As in a number of others countries in the Middle East region, the legal system of the United Arab Emirates is based on Islamic Sharia law. However, there is also a certain influence of common law, which is typical for the UK.
The UAE is a federation of seven states (emirates): Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah. In addition to the unified federal legal system, there are individual laws in every emirate. Moreover, free economic zones of the country have their own rules, especially in the field of commercial activities.
For each foreigner, a lawyer in the UAE is a necessary consultant, representative, and intermediary on many issues. If you have any legal questions of a business or private matters in the United Arab Emirates, you can contact Lawrange. We will contact our partner in the UAE to support and assist you. Moreover, we are ready to resolve any legal issue, since our network of partners in this country includes law firms and lawyers who specialize in different areas of jurisprudence and practice in different regions.
Role of a lawyer in the UAE
Responsibility for violation of law in the UAE is quite strict. Foreigners often do not even understand that they have committed an offense. For example, eating and drinking in public between sunrise and sunset during the month of Ramadan. Or kissing and other sexual behavior in public.
Are you planning to connect a certain part of his life with this country, conduct business, or work? Then, you should immediately acquire the telephone number of a good lawyer who can be contacted at any time for advice. Such a lawyer will play the role of a guide who will help avoid the pitfalls of Arab law. Moreover, a lawyer who is well-versed in the local legal environment will help entrepreneurs learn about innovations in legislation timely. It will reduce the risks of legal complications for their businesses.
Skills and knowledge required by a lawyer in the UAE
Since the United Arab Emirates is a land of innovation, opportunity, and cultural diversity, but at the same time, with strict Islamic laws, lawyers are required to have a special set of competencies. Let’s highlight the basic knowledge and skills that characterize a good lawyer in the UAE:
1. Technological awareness
A survey conducted by the UAE Legal Technology Council found that more than 80% of the country’s law firms are investing in technology training for their teams. For example, understanding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the legal field.
2. Intercultural competence
Lawyers in the Emirates have to deal with affairs of clients of different nationalities. Understanding different cultural norms and practices is essential. According to UAE Bar Association, 70% of lawyers emphasize the importance of intercultural competence in their work.
3. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) skills
The country values lawyers who can effectively act as mediators and arbitrators or negotiate disputes. A report by the UAE Mediation and Arbitration Center showed a 35% increase in the use of ADR mechanisms in recent years.
4. Expertise in data protection and cybersecurity
Lawyers must understand the intricacies of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and local regulations in this area to ensure that clients and organizations comply with the law. According to the UAE Data Protection Authority, more than 70% of law firms have appointed officers responsible for this issue.
5. Communication and collaboration skills
Lawyers now work in multidisciplinary teams, including experts from different fields. Law firms prioritize candidates with strong communication and collaboration skills, recognizing the value of teamwork in resolving complex legal issues.
In-depth knowledge of laws and procedures in the UAE
One of the main tasks of lawyers and lawyers in the UAE is to advise clients on how to comply with local laws and regulations. In particular, they provide recommendations regarding the consequences of their business activities, help structure transactions to reduce legal risks, etc.
Please note! If we are talking about private issues and not about business, then we must take into account the fact that the UAE legal system is based on Sharia law (the laws of the Koran). At the same time, the judicial system adopted the Egyptian civil law system, and courts were created under British influence in the 1950s. Sharia law in the UAE dictates the rules governing issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, child custody, child abuse, and guardianship of minors.
At the same time, the UAE strives to be in the context of the global legal landscape. The UAE legal framework is constantly evolving. Lawyers are obliged to navigate this difficult situation, provide recommendations, and support their clients.
Working with clients from different cultures and languages
The country welcomes individuals and businesses worldwide. Legal challenges are becoming increasingly complex. The United Arab Emirates, and especially Dubai, can be compared to a huge boiling pot in which dozens of nationalities, languages, cultures, traditions, and religions are mixed.
Legal services in the UAE are often provided to foreigners, and lawyers accordingly have cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of international law. As a result, it is possible to resolve various legal issues with high efficiency, including drafting contracts, registering real estate transactions, establishing a company, or employment.
Legal services in the UAE
Specialists in the Emirates have competence in various areas of law. It includes civil, criminal, family, and administrative law. Lawyers in this country have a very developed business-oriented expertise. Businesses of both local and transnational sizes are successfully developing in the UAE.
The lawyers are well-versed in commercial and corporate law, ensuring the smooth running of businesses within the UAE legal framework. They facilitate company registrations, mergers and acquisitions, and licensing and provide vital advice on regulatory compliance issues.
Please note! Since many commercial and residential real estate projects are being built in the country, one of the important areas of legal work is supporting real estate transactions. It ensures that buyers, sellers, and developers comply with the strict rules governing this sector. Lawyers help protect real estate investments and ownership rights.
Registration of new companies
More and more entrepreneurs and investors are considering the UAE as a promising jurisdiction for business development. Due to its geopolitical position, the country is suitable for transnational projects with access to Arab, European, and Asian markets. With the support of Lawrange, you can open a business in the UAE with minimal effort and in a short time. Our team takes care of compliance with all nuances and requirements.
