Commercial Real Estate· Dubai
Commercial Property Lawyer in Dubai | Protecting Your Business Premises
A commercial property dispute in Dubai is not just a legal problem. It is a threat to your business. When a landlord refuses to renew your lease, disputes a rent review, attempts an unlawful eviction, or fails to maintain the premises, your operations are at risk. When a tenant stops paying rent, damages your property, or abandons the premises, your investment is at risk. Our commercial property lawyer in Dubai represents both business landlords and business tenants in all types of commercial lease disputes. Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, and Turkish-speaking team.
20+ years
of Commercial Property Law in Dubai
Offices, Retail, Warehouses,
Free Zones, and Mainland | All Covered
5 Languages
Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, and Turkish
Award-Winning
Award-Winning Real Estate Law Firm



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Is This Your Situation?
Commercial property problems affect businesses in many different ways. Tell us which of these matches your situation.

My commercial landlord is trying to evict me from my business premises before the lease ends.

My tenant has stopped paying rent, and I need to recover payments and regain possession.

My landlord is refusing to renew my commercial lease even though I want to stay.

There is a dispute about what my commercial rent should be at renewal.

My landlord is failing to maintain the commercial property, and my business is affected.

I am in a free zone, and I have a dispute with my landlord or the free zone authority.

My commercial tenant has damaged the property, and I need to claim against the deposit.

My lease has ended, but my tenant refuses to vacate the commercial premises.
Contact our commercial property lawyers in Dubai today. We tell you exactly what your rights are and what you can do.
Why Commercial Property Different
Why Commercial Property Disputes Are Different From Residential

Commercial Leases Are Not Covered by Dubai Tenancy Law No. 26 of 2007
Dubai Tenancy Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendment under Law No. 33 of 2008 provide strong protections for residential tenants, including rent index limits and eviction grounds. Commercial leases are not automatically subject to the same RERA Rent Index rules that protect residential tenants. Commercial lease terms are primarily governed by the agreement between the parties and the general principles of contract law under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 on Civil Transactions. This means the specific terms of the commercial lease document are far more important in a commercial dispute than in a residential one.

Commercial Disputes Go to a Different Court
Residential tenancy disputes go to the Rental Disputes Centre. Most commercial property disputes go to the Dubai Civil Court or the Dubai Commercial Court, depending on the nature and value of the dispute. Free zone commercial property disputes follow the rules of the relevant free zone authority and in some cases go to the DIFC Courts or DIAC arbitration. Knowing which forum handles your specific commercial dispute is essential before you take any action.

The Financial Consequences Are Larger
Commercial leases in Dubai involve significantly higher rental amounts, longer lease terms, and larger security deposits than residential leases. A commercial eviction or a rental dispute can mean hundreds of thousands of dirhams in dispute. Commercial tenants also face business continuity risk that residential tenants do not, being forced out of business premises can mean losing customers, equipment, stock, and staff. The legal decisions made in commercial property disputes have real and immediate business consequences.
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Trust & Recognition
20+ years
20+ years
20+ years
20+ years
Meet Your Lawyers

