Corporate & Commercial Law in the UAE

Corporate and commercial work in the UAE

The firm covers UAE matters in cooperation with an announced partner office in the United Arab Emirates. That partner office is not a branch owned by the firm, and the firm does not itself hold a UAE law practice license; local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter in the Emirates. We advise on UAE company law, corporate governance and commercial contracts, including shareholder arrangements, signing authority, board and deadlock mechanics, and contracts matched to actual distribution, supply, technology or service operations.

The UAE legal framework

Commercial companies in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, in force since January 2022. Since the 2021 amendments, most mainland activities allow full foreign ownership; free zones - including the DIFC and ADGM, which apply their own legal frameworks - follow separate regimes. The applicable rules depend on the activity, the chosen jurisdiction and the ownership structure.

Contracts and governance

Before drafting, we map who owns the shares, who can sign, and how decisions and deadlocks are handled. Signed versions, notices and the transaction record are preserved so a later disagreement can be managed on evidence. Where a disagreement already exists, see our dispute resolution practice, or read the General Commercial & Corporate overview.

MENA coordination

The firm was founded in Kuwait in 1986 and has a branch in Cairo. It covers MENA matters in cooperation with partner offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, and partner offices in Turkey and the United States. Those partner offices are not branches owned by the firm; local licensing and advice are assessed in the relevant jurisdiction.

This page is general information, not advice for a particular entity or transaction.

Frequently asked questions

What law governs companies in the UAE?

Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, in force since January 2022. Free zones - including the DIFC and ADGM, which apply their own legal frameworks - follow separate regimes.

Can foreigners fully own a mainland company in the UAE?

Since the 2021 amendments, most mainland activities allow full foreign ownership. The position depends on the activity and the emirate, and free zones follow their own rules.

Does the firm have an office in the UAE?

The firm covers UAE matters in cooperation with an announced partner office in the United Arab Emirates. That partner office is not a branch owned by the firm, and the firm does not itself hold a UAE law practice license; local licensing and representation are assessed for each matter.

Other markets

Company Formation in the UAE · Corporate & Commercial Law in Egypt · Corporate & Commercial Law in Qatar · Corporate & Commercial Law in Oman · Corporate & Commercial Law in Bahrain