United Arab Emirates: Contracts and Commercial Law

Breach of trust cases in Dubai carry serious legal consequences under Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, involving criminal penalties, civil compensation claims, and potential deportation for expatriates.

Businesses operating in the UAE face severe consequences for failing to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, including substantial fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 5,000,000 per violation. Understanding the comprehensive AML framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 is essential for financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses to implement proper customer due diligence, maintain accurate records, and avoid costly penalties that can damage corporate reputation.

The UAE and Ecuador have recently taken a significant step towards deepening cross‑border investment through the signing of a bilateral investment treaty (BIT).

Construction disputes in the UAE frequently escalate to arbitration, with nearly 60% of DIAC cases involving construction and real estate matters.

Corporate governance is not merely a compliance exercise; from a business perspective, it is a condition for stability and sustainable growth. It clarifies authority, allocates responsibility...

In this article, Carl Daou and Mona Mirza provide practical guide to force majeure and contractual obligations in the Gulf, analysing how different legal systems — including the UAE, DIFC, ADGM and KSA...

Federal Decree Law No. 25 of 2025 (the "New Civil Code") will come into effect on 1 June 2026, repealing and replacing Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (as amended) (the "Old Civil Code")...

The UAE's 2025 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025 amending Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021)...

Corporate guarantees are a cornerstone of commercial and financial transactions in the UAE. Whether used to secure the obligations of a group company, support a financing arrangement, or backstop a supply or services...