Faris Raian
Founder Partner

Ekaterina Butseva
Founder Partner

Frengie Samaan
Partner / Head of litigation
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Languages We Speak
Arabic
English
Russian
Urdu
Turkish
We Handle
Commercial Property Legal Services We Handle in Dubai
We represent commercial landlords and business tenants in every type of commercial property legal matter in Dubai. Our services cover the full commercial property spectrum from lease review to eviction litigation.
Commercial Lease Review and Negotiation
Before you sign a commercial lease in Dubai, a lawyer must review it. Commercial leases in Dubai can be long and complex. They often contain terms on rent review mechanisms, break clauses, permitted use restrictions, fit-out obligations, reinstatement requirements, and service charge calculations that can be significantly disadvantageous to the tenant. We review commercial leases before signing, identify problematic terms, and advise on negotiation.
Commercial Eviction Defense
Business tenants in Dubai have the right to dispute a commercial eviction notice. We examine the legal basis of the eviction, whether proper notice was given, whether the stated grounds are legally valid, and whether the landlord has followed the correct procedure. Where the eviction notice is unlawful or premature, we challenge it in court. Where it is valid, we negotiate the best possible exit terms for the business.
Unpaid Commercial Rent Recovery
Commercial landlords who have tenants that are not paying rent have several legal options. We send formal legal demands, file court proceedings for rent recovery, apply for attachment orders against the tenant’s assets, and pursue enforcement of court judgments for unpaid commercial rent. We also advise on the conditions under which a commercial landlord can terminate a lease for non-payment.
Commercial Rent Disputes and Rent Review
When the parties disagree on what the commercial rent should be, particularly at lease renewal, we represent both landlords and tenants. We advise on how commercial rent review clauses work, what the market evidence says about the correct rent level, and how to negotiate or litigate rent disputes in commercial property cases.
Lease Renewal Disputes
A commercial landlord in Dubai can refuse to renew a commercial lease if they have legitimate grounds under the lease agreement. The tenant may be able to challenge this refusal depending on the specific terms of the lease. We advise business tenants on their rights at lease renewal and represent them in disputes about renewal refusals and about the terms of a new lease.
Commercial Landlord and Tenant Obligations
Commercial leases set out detailed obligations for both landlords and tenants relating to maintenance, repair, service charge payment, permitted use, fit-out, insurance, and reinstatement at the end of the lease. When one party fails to meet their obligations, we represent the other party in recovering losses or compelling compliance through court proceedings.
Warehouse and Industrial Property Disputes
Warehouse and industrial property disputes in Dubai have specific characteristics. Permitted use restrictions, loading and access rights, storage height regulations, and utility supply disputes are common issues. We represent both landlords and tenants in warehouse and industrial property disputes and advise on the specific regulatory requirements that apply to these property types.
Free Zone Commercial Property Disputes
Free zone commercial property in Dubai operates under the rules of the specific free zone authority. JAFZA, DAFZA, DIFC, Dubai South, and other free zones each have their own leasing rules and dispute resolution processes. Some disputes go to the free zone’s own tribunal. Others go to the DIFC Courts or to arbitration. We advise businesses in free zones on their commercial lease rights and handle disputes through the correct forum for each free zone.
Have a property ownership or title problem not listed above? Contact us. If it involves a Dubai property title or DLD registration, we handle it.
Why Leaders Advocates
Why Choose Leaders Advocates for Commercial Property Disputes in Dubai
Commercial Property Is Different From Residential
Most law firms handle residential and commercial property together. Leaders Advocates understands the specific differences. We know the commercial lease terms that create the most disputes in Dubai, which courts handle commercial property cases, and how free zone commercial disputes are resolved.
We Understand the Business Impact
A commercial property dispute is not just a legal matter. It affects your operations, your staff, your customers, and your cash flow. We advise commercial clients with this business reality in mind. We look for the fastest resolution that protects business continuity, not just the legally correct outcome on paper.
Mainland, Free Zone, and DIFC All Covered
Leaders Advocates is active in mainland Dubai courts, in free zone dispute processes, and in the DIFC Courts. Whatever type of commercial property you occupy in Dubai, we have the right forum capability. You do not need to find a different lawyer because your premises are in a free zone or in the DIFC.
Award-Winning Real Estate Law Practice
Leaders Advocates has been recognized for excellence in real estate law in the UAE. When your business premises and your business operations are at stake, you need lawyers with a track record of results in commercial property disputes.
Not sure whether your title problem can be fixed through the DLD directly or whether you need a court order? Contact us. We assess the problem and tell you exactly which route applies.
Commercial Eviction
Commercial Eviction Law in Dubai
Commercial eviction in Dubai is different from residential eviction. The rules, the timelines, and the legal grounds are all governed primarily by the commercial lease agreement rather than by a standard tenancy law. Here is what both landlords and tenants need to know.
What Commercial Landlords Need to Do to Evict a Tenant
To evict a commercial tenant lawfully in Dubai, the landlord must have valid grounds as specified in the lease agreement. The most common grounds are non-payment of rent, material breach of the lease terms, and expiry of the lease period. The landlord must give notice in accordance with the notice period in the lease, which for commercial properties is typically 90 days but can be different depending on what the lease says. A landlord who tries to evict a commercial tenant without following the correct procedure risks a court order requiring them to reinstate the tenant and pay damages. We advise landlords on the correct eviction procedure for each specific commercial lease.
What Business Tenants Can Do When Facing Eviction
A commercial tenant who receives an eviction notice has the right to challenge it if the legal grounds are not valid or if the correct procedure was not followed. We examine the notice, review the lease, and check whether the stated grounds exist and whether the notice period was correct. We have successfully challenged commercial eviction notices where the landlord gave insufficient notice, where the stated breach was not a material breach under the lease, and where the landlord’s conduct before the eviction prevented the tenant from complying. Acting immediately on receipt of an eviction notice gives business tenants the most options.