Please note! The range of services for registering a company includes connecting to the E-Channel immigration system and obtaining an Establishment Card, issuing a tax resident visa (certificate) and a Tenancy contract.
In the Emirates, you can register a company with the involvement of a local partner (since the share of a foreign investor in the authorized capital cannot exceed 49%) or, alternatively, in one of the free economic zones. In most cases, the latter option is more acceptable. In addition to the possibility of 100% foreign participation, free economic zones provide tax and customs benefits, as well as a minimum of state control.
Preparation of necessary documents
The procedure for establishing a business in the United Arab Emirates with the support of Lawrange involves a visit to the country with an entry permit to obtain a tax resident visa and open an account. Even before the trip, you need to prepare a bundle of documents. However, some document requirements may vary depending on the specific emirate in which you plan to open a business.
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The package of documents for establishing a business in the UAE includes:
- a copy of your international passport (the first page with a photo);
- color biometric photo 3×4 on a white background;
- short summary in English (CV).
In addition, you should prepare three options for a name for the company and fill out a form with questions about your future business activity. The questions in the form relate to the main activities of your company, jurisdictions where partners and clients will be located, maximum turnover per year, etc.
Help with opening a bank account
Legal assistance in the UAE applies to support for opening both a personal bank account in this country and a corporate one. Opening an account in the UAE is possible during a visit to the country, and the partners of Lawrange can help you organize it. A meeting with a banker can take place in the hotel lobby, bank branch, or office of our partners. Sometimes, to achieve the desired result, several meetings are held with representatives of different banks in the country.
Documents are transferred to the bank later after a preliminary agreement on opening an account. To avoid errors, our partners carefully check them. The account activation mechanism is agreed upon in advance. To use online banking, you must purchase a local SIM card.
Legal advice on criminal law (criminal cases)
In the UAE, crimes are defined by the Federal Criminal Code, the provisions of which are based primarily on Sharia principles. In a criminal case, there must be evidence of both a criminal act and criminal intent.
The acts classified in the UAE as criminal offenses:
- acts against the person (beating and assault, arson, slander, domestic violence, murder, kidnapping, sexual offenses);
- acts against property and financial offenses (theft, credit card fraud, bounced checks, corporate fraud, forgery);
- other types of illegal acts (driving a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession and distribution of drugs, etc.).
Please note! Any person, regardless of their citizenship, has the right to legal assistance from a personal lawyer in the Emirates if they become a suspect, defendant, witness, or victim of a criminal offense. However, some illegal acts are considered by Sharia courts (for example, rape and adultery). In any case, the assistance of a lawyer is available throughout the entire criminal proceedings, including the consideration of the case in court.
Help with consumer protection
As a country that encourages shopping in all its forms and attracts tourists with its huge malls, the United Arab Emirates cares about protecting consumer rights. In 2020, the federal law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” was adopted, and in 2023, the corresponding executive rules were introduced. This regulatory policy matches the best global practice, extending to e-commerce and other new areas of business activity.
At the same time, to protect their rights in a specific situation, a UAE citizen or foreigner can contact the Ministry of Economy by calling the hotline 800 1222. In each emirate, issues related to consumer protection are handled by the Department of Economic Development (DED). However, due to the complexities and nuances of some legal procedures, it is better sometimes to immediately contact a lawyer to defend your rights with their help.
Protection from unfair activities of partners
As we mentioned earlier, foreign entrepreneurs sometimes run businesses in the UAE together with local partners. Local employees are hired, and business owners use the services of local consultants without checking their status.
A lawyer in the UAE can effectively assist in resolving disputes arising in the above circumstances. Moreover, by engaging a good and experienced lawyer, you can avoid trial. The dispute is resolved through the arbitration procedure, that is, alternative methods of resolution. The lawyer, personally or with the help of other arbitrators, provides mediation to the parties, helping them to reach mutually beneficial solutions.
Legal services for legalization of decisions of UAE courts
The United Arab Emirates has not acceded to The Hague Convention on Simplified Document Authentication. That is, documents from the UAE cannot be legalized with an apostille; they will be recognized abroad only after undergoing consular legalization.
Please note! Consular legalization is the process of authenticating or certifying a document to give it legal force in the state where it will be used. The document must be translated into the official language of the destination country before submitting to the diplomatic mission. Documents issued in the UAE for use in other countries and documents from other countries for use in the UAE are subject to consular legalization.
Court decisions are also subject to consular legalization. Since the procedure is quite complex, you also need a lawyer to complete it.
Help and advice from a civil law lawyer
In the Emirates, civil law covers a wide range of issues related to property, commerce, real estate, etc. The help of a lawyer in civil cases is necessary to conclude contracts (in particular, leases), collect debts, and file a claim in court. At the same time, the regulations of civil legal relations are different in each emirate. Accordingly, lawyers are required to have slightly different approaches and areas of expertise.
