Company structure decides who controls the business, who carries the liability, and what happens when the shareholders stop agreeing. Getting it right at the start is far cheaper than fixing it later.
Our corporate lawyers in Dubai handle incorporation, shareholder agreements, governance documents and restructuring for mainland, free zone and offshore entities across the UAE.
We advise founders, boards and investors on the legal side of running a company in the UAE, from choosing between mainland and free zone through to share transfers, board resolutions and exits.
Our documents are drafted to be usable, not decorative. Shareholder agreements set out deadlock, drag along and valuation mechanics that actually work when they are needed.
Choosing the right mainland, free zone or offshore vehicle and preparing the incorporation documents.
Control, profit distribution, transfer restrictions, deadlock and exit terms drafted in enforceable form.
Board procedure, authority matrices, resolutions and statutory registers that satisfy UAE requirements.
Managing sales, buyouts, capital changes and group reorganisation with the correct notarisation route.
Acting for majority or minority shareholders in deadlock, oppression and removal disputes.
A clear comparison of mainland, free zone and offshore options measured against your activity, ownership and expansion plans.
Memoranda, articles and shareholder agreements drafted so control and exit rights are unambiguous.
Minority safeguards, reserved matters and valuation mechanics that prevent one party being locked out.
Licence renewals, UBO filings, economic substance and record keeping mapped so deadlines are not missed.
Due diligence, share purchase agreements and completion mechanics for acquisitions and buyouts.
Advice on the personal exposure directors and managers carry under UAE company law.
Most corporate problems we are asked to fix trace back to a document that was never properly drafted. A shareholder agreement copied from a template, a board resolution signed by the wrong person, a licence that does not cover the activity being invoiced.
We close those gaps. Every corporate engagement starts with a review of what already exists, a written list of the risks we found, and a fixed scope for putting it right.
From first structure review through to signed, notarised and filed documents.
We examine the licence, memorandum, shareholder register and existing agreements to map the current position.
A written summary of governance gaps, licensing mismatches and filing obligations that need attention.
A clear recommendation on entity type, ownership split and the documents required to support it.
We prepare the agreements and negotiate the terms with the other shareholders or investors.
Execution, notarisation and submission to the relevant authority or free zone registrar.
Annual renewals, board resolutions, share transfers and continued governance advice.
Mainland companies can trade directly across the UAE market, while free zone companies operate within their zone and internationally, and need a local distributor or branch for onshore trade.
Yes. Full foreign ownership is available for most mainland activities following the amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, with some strategic activities still restricted.
Any company with more than one owner should have one. The memorandum alone does not cover deadlock, valuation, transfer restrictions or exit.
Companies must record and report their ultimate beneficial owners to the licensing authority, and keep the register updated when ownership changes.
Free zone incorporation is often complete within one to two weeks. Mainland timelines depend on the activity, approvals and premises.
Yes. We prepare the transfer documents, board and shareholder resolutions, and handle notarisation and registration.
Whether you are incorporating, restructuring or resolving a shareholder dispute, the first consultation is free.
Dubai Legal Experts provides trusted legal advocacy across the UAE with experienced lawyers and clear legal guidance.
