Business decisions in the UAE sit on top of a legal framework that includes the Commercial Companies Law, the Commercial Transactions Law, the Civil Transactions Law and, for companies in free zones, the rules of the relevant zone. The guides in this topic explain how the main documents and decisions fit together.
They cover relationships between owners, how agreements are reviewed before signing, what legal due diligence examines, and how to think about restructuring or business disputes in their early stages.
Where to start
If you are forming or joining a business, begin with the guide on shareholder agreements and the comparison of mainland and free zone considerations. If you are buying into a business, read legal due diligence first.
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This topic connects to the consultancy's work on corporate structuring, commercial transactions and corporate governance.
All Corporate & Commercial guides
Shareholder Agreements in the UAE: What They Cover
What a UAE shareholders' agreement typically covers, how it relates to the articles of association, and what to review before signing.
Read guidePartnership Agreement Review in the UAE
How to review a business partnership agreement in the UAE: roles, capital, profit sharing, liability, exit and dispute terms to check first.
Read guideNon-Compete and Non-Solicit Clauses in UAE Commercial Agreements
How non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants in UAE business agreements are drafted and assessed for scope and reasonableness.
Read guideLegal Due Diligence in UAE Transactions
What legal due diligence examines before a UAE acquisition or investment: corporate records, contracts, licences, disputes, employees and property.
Read guideCorporate Restructuring in the UAE: Key Legal Considerations
Legal considerations when restructuring a UAE company: ownership changes, mergers, share transfers, new entities, creditors and documentation.
Read guideBusiness Dispute Consultation in Dubai: First Steps
How to approach an early-stage business dispute in Dubai: documents to gather, options available, and decisions to make before escalating.
Read guideCommercial Agency and Distribution Agreements in the UAE
What to review in UAE commercial agency and distributorship agreements: exclusivity, registration, territory, termination and dispute terms.
Read guideMainland vs Free Zone Companies in the UAE: Legal Considerations
A legal comparison of mainland and free zone companies in the UAE: licensing, ownership, contracts, disputes and where each fits.
Read guideLegal Risk Review for a UAE Business
How a legal risk review works for a UAE business: contracts, licences, employment, disputes, IP and compliance, and how findings are prioritised.
Read guideReviewing Terms and Conditions for a UAE Business
How to review standard terms and conditions for a UAE business: liability, payment, termination, governing law, consumers and enforceability.
Read guideFrequently asked questions
Does a business agreement need to be in Arabic?
Not necessarily, but the Arabic language is used in UAE courts, so documents in other languages may need certified translation if relied on in proceedings. The contracts guides discuss language clauses.
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