United Arab Emirates: Contracts and Commercial Law

Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 represents the most significant reform of UAE civil law in a generation, fundamentally reshaping how contracts and civil transactions are governed across the Emirates.

Dubai International Financial Centre, commonly known as DIFC, is one of the UAE’s most recognized financial and commercial hubs. It has its own legal and regulatory framework, its own courts, and an English-language...

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BLK Partners is a multi-jurisdictional law firm operating across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Lebanon, and Egypt, providing comprehensive legal services under a unified trademark while maintaining independent registrations in each jurisdiction. The firm's newsroom showcases expertise spanning maritime law, fintech regulation, corporate governance, real estate, employment law, and public-private partnerships, with particular focus on Middle Eastern legal developments and Vision 2030 initiatives.

Breach of trust cases in Dubai carry serious legal consequences under Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, involving criminal penalties, civil compensation claims, and potential deportation for expatriates.

Businesses operating in the UAE face severe consequences for failing to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, including substantial fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 5,000,000 per violation. Understanding the comprehensive AML framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 is essential for financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses to implement proper customer due diligence, maintain accurate records, and avoid costly penalties that can damage corporate reputation.

Contractual obligations may become difficult to perform due to unforeseen external events that disrupt normal commercial operations.

As regional tensions escalate, UAE construction projects are facing rising costs, material shortages, and delays. Our latest article breaks down how FIDIC contracts and the UAE Civil Code provide practical tools...

I was in Abu Dhabi on 28 February when the hostilities began across the region.1 Within hours of my arrival, airspace disruptions, attack interceptions...