United Arab Emirates: Corporate/Commercial Law

Buying a business is not only about agreeing on a price. A company may appear profitable and well-established, but the buyer could also be taking on unpaid liabilities, contractual restrictions, employment disputes, regulatory problems or pending claims.

Intellectual property valuation combines art and science, requiring businesses to navigate traditional cost, market, and income approaches while understanding that an asset's worth depends on context, purpose, and strategic positioning. From the historic "diaper wars" between P&G and Kimberly-Clark to modern pharmaceutical portfolios, this exploration reveals how IP value fluctuates based on who holds it, when, and why—making effective valuation essential for licensing, M&A, financing, and strategic d

The UAE Competition Department has published its first comprehensive Guidelines on Relevant Market Definition, providing businesses with crucial clarity on the analytical framework used in competition assessments. These guidelines are particularly significant for merger control, where defining the relevant market is essential to determining whether a mandatory filing obligation exists under the UAE's unique threshold requirements.

Abu Dhabi's Administrative Decisions No. 25 and 26 of 2025 introduce comprehensive reforms governing the post-handover management of jointly owned property, establishing detailed requirements for service charge collection, management company operations, and owners' committee formation. These changes transform what was previously a contractual framework into a structured regulatory regime with direct implications for developers, property managers, investors, and lenders operating in the emirate's real estate

The Dubai International Finance Centre has introduced sweeping reforms to its Prescribed Company regime, removing previous eligibility restrictions while implementing mandatory Corporate Service Provider requirements. These changes fundamentally reshape how international investors, family offices and corporate groups can establish and maintain holding structures in the DIFC, with existing entities facing a January 2027 compliance deadline.

United Trademark & Patent Services examines how effective brand protection in the UAE increasingly depends on coordination between enforcement authorities rather than just legal frameworks. The article explores the practical challenges of anti-counterfeiting enforcement across federal and emirate-level institutions, border controls, and the growing complexity of digital commerce and sophisticated counterfeit operations.

Buying a business is not only about agreeing on a price. A company may appear profitable and well-established, but the buyer could also be taking on unpaid liabilities, contractual restrictions, employment disputes, regulatory problems or pending claims.

Cross border debt recovery UAE requires the right forum, asset checks, judgment recognition, and enforcement planning across each relevant country.

The Dubai International Finance Centre has introduced sweeping reforms to its Prescribed Company regime, removing previous eligibility restrictions while implementing mandatory Corporate Service Provider requirements. These changes fundamentally reshape how international investors, family offices and corporate groups can establish and maintain holding structures in the DIFC, with existing entities facing a January 2027 compliance deadline.

As the UAE strengthens its position as a leading international financial hub, boards of DIFC and ADGM entities face mounting pressure to demonstrate sound decision-making and robust governance. Regulators increasingly expect clear evidence that governance arrangements work effectively in practice, not just on paper. With enhanced scrutiny on oversight, compliance, and risk management, boards must show how decisions are reached, risks are assessed, and actions are followed through.

Directors and managers in the UAE may face personal liability for fraud, abuse of authority, conflicts of interest, and breaches of legal duties. Understanding when corporate protection ends and personal responsibility begins is essential for anyone managing a company in the Emirates.

Shareholder activism is evolving across the UAE, bringing new dynamics to corporate governance and investor relations. This comprehensive analysis examines the legal framework that shapes how activist shareholders can engage with companies, from requisitioning meetings to launching campaigns. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for both companies preparing defensive strategies and investors seeking to exercise their rights under UAE commercial law.