Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common UAE legal questions in Dubai and across the UAE.
General Questions
We assist clients in Arabic and English. UAE court proceedings are generally conducted in Arabic, and foreign-language documents may require certified Arabic translation, depending on the court or authority.
Use our booking page, call, or WhatsApp to request a consultation. Available appointment formats and fees depend on the matter and are confirmed before the consultation.
UAE legal practice and court representation are regulated. The professional assigned to a matter must hold the registration or licence required for that work; please ask us to confirm the responsible professional’s details for your case.
Consultation and ongoing fees depend on the matter, complexity, and scope. We confirm the applicable fee and any further terms before the consultation or additional work.
Labour Law Questions
Private-sector employees can use MOHRE’s salary-complaint or labour-complaint services where the federal system applies. MOHRE may seek settlement, decide certain claims, or refer an unresolved dispute to the competent court, depending on the claim and current procedure. See our UAE labour and employment law page.
Under the federal private-sector regime, a qualifying foreign full-time employee who completes at least one continuous year may be entitled to end-of-service benefits based on basic wage and service. The calculation can vary with permitted deductions and any approved alternative savings scheme.
Employment contracts generally require the agreed written notice within the statutory range unless a lawful exception applies. If notice was not given, notice pay or other entitlements may be due. Additional compensation for unlawful termination applies only in defined circumstances.
Family Law Questions
The applicable divorce framework can depend on nationality, religion, residence, any valid choice of law, and the parties’ circumstances. Non-Muslim civil personal-status rules may apply in some cases, while others proceed under the federal Personal Status Law or another law accepted by the UAE court. See our UAE family law page.
Custody depends on the applicable family-law regime and the child’s circumstances. The federal Personal Status Law sets an order of priority beginning with the mother and then the father, while the non-Muslim civil regime generally starts from joint custody. The court may order a different arrangement in the child’s interests.
UAE law allows certain agreed conditions to be recorded in an authenticated marriage contract, including under the non-Muslim civil framework. Whether a proposed prenuptial term is valid or enforceable depends on the applicable regime, its wording, and public-policy limits.
Real Estate Questions
A Dubai landlord should return the security deposit or remaining balance at the end of the lease after justified deductions. If the amount is disputed, the tenant may use the appropriate Rental Disputes Center procedure, supported by the Ejari, handover evidence, notices, and payment records.
Verify the title deed and property status through Dubai Land Department, check restrictions or financing, and review the sale agreement before signing. For off-plan property, also verify the licensed developer, registered project, construction status, and project escrow account. See our UAE real estate law page.
Criminal Law Questions
If arrested, ask to be told the charge, exercise your right to remain silent, and request legal assistance promptly. Criminal procedures are conducted in Arabic, so request an interpreter if needed and do not sign a statement you do not understand.
A cheque returned for insufficient funds may be enforced as an executory instrument rather than prosecuted solely because it was unpaid. Criminal liability can still arise for conduct specified by law, such as knowingly issuing an unpayable cheque, unlawfully stopping payment, closing or emptying the account, or cheque forgery.
Immigration Questions
The Golden Visa generally provides renewable residence for five or ten years, depending on the category. Routes include qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents and specialists, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, each with its own evidence and eligibility rules.
After cancellation, the permitted stay depends on the residence category and the period shown by ICP or GDRFA. Check the cancellation record promptly before changing status or leaving the UAE. Repatriation costs and employment dues depend on how the employment ended and whether the worker joins another employer.
Corporate Questions
Common options include a mainland company, free-zone entity, or foreign-company branch. The appropriate structure depends on the licensed activity, ownership, target market, required approvals, tax position, and where the business will operate.
Foreign investors may own up to 100% of many mainland companies, so a UAE-national shareholder is not universally required. Strategic-impact or regulated activities, particular legal forms, and local licensing rules may still impose UAE-national participation or other conditions.
The correct route depends on the contract, parties, claim value, subject matter, jurisdiction clause, and any arbitration agreement. Some disputes may require conciliation before court filing, while others proceed through court, arbitration, mediation, or a specialist tribunal.
Ready to Discuss Your UAE Legal Matter?
Contact our team today. Confidential consultations are available in Arabic and English.