Corporate Lawyers in Dubai | Business Lawyer Dubai

Corporate Lawyers in Dubai

Corporate Lawyers in Dubai

Starting or growing a business in Dubai? Our corporate lawyers deliver trusted business lawyer Dubai expertise, from incorporation to contracts and compliance. Backed by leading corporate law firms in Dubai experience. Contact us today for a private consultation.

- Practice Areas

We cover all corporate and business legal matters in Dubai and across the UAE. Every business client gets a named corporate lawyer from day one.

Setting up a company in Dubai the right way from day one. We advise on the best structure for your business and handle all legal paperwork for mainland, free zone and offshore companies.

UAE Specific

UAE law offers three types of company structures: mainland, free zone and offshore. Each has different ownership rules, tax implications and trading rights. Choosing the wrong one is a costly mistake.

Drafting shareholder agreements and joint venture contracts that protect every party’s rights and set clear rules from the start. We cover ownership, profit sharing, decision making and exit rights.

UAE Specific

Under the UAE Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021), shareholder protections have been significantly strengthened. A properly drafted agreement now has more legal weight than ever before.

Drafting and reviewing all types of commercial contracts including supply agreements, service contracts, distribution deals and agency agreements. We make sure what you sign protects you.

UAE Specific

Commercial contracts in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022. A contract that is valid in another country may not be enforceable here without changes.

Advising boards, directors and company owners on UAE corporate governance obligations, regulatory compliance and internal corporate procedures to keep the business legally sound.

UAE Specific

UAE corporate governance rules for companies have been updated significantly since 2021. Directors and board members now carry personal legal responsibilities under the new law.

Advising buyers and sellers in mergers, acquisitions and business sales across Dubai and the UAE. We handle due diligence, deal structuring and all legal documentation.

UAE Specific

Business acquisitions in the UAE require regulatory approvals depending on the industry and company type. Missing an approval step can void the whole transaction.

Representing shareholders, directors and business owners in disputes over company control, profit distributions, management decisions and breaches of shareholder agreements.

UAE Specific

Shareholder dispute resolution in Dubai can go to the courts or to arbitration depending on the company’s articles and the shareholder agreement. The right forum matters a lot.

Advising businesses on restructuring when things change and handling company liquidation and winding up procedures correctly under UAE law.

UAE Specific

Closing a company in the UAE requires a formal liquidation process. Owners who simply stop trading without properly closing the company can face personal liability.

Advising businesses on UAE regulatory requirements, trade license conditions, industry-specific approvals and ongoing compliance obligations across mainland and free zone companies.

UAE Specific

Operating outside the scope of your trade license in the UAE is a regulatory offence. We help businesses understand and stay within their permitted activities.

- For Expats & Internationals

Dubai attracts business owners and investors from all over the world. But UAE corporate law has some rules that are very different from other countries. Here is what you need to know before you start or run a business here.

- Your Situation

Business legal problems can slow your company down or put everything you built at risk. If any of these sounds familiar, we can help.

You want to start a business in Dubai and need to choose the right structure

You are in a dispute with a business partner or shareholder

You have been handed a commercial contract and need to know what it really says

You want to buy or sell a business in Dubai and need legal protection

Your company is not complying with UAE regulations and you need to fix it

You need to close down a company in Dubai and do not know the right process

- Know Your Rights

Corporate law in Dubai covers everything to do with how businesses are set up, run and closed down. Here is a simple explanation of how it works.

The language of the court is Arabic. You need a lawyer who is fully fluent and knows how the Dubai Personal Status Court operates, not someone learning it on your case.

You have more flexibility than many expats realize. The law has changed significantly since 2023. Get advice early; the options available to you now may not be available later.

- Client Outcomes

Real clients sharing their experience working with our family law team, in their own words.

- Our Team

At Leaders Advocates, every corporate matter is handled by a named business lawyer from day one. Our team has advised businesses of every size across Dubai and the UAE on company formation, contracts, disputes and governance.

Founder Partner

Faris Raian handles corporate disputes and business litigation in Dubai. He has represented shareholders, directors and companies in conflicts over company control, contracts and commercial matters. He is direct, results-focused and knows how to resolve business disputes before they damage the company further. Most corporate problems get worse the longer they wait. Faris moves fast.

“Business disputes need to be resolved before they hurt the company. We look at the problem clearly, tell you what the law says and find the fastest path to a result that protects your business.”

