What the guide covers
The UAE legal system can surprise anyone used to Russian or European law: federal laws sit alongside the laws of each emirate, and the DIFC and ADGM financial free zones run their own common-law courts. This legal guide to the UAE helps you work out quickly which rules apply to you and where to turn.
We wrote it for clients dealing with the Emirates for the first time: each chapter gives a short explanation, the usual mistakes and practical tips, rather than a section-by-section summary of the law.
Chapter by chapter
- How UAE law works. The federation and the emirates, federal law and local regulation, the language of legislation.
- The courts. Federal and local courts, the Dubai and Abu Dhabi courts, the DIFC and ADGM courts, court language, the role of advocates.
- Arbitration. Arbitration centres, arbitration clauses, enforcing awards — see Arbitration.
- Business. Mainland, free zones and offshore, company forms, licences, foreign ownership.
- Tax. Corporate Tax, VAT, excise and beneficial ownership disclosure — the general principles.
- Banks and compliance. Opening an account, KYC, source of funds.
- Visas and residence. Employment, investor and family visas, the Golden Visa, Emirates ID.
- Documents. Powers of attorney, notarisation, legalising foreign documents for the UAE and Arabic translation.
- Private matters. Property, family and inheritance law for non-Muslims, wills.
- When things go wrong. Debts, the police, travel bans — where to turn and what to do first.
How to get it
Enter your email in the form on this page and the guide will arrive within minutes. If you are planning a business in the Emirates, also start with Company formation in the UAE.
FAQ
Entrepreneurs and individuals who are starting to work with the UAE or relocating and want to understand how the local rules work.
No. It gives you the overall picture; decisions on your situation are best made after speaking to a lawyer.
Yes, available on request.