Legal Insights & Commentary

Expert Analysis on
Sanctions & Corporate Law

Authoritative commentary on OFAC sanctions, Iran sanctions, Russia sanctions, DIFC corporate law, and cross-border compliance — from Dr. Shaun Gregory Morgan, LLM Northwestern · NY Bar No. 1210887.

OFAC Sanctions Compliance UAE Businesses — Dubai skyline
⭐ Featured Article

The US OFAC sanctions landscape has never been more complex for UAE-based businesses. With the dramatic expansion of Russia sanctions following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, ongoing Iran sanctions enforcement, and heightened OFAC scrutiny of UAE as a potential sanctions evasion hub, corporate compliance programs that were adequate in 2020 are almost certainly inadequate today. This analysis examines the key OFAC risks facing UAE businesses in 2025 and the compliance strategies most likely to succeed.

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Corporate Law Dubai
April 2025 8 min read

Setting Up a DIFC Company: A Complete Legal Guide for International Businesses

Everything international businesses need to know about establishing a DIFC entity — from structure selection and constitutional documents to regulatory licensing and ongoing compliance obligations.

Trade Controls
April 2025 7 min read

US-UAE Trade Relations: Export Controls and Dual-Use Technology Explained

US export controls — including the EAR and ITAR — have significant implications for UAE businesses dealing in technology, defense, and dual-use goods. A practical guide to compliance.

AML Compliance
March 2025 9 min read

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance in the UAE: 2025 Regulatory Update

The UAE's AML regulatory framework has undergone significant strengthening since the FATF grey-listing. This update covers the key changes to UAE AML law and what businesses must do to comply.

M&A Advisory
March 2025 10 min read

Cross-Border M&A in Dubai: Structuring Transactions for Legal and Commercial Success

Cross-border M&A involving Dubai and UAE targets requires careful navigation of UAE foreign investment rules, OFAC due diligence, and cross-border structuring. A practical guide for deal teams.

OFAC Sanctions
February 2025 8 min read

SDN List Screening Best Practices for UAE Financial Institutions in 2025

Effective SDN screening requires more than off-the-shelf software. We examine the gold-standard practices for UAE banks and financial institutions seeking to minimise OFAC enforcement risk.

Corporate Governance
January 2025 6 min read

UAE Corporate Governance: What International Boards Must Know in 2025

UAE company law has evolved significantly since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law amendments. This guide covers the key corporate governance obligations for international boards of UAE entities.

Russia Sanctions
December 2024 11 min read

Russia CAATSA Secondary Sanctions: What UAE Businesses Must Know

CAATSA's secondary sanctions provisions expose non-US companies — including UAE businesses — to sanctions risk for dealings with Russian defence and intelligence sectors. A critical compliance guide.

Iran Sanctions
November 2024 9 min read

Iran ITSR Compliance for UAE Trading Companies: Practical Risk Management

UAE trading companies face acute Iran OFAC sanctions exposure given the UAE's historic role as a regional trade hub. This article sets out the practical steps to identify and manage ITSR risk.

OFAC Enforcement
October 2024 7 min read

OFAC Voluntary Self-Disclosure: When and Why It Matters for UAE Companies

A strategically prepared voluntary self-disclosure can reduce OFAC civil penalties by 50% or more — in many cases to zero. This guide explains the VSD process and when it is in your best interest.

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Reading about OFAC sanctions and UAE corporate law is the first step. When you need expert counsel, Dr. Shaun Gregory Morgan provides senior-partner advice from Emirates Towers, Dubai and Carnegie Hall Tower, Level 27, 152 West 57th Street, New York.

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