Afridi & Angell are not only the dominant thought leaders of transport but made local history by contributing to some of the oldest transport laws which still stand to this day.

Since Afridi & Angell’s inception back in 1975, there is no arguing that we govern the largest percentage of matters in the transport sector, this includes (but not limited to) aviation, shipping and logistics. Having been in the region for over 45 years, our partners are amongst the most senior practitioners and have been involved in every aspect of the law, not to mention their influence in making history by heavily contributing to the creation and shaping of some of the UAE laws, which still stand to this day.

For further insight, please refer to the breakdown below:

Aviation:  

Afridi & Angell lawyers have extensive experience advising clients in the aviation and transportation industry, including civil aviation authorities, airport authorities, aviation companies and commercial airlines. Commonly, the scope can include:

• investment by a sovereign fund in a low-cost carrier and consequent fleet upgrade;

• acquisition of wide body aircraft for a national carrier;

• setting up branch offices across the UAE;

• contentious and non-contentious employment matters including general human resources advice, advice on executive level employment contracts, and terminations;

• General Sales Agent (GSA) arrangements;

• private jet operation and maintenance contracts;

• aircraft acquisition and leases;

• customs and tax matters

• debt collection advice;

• drafting and reviewing commercial agreements including aircraft lease agreements (wet and dry), IP license agreements, agreements with sales agents, other third-party service agreements, consultancy agreements, and warehouse and office space lease agreements;

• acquisition finance and registration of security interests; and

• joint ventures and corporate restructurings.

Shipping:

We represent and advise ship owners, Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, dry docks, freight forwarders and banks. We successfully advise on the arrest of vessels, shipbuilding contracts, regulations (including environmental) relating to the transportation sector.

Afridi & Angell is the UAE Legal Correspondent for a number of P&I clubs acting exclusively on behalf of their members on matters involving:

• charterparties;

• bills of lading;

• collisions;

• shipyards;

• ship repair companies;

• release of vessels from arrests; and

• maritime and shipping disputes.

Logistics:

Afridi & Angell has decades of experience advising multinational corporations in alignment with their logistical needs; a critically important factor with any mode of transport.

We provide regular advice to ports, courier companies, banks, government bodies and many local and multinational corporations. The scope is forever evolving, however most in-demand and frequent matters relate to:

• customs laws and regulations applicable in the UAE (and internationally);

• customs duties in connection with importing and exporting goods worldwide;

• dutiable imports;

• customs exemptions and clearance;

• service agreements for customs clearing; and

• warehouse management.

We also have a growing practice advising clients on VAT compliance.