Capital Markets in Dubai.

Capital Markets Legal Services in Dubai and the UAE

The UAE has two main regulated capital markets: the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). In addition, NASDAQ Dubai and DIFC-based financial services are regulated by the DIFC Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Al Safar & Partners advises clients across the full spectrum of capital markets activity — from initial public offerings and private placements to ongoing listed company compliance, secondary market transactions and regulatory enforcement.

Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)

We advise issuers, underwriters and selling shareholders on UAE IPOs — covering prospectus preparation and SCA approval, corporate restructuring to IPO-ready status, regulatory filings, underwriting documentation, and post-listing compliance obligations. Our team understands both the legal requirements and the commercial dynamics of UAE and wider MENA capital markets transactions.

Debt Capital Markets

We advise on the issuance of conventional bonds and Islamic sukuk in the UAE and regional markets — from investment grade corporate bonds to high yield instruments and sovereign and quasi-sovereign issuances. Our team advises issuers, arrangers and trustee entities on documentation, regulatory approval, listing on DFM or NASDAQ Dubai, and ongoing disclosure obligations.

Listed Company Compliance

SCA-listed and DFSA-regulated entities face extensive ongoing compliance obligations: continuous disclosure, major shareholding notification, related party transaction reporting, corporate governance requirements and annual reporting obligations. We advise listed companies on their compliance programmes, advise on specific disclosure obligations as they arise, and represent companies in SCA enforcement proceedings.

Private Placements and Restricted Offerings

Not all capital raising requires full public disclosure. Private placements to sophisticated investors, qualified investor offerings and Regulation D/Rule 144A structures for international investors are all available in the UAE context. We structure private placement programmes, prepare offering memoranda and subscription documentation, and advise on the exemptions from prospectus requirements available under SCA and DFSA rules.