UAE firms must follow strict confidentiality policies ahead of IPO offerings

Companies should manage employees and communications during early conversations regarding initial public offering (IPO) and all discussions should be kept confidential. 

In an interview with Dubai Eye 103.8's Business Breakfast, Luke Tapp from Pinsent Masons law firm clarified the rules following the TECOM Group PJSC's decision to float 12.5 per cent of its share capital on the Dubai Financial Market through an IPO. 

At the point that any company is listed, there are very strict regulations, which organisations need to have policies for and employees should be aware of.

Tapp also stressed the importance of being cautious on social media whenever an organisation is going through an IPO.

Discussing confidential information about your company with family and friends, or to a third party is a breach of UAE labour law.

However, if the information is already public then it comes down to the company policy.