Legal Services

Family law in the UAE requires careful attention to the parties’ individual circumstances. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on the Personal Status Law forms a central part of the current federal framework and contains provisions dealing with marriage, divorce, custody, guardianship, maintenance, and other personal status matters.

For Muslim families, UAE personal status law is closely connected with Islamic principles. The legislation expressly addresses its application where both parties or one party to the relationship is Muslim.

The position for expatriates and non-Muslims requires a more detailed assessment. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status provides a civil personal status framework for non-Muslims within its scope. UAE law also contains provisions concerning the application of another permitted law in certain circumstances.

This is why nationality or expatriate status alone does not provide a complete answer to a family law question. Religion, nationality, the nature of the relationship, applicable legislation, and the facts of the matter may all need to be considered.

Our family lawyers in Dubai review these factors before explaining the legal options and procedures that may be relevant to a client.

Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies forms the principal legislative framework governing many mainland companies in the UAE. It addresses matters including company formation, corporate governance, shareholder rights, management, restructuring, and dissolution.

Businesses may also establish entities within UAE free zones, each operating under its own regulatory framework. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) each maintain independent company legislation and courts for matters within their jurisdiction.

Understanding these differences is important before establishing a business or entering a significant commercial transaction. Among commercial law firms in Dubai, Al Mazmy provides practical guidance that helps clients select appropriate legal structures while remaining compliant with applicable regulations.

Onshore banking and regulated financial activities fall within the federal financial regulatory framework and the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025 Regarding the Central Bank, Regulation of Financial Institutions and Activities, and Insurance Business provides a central part of the current legislative framework.

The position differs in the UAE’s international financial centers. Financial services conducted in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. In Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority supervises regulated financial services.

This distinction can matter when assessing licensing, regulatory obligations, contractual arrangements, and disputes. The governing documents, parties, location of the activity, and agreed jurisdiction may all require examination.

Through our legal consultancy in Dubai, clients can obtain guidance on the legal context of a financial matter before making significant commercial or procedural decisions.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) is responsible for the registration of property ownership and a range of land and property-related services. The Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), which forms part of the DLD, regulates aspects of Dubai’s real estate sector, including brokers, developers, and certain regulatory requirements affecting property transactions.

Depending on the nature of the matter, property disputes may involve contractual interpretation, ownership questions, regulatory requirements, construction issues, or tenancy legislation. The appropriate legal procedure depends on the facts of the dispute and the relevant legal framework.

Off-plan developments may also involve additional legal considerations concerning project documentation, payment obligations, escrow arrangements, and completion timelines. Careful legal review before committing to an investment can help buyers better understand their contractual position.

As a real estate law firm in Dubai, Al Mazmy advises clients on both transactional and contentious property matters, providing guidance that reflects the applicable UAE legislation and Dubai’s regulatory framework.

Private-sector employment relationships in the UAE are primarily governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships, as amended, together with its Executive Regulations under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022.

The legislation addresses major aspects of employment, including contracts, working arrangements, wages, leave, termination, and end-of-service benefits. However, the applicable legal framework and dispute process can differ for certain categories of workers and employment relationships, including those governed by separate jurisdictional rules.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) plays a central role in many private-sector labor disputes. A complaint may be submitted to MOHRE, which can attempt to resolve the dispute amicably. Under the current framework, MOHRE may issue a final executive decision in certain disputes where the value of the claim does not exceed AED 50,000. Other unresolved matters may proceed through the competent court process.

Timelines can be important. The Labor Law contains limitation provisions for employment claims, and procedural deadlines may also apply to particular decisions or stages of a dispute. Employees and employers should therefore avoid assuming that a workplace disagreement can be addressed at any time.

As one of the experienced employment law firms in Dubai, Al Mazmy reviews the facts, documents, jurisdiction, and applicable procedures before advising clients on potential next steps.

Where appropriate, the case may continue before the competent criminal court. During the proceedings, the court considers the evidence, submissions, and applicable legislation before reaching a decision. Certain judgments may be subject to appeal in accordance with UAE law and procedural requirements.

The exact process depends on the alleged offense, the available evidence, and the procedural stage of the case. Individuals should avoid relying on general assumptions or advice from unofficial sources, as criminal matters often involve strict procedural rules and legal deadlines.

Those searching for the best criminal lawyers in Dubai frequently require urgent legal advice before attending an interview or responding to investigators. Obtaining professional legal guidance at an early stage may help clarify your legal position and the procedural steps involved.

Our legal consultancy in Dubai also assists individuals and businesses seeking preventive legal advice before issues develop into formal disputes or criminal proceedings.

