Many foreign investors assume that ownership alone guarantees flexibility to sell, transfer, or restructure their UAE business. In reality, exit rights and corporate mobility are heavily governed by law, the company’s governing documents, and regulatory approvals. Common mistakes include: Failing to incorporate…

The UAE has introduced 100% foreign ownership for most business activities, a major step toward attracting international investment. However, ownership percentage alone does not guarantee effective control over a company’s operations or decision-making. Control is determined by a combination of legal, corporate,…

In the UAE, every trade license is issued based on specific approved business activities. These are not merely descriptive labels—they are binding regulatory permissions that define the scope of operations and the authorities that oversee the company. Foreign investors frequently make mistakes…

The UAE has long been a magnet for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, offering a dynamic business environment, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly regulations. Its strategic location, free zones, and streamlined licensing processes make it an ideal hub for starting and growing a business.…

The United Arab Emirates has enacted a significant amendment to its federal organ transplant legislation, Federal Decree by Law No. (25) of 2023 Concerning Donation and Transplantation of Organs and Tissues, formally expanding the regulatory framework to govern the use of non-human…

What Happens to Expat Assets Without Heirs or Wills Expatriates who own property, bank accounts, businesses, or other assets in the UAE often wonder: what happens if they die without a will or without identifiable heirs? The UAE has updated its civil…

The UAE continues to reinforce its position as a preferred destination for business and investment through targeted legal reform. A key development in this direction is Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025, which introduces amendments to the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law…

The Dubai Rental Disputes Centre (RDC) has recently issued a significant clarification on a recurring area of dispute in the real estate market—when property buyers become liable to pay service charges in jointly owned properties. Background of the Dispute on Service Fee…

The Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in collaboration with the Dubai Free Zone Council, has launched the Free Zone Mainland Operating Permit, a major regulatory reform allowing free zone companies…

Dubai Tenants Eviction Law In Dubai, tenants are increasingly reporting evictions under the pretext of “family use”. While the law does allow landlords to reclaim property for personal or family occupation, it sets out strict conditions that must be followed. Unfortunately, some…