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Expertise

“Professional, well informed, presentable and knowledgeable of local industry regulations and best practices.” - Chambers Global

Military Procurement and Offsets

For more than two decades, we have advised foreign defence suppliers on qualification, negotiation and performance of contracts with regional defence and security customers.

 

Our military procurement and offsets practice is second to none in the UAE. We have been advising defense contractors in the UAE for over 25 years. Our knowledge of the bidding and tenders regulations of the General Headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces, the “Khalifa Directive”, and the Offset Program of the UAE, as well as our knowledge of UAE federal laws generally governing contracts for services, supplies and public works, have significantly assisted our clients in their defense sector dealings in the UAE.

 

Our practice involves:

 

  • advising foreign defense suppliers on qualification for and negotiation and performance of contracts with regional defense and security customers;

 

 

  • guiding clients on negotiations of weapons procurement contracts with the General Headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces;

 

 

  • negotiating, implementing and performing of offset agreements and advising clients on the role of consultants and intermediaries in the defense procurement process;

 

 

  • advising defense sector clients on compliance with the “Khalifa Directive” and other anti-corruption considerations related to their business activities in the UAE;

 

 

  • advising clients on the establishment of unsponsored branch offices in Abu Dhabi, establishment of corporate vehicles for activities outside the military sector, and the establishment of appropriate corporate vehicles for the performance of offset projects; and

 

 

  • advising clients on the due diligence investigation and selection of prospective sponsors, partners and consultants, and with ongoing compliance issues that may arise.

Contact Person

Charles Laubach
Partner

Representative Matters

We assisted Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company with the establishment of the first military capable shipyard in the UAE, which was the UAE’s first offset project for a US defense contractor. Since then, we have played a key role advising primarily US defense contractors on their activities in the UAE.

Advised contractor on purchase by the Government of Abu Dhabi of series of low radiation contraband detection apparatus.

Advised developer on incorporation of the only military capable shipyard repair facility in the Arabian Gulf.

Advised major international defense contractor on sale of fighter aircraft to the UAE Armed Forces.

Advised major international defense contractor on the sale of radar systems to the Government of Kuwait.

Advised an American defense contractor on supply of enhanced radar system to the Government of Kuwait.

Advised a major international defense contractor on aircraft engine sale opportunity and related offset obligations.

Advised an international high tech company on supply of remote sensing ground stations to the UAE Armed Forces.

Represented a defense contractor in dispute with agent in international arbitration.

Represented a defense contractor in dispute with agent in Abu Dhabi litigation.

Advised a major international defense contractor on aircraft maintenance offset project.

Advised an international hospital management corporation on negotiations with the UAE Armed Forces over management of Armed Forces personnel medical treatment program.

Practices
Sectors