One of the most common causes of civil disputes in the United Arab Emirates is the violation of lease agreements and commercial contracts. To minimize the risk of such disputes, it is advisable to use the services of a lawyer before concluding a contract. The services will include a review of the potential partner, landlord, or tenant and the agreement itself. As a result, such a check will help protect you from worries and financial losses in the future.
Legal assistance in commercial law
The regulatory framework governing commercial activities in the Emirates is quite complex. In addition to federal laws, you must pay attention to local regulations and the specific features of free economic zones. To resolve issues related to large financial transactions and business contracts, you certainly need a reputable and experienced lawyer.
Legal support can be provided through individual consultations and as ongoing support for activities. It includes supporting investment activities, issuing, buying/selling shares, obtaining licenses, and other additional legal documentation for work in specific industries.
Legal services in administrative law
The tasks of administrative lawyers in the UAE include representing clients on numerous matters in local municipalities and government agencies (such as the Department of Economic Development, the Land Department, the Roads and Transport Authority, the Federal Tax Administration, etc.).
This includes assistance in applying for certain permits, licensing, filing complaints, and explaining municipal regulations in understandable language. An experienced lawyer strives to bridge the gap between the client and the regulators to ensure there are no problems in the future. However, if necessary, it is possible to provide support in an already existing dispute with government agencies.
Legal advice in corporate law
The services of a lawyer on corporate issues extend to drafting memorandums and charters, registration of all types of legal entities in the United Arab Emirates, and obtaining all types of trade and industrial licenses.
Furthermore, lawyers with this specialization provide assistance in supporting mergers and acquisitions of companies, restructuring, liquidation, assignment of shares, transfer of ownership, etc. Qualified specialists in this field are ready to solve problems of the highest complexity, including the creation of holdings, offshore corporations, and joint ventures.
Help and advice from a family law lawyer
A lawyer in the United Arab Emirates specializing in family law helps clients with issues like preparation of marriage contracts, divorce proceedings, child custody, and inheritance. In particular, such a specialist can provide cost-effective advice to protect the interests of each client in a divorce case.
Please note! In the United Arab Emirates, the divorce process involves determining the wife’s financial rights, which include receiving alimony. You have to go to court only if the ex-husband/ex-wife do not reach an agreement on their own or with the help of a mediator. However, family court proceedings in the UAE can be challenging for those who do not speak Arabic. Therefore, in such a process, a lawyer becomes a trusted person who defends the interests of the client.
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At the same time, to minimize the risk of a complex divorce process in the Emirates, there is a practice of concluding prenuptial agreements (before or after the wedding). Such agreements govern the division of marital property in the event of divorce and can provide protection for both parties in the future.
Cost of lawyer services in the UAE
The range of legal services provided by lawyers in the Emirates is very wide, so the price is different as well. By default, all Lawrange partners have: a) high qualifications; b) experience in international law; c) multicultural awareness and tolerance; d) business orientation.
If you want to know the price for any specific service, contact us, and we will respond. For complex services like business registration in the Emirates, we will prepare an individual commercial proposal.
Why you should contact Lawrange
Our main advantage is our high competence in international law, especially in the field of support of transnational business projects. We can provide clients with the best advice on organizing a business in multiple jurisdictions, solving questions with opening bank accounts, investments, purchasing real estate, or obtaining a residence permit and citizenship.
In the United Arab Emirates, we have developed strong and trusting relationships with local partners. We can provide services of a law firm in the UAE, moreover, exactly in the emirate that interests the client. Our partners completely cover all legal issues that arise for both individuals and business owners. The intricacies and nuances of the legal system of this rich Middle Eastern jurisdiction will not bother you if you use our support.
Conclusions
The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, luxurious lifestyle, and thriving business landscape, and Dubai has become a global hub for trade and commerce. The role of lawyers in this environment is quite significant since they participate in the functioning of the justice system, business negotiations, drafting of contracts, and dispute resolution.
Hiring an experienced lawyer in the UAE is the opportunity for you to navigate the complex legal system, receive expert advice, and understand the consequences of your actions to overcome legal difficulties.
FAQ
What features of UAE legislation are important to consider when resolving legal issues?
The country’s legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law. The UAE has civil, criminal, and Sharia courts, as well as other types of courts. It is almost impossible for a foreigner to understand legal issues on their own, so you need to contact a specialist.
What risks and restrictions may arise when dealing with legal matters in the UAE?
Main complications for foreign citizens are ignorance of the language and cultural or religious traditions of the country. It becomes an unreachable obstacle when applying to government agencies and courts. The rules of local law are quite difficult to interpret, even more so.
What are the benefits of working with an experienced lawyer in the UAE for entrepreneurs and individuals?
A good lawyer in the Emirates is a kind of guide and intermediary for solutions of all legal issues of a private or business nature. Their competence includes representation, clarification of the country’s legislation, defense in court, conducting checks of potential partners, and much more.
