Gold and Jewellery Group and Ja'afar Alwan Al Jaziri, Associates organise legal seminar for group members

The seminar was requested by members and was provided by Ja'afar Alwan Al Jaziri, Associates. Proprietors of over 70 jewellery businesses took part in the event.

'As a committee member of the Gold and Jewellery Group, I came to realise how important such a seminar was for members,' said Hussain Al Jaziri, Partner of Ja'afar Alwan Al Jaziri Associates. 'It is necessary for jewellery business owners to be fully aware of the law and how it affects their business. Thus, our company was glad to provide this service to ensure that Dubai's jewellery trade could continue to act in the ethical manner that they are renowned for.'

'We decided to hold this seminar to ensure that our members were fully informed about legal issues that might affect their operations,' agreed Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman of the Group.

'It can sometimes be the case that owners are not fully aware of the law, and can either unknowingly commit misdemeanours, or lose out on potential benefits. We wanted this seminar to give them the basic legal knowledge to help them run their businesses.'

'The event covered major sectors of the law, giving owners a good grounding in factors that might relate to setting up companies, employing staff, leasing premises and managing the financial aspects of a business.'

'It was an extremely informative morning, and members benefited from the legal expertise of the speakers. We had a very lively question and answer session with owners keen to learn as much as they could. This event is part of our ongoing commitment to help our members in every aspect of their business, and to develop Dubai further as the city of gold and jewellery.'

The seminar covered a range of legal issues, including corporate and commercial law. This opening session introduced members to the options available for setting up a business, and the documentation required. The labour and tenancy talk took members through the UAE labour law, including the rights and responsibilities of the employer, in addition to leasing issues.

On the issue of the criminal process, attendees learned about the rights of a suspect or accused, in addition to arrest procedures and an accused's right to counsel. The final seminar, on successions, wills and trusts, enlightened members on financial law.

An association of more than 475 gold and jewellery outlets in Dubai, the Gold and Jewellery Group is responsible for promoting and improving the gold and jewellery trade in Dubai.