Founder Partner

Ekaterina Butseva advises foreign investors and Russian-speaking business owners on setting up and running companies in Dubai. She helps clients choose the right company structure, draft shareholder agreements and understand what UAE corporate law means for their specific situation. She makes complex corporate rules easy to understand for business owners who are new to the UAE.

“Setting up a company in Dubai is not complicated when you know what you are doing. I help clients choose the right structure from the start so they do not have to fix expensive mistakes later.”

Partner / Head of litigation

Frengie Samaan handles commercial contracts, mergers and acquisitions and business restructuring matters in Dubai. She advises businesses on regulatory compliance and helps companies going through significant changes whether that means growing, merging or winding down. Her approach is practical and focused on what the business actually needs rather than just the legal theory.

“Every business deal has legal risks that most people do not see until it is too late. My job is to find those risks before you sign and make sure what you agree to actually protects you.”

- How It Works

You Tell Us What Your Business Needs

Call us, WhatsApp us or fill in the form. Tell us about your business situation in your language. Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu or Turkish. We listen and ask the right questions to understand exactly what you need.

We Give You a Clear Answer

We assess your situation and tell you what your legal position is, what your options are and what we recommend. No legal jargon. No vague advice. Just a clear picture of where you stand and what to do next.

We Handle the Legal Work

We draft the documents, send the notices, file the applications or prepare the case. Whatever your corporate matter requires, we handle the legal side completely. You focus on running your business.

We Stay With You

Corporate legal matters rarely end after one step. We stay with you through the whole process, whether that means ongoing contract support, dispute resolution or regular legal advice as your business grows.

- FAQs

These are real questions from business owners, investors, founders and company directors dealing with corporate legal matters in Dubai.

Can a foreigner own 100 percent of a company in Dubai?

Yes, in many cases. The UAE amended its Commercial Companies Law in 2021 and opened a large number of business activities to 100 percent foreign ownership on the mainland. However, some strategic sectors still require a UAE national partner. Whether 100 percent ownership is available for your specific activity depends on the business type and the emirate. We can confirm this in the first conversation.

What is the difference between a mainland company and a free zone company in Dubai?

A mainland company can trade anywhere in the UAE including with the local market and internationally. A free zone company can trade freely within its free zone and internationally but usually needs additional steps to trade directly on the UAE mainland. Free zones often have lower costs and simpler setup but come with trading restrictions. The right choice depends on who your customers are and where you want to do business.

Do I need a corporate lawyer to set up a company in Dubai?

You are not legally required to use a lawyer but it is strongly recommended. Choosing the wrong company type, missing a regulatory requirement or signing a shareholder agreement without legal review can create serious problems later. A corporate lawyer makes sure your company is set up correctly from the start and that your rights as a shareholder or director are properly protected.

My business partner is refusing to follow our agreement. What can I do?

Your options depend on what your shareholder agreement says and what type of company you have. You may be able to call a shareholders meeting, request an audit, apply for a court order or initiate dispute resolution depending on the situation. Contact us immediately and share the agreement with us. We will tell you exactly what your rights are and what the fastest route to a resolution looks like.

What is corporate governance and why does it matter for my business in Dubai?

Corporate governance refers to the rules and processes that determine how a company is controlled and run. In the UAE, company directors and board members have legal responsibilities set out in the Commercial Companies Law. If these responsibilities are not met, directors can be personally liable. Good governance protects the business and the people running it.

How do I close down a company in Dubai?

Closing a company in Dubai requires a formal liquidation process. You cannot simply stop trading and walk away. The process involves cancelling the trade license, settling all debts, notifying employees, publishing a notice for creditors and filing the correct paperwork with the relevant authorities. Failing to go through this process properly can leave you with personal liability for company debts.

Do I need a lawyer to review a commercial contract in Dubai?

Not every contract needs a lawyer but if significant money or long-term obligations are involved, yes you do. Commercial contracts in Dubai are governed by UAE law which may treat certain clauses very differently from what you expect based on your home country. A contract reviewed before signing costs far less than a dispute resolved after.

What should I know before buying a business in Dubai?

Before buying any business in Dubai, you need to check that all licenses are valid and transferable, understand what liabilities the company has including debts and legal claims, review all existing contracts with staff, suppliers and customers and confirm that the company actually owns the assets it says it owns. We carry out legal due diligence on business acquisitions and advise on deal structure.

Whether you are starting a company, dealing with a business dispute, reviewing a contract or handling a shareholder issue, our corporate lawyers in Dubai are ready to help. The right legal advice at the right time protects everything you are building. Book your first consultation.