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Mainland, free zone, and offshore companies. Each has its own setup rules, ownership options, and licensing authorities.

Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE; free zone companies are limited to their zone or international business.

Yes, most sectors now allow full foreign ownership. Some sectors still require local participation (e.g., energy, oil & gas).

Passport copies, proof of address, source of funds, and parent company documents (if applicable). Business plans may also be required.

Ownership percentages, voting rights, profit sharing, dispute resolution, and exit clauses.

It gives an agent exclusive rights to distribute goods or services in the UAE and is registered with the Ministry of Economy.

Through a formal liquidation process with audited accounts, public notice, and deregistration from authorities. Companies cannot remain idle and must be properly wound up.

They handle licensing, renewals, compliance, and communication with UAE authorities on behalf of the company.

Usually 5–10 working days depending on the jurisdiction and activity.

Freehold grants full ownership; leasehold gives usage rights for 30–99 years.

Yes, in designated freehold areas such as Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. These areas were first introduced in 2006 and have expanded to include JLT, JVC, Dubai Hills, and others

Payment terms, handover date, penalties, and dispute resolution clauses

Delays in handover, quality defects, or breach of payment schedules.

It regulates property registration, ownership transfers, and dispute resolution mechanisms

Protection against unjustified eviction, rent increase limits, and renewal rights with notice.

Through DLD with a formal transfer deed, valuation, and applicable fees.

Without a will, UAE courts apply Sharia or the deceased’s home-country law, depending on the case.

The DLD transfer fee is 4% for regular transfers and 0.125% for donations or self-transfers. Administrative fees and map charges apply. Registration Trustee Fees range from AED 2,000–4,000 + VAT depending on value.

4% DLD fee plus standard administrative charges, but without Trustee Fees.

A private dispute resolution process where parties agree to be bound by an arbitrator’s final decision.

DIAC, DIFC-LCIA (legacy), and ADCCAC are the main ones

Typically between 6 to 18 months depending on complexity.

Yes, under the UAE Arbitration Law and New York Convention.

The case can proceed in their absence and still result in a binding award.

They include tribunal fees, administrative charges, and legal costs, usually based on claim and counterclaim amounts.

A document issued by the tribunal outlining procedural steps and timelines.

No appeal on merits, but they can be challenged or annulled for procedural irregularities

A confidential process where a neutral mediator helps parties reach a voluntary settlement.

Yes, all discussions remain private and cannot be used later in court.

Yes, parties may attend alone or with legal counsel.

The mediator or a lawyer drafts a settlement agreement signed by both parties, which can be registered with the authorities.

Parties may still proceed to arbitration or court. 

Yes, under specific laws such as real estate and commercial mediation reforms.

To guide communication, identify interests, and facilitate compromise. 

Yes, both areas frequently use mediation to preserve dignity and relationships.

Yes. Both residents and non-residents can marry under civil or religious procedures, depending on their nationality and religion. ADJD requires only passports; in Dubai, one spouse must be a resident.

Civil marriages for non-Muslims and religious marriages for Muslims under Sharia principles. 

Abu Dhabi requires IDs and singlehood declarations. Dubai requires passports, Emirates IDs, birth certificates, and legalized proof of marital status.

Non-Muslims can marry before the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court or their embassy/consulate in Dubai.

ADJD, offering express services upon payment of a fee (around AED 2,500).

Yes, through the civil system for non-Muslims or their embassy if their national law allows it.

Yes, once the certificate is attested by MOFA and legalized in the destination country.

Yes, non-Muslims can divorce under UAE Federal Law No. 41 of 2022 or their home-country law.

Non-Muslims may choose UAE law or their national law.

Yes, if compliant with UAE law and public order. 

Based on the child’s best interests, with non-Muslim regulations favouring joint custody. 

Non-Muslims may rely on home-country law; Muslims follow Sharia principles.

Yes, through DIFC or local Wills Service Centres.

Identical wills for couples to protect each other and their children. 

Yes, through attestation and submission to local courts. 

Yes, with attestation and coordination with experts in the destination country.

Confirming a document’s authenticity for use in another country.

For official use abroad such as marriage, education, or corporate purposes. 

By attesting it in the issuing country, UAE Embassy, and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They must be notarized, legalized by MOFA, and then by the destination country’s embassy.

Notarization certifies a signature; legalization confirms validity internationally.

Usually 3–7 working days, depending on countries involved.

Yes, we can manage the full legalization chain for UAE-based steps.

Job title, salary, benefits, termination clause, and notice period. It may also include confidentiality or non-compete clauses.

Only for serious misconduct as stated in the UAE Labour Law.

Notice pay, unused leave, end-of-service gratuity, and repatriation ticket (if employee not staying in the UAE) 

Based on basic salary and years of service: 21 days per year for the first 5 years, 30 thereafter.

Yes, if reasonable in time, geography, and scope.

Employees can file a complaint with MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority.

Yes, mediation is mandatory before labour court proceedings.

Federal Courts, Dubai Courts, DIFC Courts, and ADGM Courts.

Usually 6–18 months, depending on appeals.

Court fees are typically 6% of the claim (capped at AED 40,000 in Dubai). Employment and rent cases have lower caps.

Yes, under the Judicial Authority Law and MoU between both courts.

Freezing assets, travel bans, or securing debts. The main case must follow within 7 days

Yes, through the Court of Appeal and Court of Cassation within the prescribed timelines.

Through sponsorship by an employer, family member, or by investing in property or business.

Investors, property owners, professionals, and exceptional talents. 

Ten-year residency, family sponsorship, and greater flexibility for dependents.

Yes, for properties valued at AED 2 million or more. 

Yes, via freelance or remote work permits. 

Entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa issuance (visas are now digital).

Renew before expiry with a new medical and ID. 

Mainland, free zone, and offshore companies. Each has its own setup rules, ownership options, and licensing authorities.

Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE; free zone companies are limited to their zone or international business.

Yes, most sectors now allow full foreign ownership. Some sectors still require local participation (e.g., energy, oil & gas).

Passport copies, proof of address, source of funds, and parent company documents (if applicable). Business plans may also be required.

Ownership percentages, voting rights, profit sharing, dispute resolution, and exit clauses.

It gives an agent exclusive rights to distribute goods or services in the UAE and is registered with the Ministry of Economy.

Through a formal liquidation process with audited accounts, public notice, and deregistration from authorities. Companies cannot remain idle and must be properly wound up.

They handle licensing, renewals, compliance, and communication with UAE authorities on behalf of the company.

Usually 5–10 working days depending on the jurisdiction and activity.

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