When the Eviction Has Already Happened
If a commercial tenant has been unlawfully evicted, the business may have a claim for compensation covering lost business income, costs of emergency relocation, damage to equipment from a rushed move, and loss of clients who could not be served during the disruption. We represent businesses that have suffered losses from unlawful commercial evictions and pursue the landlord for the full losses caused.
Facing commercial eviction or needing to evict a commercial tenant? Contact our commercial eviction lawyers in Dubai before you take any action. The steps taken in the first days of a commercial eviction situation determine how it ends.
Process
The Commercial Property Dispute Process in Dubai Step by Step
Lease Review and Legal Position Assessment
Every commercial property dispute starts with a thorough review of the lease. We read the full commercial lease document, including all clauses about rent, notice periods, termination rights, permitted use, maintenance obligations, and dispute resolution. The lease defines the rights and obligations of both parties. The dispute is almost always about whether one party has met or breached those obligations.
Legal Notice and Negotiation
In most commercial property disputes, a formal legal notice from a licensed advocate produces a response. Landlords often resolve maintenance failures or unlawful eviction notices when they receive a formal legal demand citing the specific breach and the legal consequences. Tenants often pay outstanding rent or remedy a breach when served with a formal payment demand. We send legal notices and attempt negotiated resolution before filing any court proceedings.
Court Proceedings or Arbitration
When negotiation fails, we file the appropriate proceedings. For mainland commercial property disputes, this is typically the Dubai Civil Court. For free zone disputes, we file in the relevant forum. For disputes where the lease specifies arbitration, we file before DIAC or the appropriate arbitration center. We prepare all submissions in Arabic for the Dubai courts and represent the client at every hearing.
Judgment and Enforcement
Once a court or arbitral tribunal issues its decision, we apply for enforcement if the other party does not comply voluntarily. For rent recovery, this means freezing the tenant's bank account and seizing assets. For eviction, this means applying to the execution court for a physical eviction order. We manage the full enforcement process so the judgment actually delivers the result our client needs.
Client Experience
What Our Clients Say
FAQs
Questions Our Commercial Property Team Gets Asked Every Day
These are real questions from business tenants and commercial landlords dealing with property disputes in Dubai.
Does Dubai Tenancy Law protect commercial tenants?
Dubai Tenancy Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendment primarily cover residential tenancies. Commercial leases are mainly governed by the specific lease agreement and general contract law under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025. This makes the specific terms of your commercial lease far more important in a dispute than in a residential case.
How does commercial eviction work in Dubai?
A commercial landlord must have valid grounds under the lease agreement and must give the notice period specified in the lease. A tenant can challenge the eviction in court if the grounds are not valid or the procedure was not followed. Acting immediately on receipt of an eviction notice gives business tenants the most options.
Where do commercial property disputes go in Dubai?
Most mainland commercial disputes go to the Dubai Civil Court or Dubai Commercial Court. Free zone disputes follow the rules of the specific free zone authority, which may lead to the DIFC Courts or DIAC arbitration. The Rental Disputes Centre handles residential tenancy disputes, not commercial ones.
Can a commercial landlord increase rent at renewal in Dubai?
For commercial properties, the RERA Rent Index does not automatically apply as it does for residential leases. The right to increase rent at renewal depends on what the commercial lease says about rent review. We review the lease terms and advise on whether a proposed increase is enforceable.
What can a commercial landlord do if the tenant stops paying rent?
Send a formal legal demand first. If unpaid, file a court claim for all outstanding rent and apply for an attachment order on the tenant’s assets. Once a judgment is obtained, the execution court can freeze bank accounts and seize assets. We manage this process from the first demand through to enforcement.
What are my rights as a business tenant if the landlord fails to maintain the premises?
Your rights depend on the maintenance obligations in your commercial lease. If the landlord is responsible for the specific maintenance that is being neglected and their failure is affecting your business operations, you may be able to claim damages, seek a court order compelling the works, or in serious cases treat the failure as a repudiatory breach. We review the lease and advise on the specific remedy available.
How do commercial property disputes work in Dubai free zones?
Each free zone has its own leasing authority and its own dispute resolution process. JAFZA and DAFZA have internal mechanisms. DIFC disputes go to the DIFC Courts. Some free zones allow disputes to go to Dubai courts or DIAC arbitration. We advise on the specific forum for your free zone and handle the full process.
Can a commercial tenant refuse to leave after the lease ends?
Staying in commercial premises after the lease expires without the landlord’s consent is called holding over. The landlord can apply to the court for an eviction order. If the tenant damages or disrupts the landlord’s ability to relet, the landlord may also have a damages claim. We represent commercial landlords in obtaining quick and effective eviction orders.
What is the notice period for a commercial eviction in Dubai?
The notice period for commercial eviction depends on what the commercial lease says. There is no standard statutory commercial eviction notice period in Dubai unlike the 12-month residential eviction notice rule. We review the specific lease to determine the correct notice period for your situation.
Can I break a commercial lease early in Dubai?
Whether you can exit a commercial lease early depends on whether your lease has a break clause and whether the circumstances allow for termination under general contract law. Exiting without a valid basis exposes you to a claim for the remaining rent. We advise on the options and the financial exposure before you take any action.
Your Business Premises Should Not Be a Source of Legal Stress. We Can Help.
Whether you need to defend a commercial eviction, recover unpaid rent, negotiate a lease renewal, resolve a free zone property dispute or pursue a commercial landlord for failing to maintain your premises, our commercial property lawyers in Dubai are ready. Contact us today.





