Mr. Asif is a legal professional with over 25 years of diverse experience spanning litigation, legal research, and corporate procurement. His expertise in contract management, negotiation, and compliance has positioned him as an expert in the legal and commercial domains.

Before transitioning to the UAE, Mr. Asif served as a Procurement Professional at IBM, where he honed his skills in commercial transactions, negotiation strategies, procurement legalities, and software contract management. This role allowed him to develop a robust understanding of global business practices and sharpen his expertise in contract negotiation and management.

Currently focusing on commercial transactions within the UAE, Mr. Asif has specialized expertise in navigating the legal landscapes of the ADGM, DIFC, and various UAE free zones. His strategic approach emphasizes compliance with legal and commercial obligations, streamlining processes, and mitigating risks, particularly in the high-stakes, fast-paced business hubs of the UAE.

Mr. Asif’s deep understanding of free zone regulations and his ability to blend legal and commercial strategies make him an invaluable advisor to clients in high-growth sectors. His guidance helps businesses optimize operations, navigate complex regulations, and ensure sustainable legal and commercial success.

Corporate & Commercial

Advised a multinational corporation on restructuring its Middle East operations to ensure compliance with UAE corporate laws and optimize tax efficiency. Negotiated and drafted a joint venture agreement between a UAE-based company and a European partner, facilitating a $150 million infrastructure project. Assisted a leading retail chain in the UAE with the legal aspects of franchising operations across GCC countries, including compliance and contract management.

Data Privacy

Developed comprehensive data protection policies for a fintech startup to comply with UAE data privacy regulations and GDPR requirements. Conducted a data privacy impact assessment for an international e-commerce platform operating in the UAE, identifying compliance gaps and recommending remedial actions. Provided training to a UAE healthcare provider on patient data confidentiality and best practices in line with local and international data protection laws.

Information Technology

Guided a blockchain-based payment solutions company through the regulatory approval process in the ADGM, ensuring adherence to financial regulations. Assisted a peer-to-peer lending platform in structuring its operations to comply with UAE financial laws and secure necessary licenses. Advised an international fintech firm on entering the UAE market, including legal compliance, partnership agreements, and intellectual property protection.

Information Technology

Negotiated a software development and licensing agreement for a UAE tech company expanding its services in the MENA region. Assisted a government agency in procuring IT services, ensuring contract terms met public sector procurement standards and compliance requirements. Provided legal counsel to a startup on the deployment of an AI-driven platform, addressing issues related to liability, data usage, and regulatory compliance.

Private Equity & Venture Capital

Advised a venture capital firm on a $50 million investment in a UAE-based health tech startup, including due diligence and shareholder agreements. Structured a private equity fund’s acquisition of a significant stake in a regional logistics company, ensuring compliance with UAE investment laws. Assisted an angel investor in negotiating terms for seed funding in a fintech startup, focusing on equity distribution and exit strategies.

Intellectual Property Rights

Guided a tech startup through the legal processes of establishing operations in a UAE free zone, including company formation and licensing. Developed employee stock option plans (ESOP) for a startup to attract and retain talent while ensuring compliance with local labor laws. Advised a startup incubator on structuring its agreements with resident companies, focusing on intellectual property rights and investment terms.