E60: Inside Dubai Deals - How Capital Actually Moves in the UAE

For Investors Exploring Cross-Border Opportunities: How Raising Capital in the UAE Really Works 

Dubai is often seen as a place of limitless wealth and easy capital—but the reality of raising money in the United Arab Emirates is far more structured and relationship-driven than most realize. In this episode, international attorney Sarah Florer sits down with Roland Wiederaenders to share her firsthand experience practicing law in Dubai, working inside government-linked private equity, and managing cross-border deals from the Middle East, Africa, India, and the U.S. We break down how DIFC and ADGM financial free zones operate, why Islamic finance and family offices play a major role in regional investment flows, and what founders, fund managers, and investors need to understand before approaching capital sources in the Gulf region.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone exploring global dealmaking, private investments, U.S. real estate syndications, sovereign wealth dynamics, or raising international capital.

Top Takeaways

1. Dubai does have capital, but access is based on relationships, credibility, and regulatory compliance, not cold outreach.
2. The UAE operates under multiple regulatory jurisdictions: federal law + DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, and VARA (crypto).
3. Public solicitation, events, and roadshows often trigger regulatory licensing requirements.
4. One-to-one meetings and private introductions are the norm for early investor conversations.
5. Many deals in the UAE use English law to manage cross-border disputes and reduce litigation risk.
6. Family offices, government wealth, and private enterprise often overlap, influencing decision-making and access.
7. Deal sizes can be very large—even for relatively young professionals—due to rapid development and backing from sovereign wealth funds.

Notable Quotes

• “Dubai has capital—access runs through relationships, regulation, and fit.”
• “A ‘yes’ can mean ‘maybe.’ You have to validate interest before you count on it.”
• “Public roadshows usually require licensing. Quiet coffees often don’t—but get legal advice.”
• “Family offices, government, and enterprise often intersect in the UAE. Understanding who controls a deal is key.”
• “In global transactions, English law is used because litigation risk makes parties avoid U.S. law when they can.”

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & why Dubai fascinates global investors
01:29 – Sarah’s path to the Middle East and cross-cultural background
04:27 – Working at Al-Tamimi: banking, Islamic finance, private wealth
06:44 – “Dubai Inc.” and transitioning into government-linked private equity
11:46 – Billion-dollar deal experience in a 12-million-person country
15:41 – How marketing shaped Dubai’s global investment identity
19:15 – Raising capital in the UAE: perception vs. practice
21:52 – DIFC, ADGM, federal law & free-zone regulatory differences
24:14 – When you must be licensed vs. when relationship outreach works
27:21 – How foreign lawyers actually practice in the UAE
34:53 – Global legal networks: maritime, energy & arbitration
36:45 – Closing thoughts 

Credits

Sponsored by Real Advisers Capital, Austin, Texas

If you are interested in being a guest, please email us.

Disclaimers

“This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”

“The hosts of this podcast practice law with the law firm, Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC; however, the views expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and their guests, and not those of Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC.”

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