can elevate your experience at the GCC Forum 2025, we encourage you to watch our presentation video. The app delivers a personalized approach to identifying the best business partners and promoting your services to the right clients through advanced AI algorithms. Imagine arriving at the event with insights that reveal an 87% business interest match with one attendee and just 12% with another. This empowers you to direct your networking with precision, making the most of your time and maximizing opportunities for meaningful connections with GCC and European business leaders and investors. Our app ensures that your networking experience is not only smarter but also more impactful than ever before.