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Setting Up a Company in the UAE: Mainland or Free Zone? A Legal and Commercial Comparison
1.Legal Framework: Mainland vs Free Zone Companies in the UAE Mainland Companies (Federal Regime) The UAE operates under a federal constitutional system. Companies established on the mainland are governed by: UAE Federal Commercial Companies Law Mainland entities are subject to: Federal commercial legislation UAE labour law Civil transactions law Corporate tax and VAT regulations Local […]
Read MoreParallel Imports in the UAE: Legal Position, Risks and Enforcement Strategy (2026)
Parallel imports, commonly referred to as grey market goods, raise recurring legal and commercial questions in the UAE. While the products are genuine, unauthorized importation may conflict with statutory exclusivity, trademark protection, customs enforcement mechanisms and sector-specific regulatory regimes. For brand owners, commercial agents, distributors and cross-border traders, understanding how these frameworks interact is essential. 1. What Are Parallel […]
Read MoreDefamation Under UAE Law
Defamation under UAE law refers to any statement or communication that unlawfully harms another person’s honour, dignity, or reputation. The concept extends far beyond traditional media or public scandals. In professional settings, defamation may arise from routine workplace activity, including internal correspondence, managerial assessments, reporting processes, and informal exchanges. UAE law treats defamation as a criminal offence rather […]
Read MoreCriminal Litigation in the UAE – Key Questions Answered
What is criminal litigation in the UAE? Criminal litigation in the United Arab Emirates is the legal process through which criminal offences are investigated, prosecuted, and adjudicated. It plays a central role in maintaining public order, protecting individual rights, and upholding the rule of law. The system operates within a civil law framework influenced by Islamic Sharia principles and seeks to balance deterrence, […]
Read MoreReal Estate Investment in the UAE: The Legal Framework Every Investor Should Understand
Why the UAE Real Estate Market Continues to Attract Global Capital The UAE’s real estate sector remains one of the country’s most significant economic pillars, driven by a sophisticated legislative framework designed to protect property rights, ensure transactional certainty, and attract domestic and foreign investment. For investors, developers, and institutional stakeholders, understanding how UAE real estate law operates is not optional, it […]
Read MoreUAE Court System: Structure and Jurisdiction
An outline of how disputes are handled across onshore courts and free zone jurisdictions. What is the structure of the UAE court system? The United Arab Emirates (UAE) operates a multi-layered judicial system that combines civil law principles, Islamic Sharia, and modern statutory legislation. This structure reflects the UAE’s evolving role as a regional and international business hub […]
Read MoreWhat UAE’s New Multi-Class Share Rules Mean for Startups and Investors
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), represent a meaningful recalibration of the mainland corporate framework. The reform functions as a targeted legislative update aimed at modernizing how companies raise capital, allocate control, and plan exits. In practical terms, […]
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