Asif Rashid Abdul

Senior Legal Consultant

Indicative Experience

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Contact Details

Expertise

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.

Related Experts

Contact Us

Contact Form

Recent Insight Contributions

Digital Payments with AE coin

Abu Dhabi Judiciary allows for Digital Payments with AE Coin 

In a landmark decision which is set to redefine public service payments across the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi Judicial…
July 22, 2025
Seafarer

Seafarer Contracts and Crew Welfare Under UAE Law and the MLC Convention

The UAE's Federal Law No. 43 of 2023 also known as the Maritime Code (or “the New Maritime Law”) marks…
July 16, 2025
Clio acquires vlex

Clio Acquires vLex for $1 Billion in Landmark Legal Tech Deal 

Canadian Legal Software Giant Makes Its Largest Acquisition to Date  June 30, 2025 - In a transformative move that will…
July 1, 2025
MSC Elsa 3 ship

Hazard at Sea: The Legal Aftermath of the MSC Elsa 3 Disaster

On May 25, 2025, MSC Elsa 3, while en route to Kochi, sank approximately 38 nautical miles off Vizhinjam after…
June 12, 2025
Protecting Your Intellectual Property In Commercial Contracts

Protecting Your Intellectual Property In Commercial Contracts

In today's interconnected business world, your intellectual property (IP)—including trademarks, patents, and copyrights—is a critical source of competitive advantage. IP…
August 6, 2025
Demurrage And Detention Under UAE Maritime Law

Demurrage And Detention Under UAE Maritime Law

In today’s fast-paced maritime trade, time delays at ports can quickly lead to significant costs. Two key terms every shipper,…
August 14, 2025