What Is Force Majeure and How Is It Interpreted?
Force majeure is a contractual concept used to address exceptional events beyond a party’s reasonable control that prevent, delay, or materially hinder performance of contractual obligations. It is commonly raised in the context of war, natural disasters, government restrictions, civil unrest, pandemics, or major operational disruption. In practice, force majeure is often misunderstood. It does […]
Trademarks, Brand Protection and Goodwill in the UAE
In many businesses, the brand is one of the most valuable commercial assets the business owns. Its value lies not only in the name or logo itself, but in the reputation, customer recognition, and goodwill built around it over time. In the UAE, trademarks are one of the principal legal tools used to protect that […]
Common Mistakes in UAE Employment Contracts
Employment contracts are a central part of any employer’s legal and operational framework. In the UAE, poorly drafted or inconsistent employment terms can expose a business to unnecessary disputes, compliance issues, and avoidable management difficulties. In practice, many employment-related problems do not arise because there is no contract in place, but because the contract does […]
Buying Off-Plan Property in Dubai: Legal Points to Check
The acquisition of off-plan property in Dubai can offer clear commercial advantages, including staged payment arrangements and potential value appreciation. It also carries a distinct set of legal and practical risks. Unlike the purchase of a completed asset, an off-plan transaction requires the buyer to assess not only the property, but also the developer, the […]
Key Clauses Every Commercial Contract Should Include
A commercial contract is not simply a record of agreed terms. Properly prepared, it is the legal framework that defines the parties’ obligations, allocates risk, regulates performance, and protects the integrity of the commercial relationship. In the UAE, business arrangements often progress quickly from discussion to implementation. Where contractual terms are incomplete, overly generic, or […]
How to Structure a Shareholders’ Agreement in the UAE
A shareholders’ agreement is a key legal document in any company with more than one shareholder. It sets out the framework governing the relationship between the shareholders, their rights and obligations, the management of the company, and the process for dealing with future changes or disputes. In the UAE, many businesses begin on the basis […]
Understanding Commercial Dispute Resolution in the UAE
Commercial disputes can arise in any business relationship, whether in connection with unpaid sums, breach of contract, shareholder disagreements, or transactions that fail to proceed as planned. When they do, the issue is not simply whether a claim exists, but how it should be pursued. In the UAE, disputes may be resolved through negotiation, mediation, […]