It is quite obvious that coronavirus has somewhat brought the economy to a halt for a certain time and the government across countries are trying every bit possible to revive it. COVID-19 has affected all organizations and economies as apparent from the steep decrease in demand and supply of products, social distancing and termination of commercial contracts due to failure in performing contractual obligations.
Covid-19 has brought about much uncertainty for businesses worldwide and it is timely for a special edition of Going Concerns to provide a "survival guide" in the following jurisdictions Singapore, the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), Hong Kong, United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates ("UAE"). This special edition will also touch on recent legislation and stimulus packages introduced by governments of the above (where applicable) in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, which will impact both creditors and debtors.
Survival guide
In yet another example of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) making its company and insolvency law even more versatile, the DIFC has introduced a mechanism which will operate in a similar manner to a scheme of arrangement under English law. The law came into effect on 12 November 2018.
Key terms
Legal Overview
Among the most challenging issues facing international companies doing business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the ability to take and perfect security over assets. This is due largely to the developing nature of the country's legal system, requiring businesses to resort to less orthodox methods to reduce risk in the event of default or non-payment.
There is a wide range of precautionary attachment options in the UAE which creditors in the region should take into account.
Facts and Trial
A company operating from 2001 till 2012 was in strong financial standing. After 2012, the company faced financial difficulties and lawsuits and by 2020 had encumbered debts amounting to almost AED 20 million.
Patrick Gearon and Roger Elford, Charles Russell Speechlys
This is an extract from the 2020 edition of GRR's the Europe, Middle East and Africa Restructuring Review. The whole publication is available here.
In summary
On 17th January, 2020, the Republic of India (India) made a remarkable move with the issuance of a Gazette notification which notified the inclusion of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a “reciprocating territory” for the enforcement of judgments (Reciprocating Territory Notification). This alert expands on the features of this new development and the potential benefit for individuals, companies (including financial institutions) in the UAE that have default debtors located in India or with assets in India.
In brief:
The potential cost of making or defending a claim is often a concern for anyone involved in litigation or arbitration. AG has since 2008 been at the forefront of sharing the risk with its clients, and the litigation funding market has responded with a variety of different options and opportunities. And it's also a developing topic for the courts. Our Control Update newsletter reports all the latest developments, both commercial and legal.
Litigation funders – extent of their involvement and liability for costs