Cheques are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022 on Commercial Transactions. Under the current framework, a cheque returned for insufficient or unavailable funds may provide a route to civil execution, subject to the legal requirements and circumstances of the case. Certain conduct involving cheques may still carry separate legal consequences.

Because cheque cases can involve strict procedural and evidentiary considerations, creditors should obtain legal guidance before deciding how to proceed.

Court Proceedings and Enforcement

Where voluntary payment cannot be achieved, a creditor may consider court proceedings or other available legal procedures. UAE civil procedures are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022, as amended, alongside other applicable laws and jurisdiction-specific rules.

The correct route may depend on the debt, contractual terms, evidence, location of the parties, and agreed jurisdiction. Once an enforceable judgment or instrument is obtained, further execution procedures may be available in accordance with UAE law.

Where a debtor is experiencing serious financial distress, restructuring or insolvency considerations may also arise. In such circumstances, our bankruptcy lawyer in Dubai can advise on the relevant legal framework.

Dubai’s landlord-tenant relationship is primarily governed by Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008. Rent increases are also subject to the applicable Dubai regulatory framework, including Decree No. 43 of 2013 and the rental index approved by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).

The Rental Disputes Settlement Centre, established under Decree No. 26 of 2013, provides a specialized forum for resolving many rental disputes in Dubai. Jurisdiction can depend on factors such as the location of the property, the nature of the lease, and any applicable special jurisdiction.

Before filing or responding to a claim, it is important to review the tenancy contract, Ejari certificate, payment records, correspondence, notices, property documents, and other relevant evidence. Our team provides legal consultancy in Dubai to help clients understand the issues involved and make informed decisions before taking further action.

OUR EXPERTISE AS RENTAL DISPUTE LAWYERS IN DUBAI

Our lawyers specialize in mediation, negotiation, and litigation for all types of rental disputes, including unpaid rent, eviction procedures, and property maintenance disagreements. We aim to achieve prompt and efficient resolutions while minimizing stress for our clients.

By combining extensive legal knowledge with a personalized approach, our rental dispute lawyers in Dubai ensure that your case is handled professionally and transparently. Whether you seek to resolve a dispute amicably or pursue legal action, Yaqoub Almaazmi Advocates and Farag Allah Legal Consultancy are committed to delivering results that align with your best interests.

UAE corporate tax is primarily governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, together with relevant Cabinet and Ministerial Decisions and FTA guidance. The general corporate tax framework includes a 0% rate on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and a 9% rate on taxable income above that threshold, subject to the law’s specific rules, exemptions, and other applicable provisions.

VAT is governed principally by Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on Value Added Tax. The standard VAT rate is 5%, although zero-rated and exempt supplies may apply in circumstances specified by law.

Tax procedures are also governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 28 of 2022 on Tax Procedures and its implementing rules. Where a taxpayer disagrees with an FTA decision, formal procedures may be available, including reconsideration and further dispute mechanisms, subject to statutory requirements and deadlines.

Because UAE tax legislation and administrative guidance continue to develop, businesses should consider current law and FTA guidance when making significant decisions.

For arbitrations governed by the federal UAE framework, Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 Concerning Arbitration provides the principal statutory basis. It addresses matters including arbitration agreements, arbitral tribunals, procedures, awards, and challenges to awards.

DIAC is a major arbitral institution based in Dubai. Its 2022 Arbitration Rules apply to new requests for arbitration submitted under the Rules from 21 March 2022 and contain procedures covering the conduct of DIAC arbitrations.

The DIFC has its own arbitration framework under DIFC Law No. 1 of 2008, while ADGM operates under its Arbitration Regulations 2015, as amended. These financial free-zone frameworks may be relevant where the parties select DIFC or ADGM as the seat of arbitration.

Choosing an institution and choosing a seat are related but distinct decisions. The wording of the arbitration clause should therefore be examined carefully. Businesses should not assume that using a Dubai-based institution automatically answers every question concerning applicable arbitration law or court supervision.

The UAE has established legal frameworks for dealing with financial distress, restructuring, and insolvency. Corporate and commercial bankruptcy matters are generally governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2023 Promulgating the Financial and Bankruptcy Law, together with its applicable executive regulations. The framework provides procedures for financial restructuring, preventive settlement and bankruptcy, subject to eligibility requirements and court supervision.

Personal insolvency must be distinguished from corporate bankruptcy. Federal Decree-Law No. 19 of 2019 Concerning Insolvency provides a separate framework for qualifying natural persons facing financial difficulties. The correct legal route therefore depends on the identity and legal status of the debtor as well as the nature of the obligations involved.

Bankruptcy proceedings can affect assets, creditor rights, business operations, and ongoing legal claims. Seeking advice at an early stage may provide more time to assess restructuring, settlement, or other lawful options before financial problems escalate.