Corporate,commercially read.

Mainland companies can trade directly anywhere in the UAE and contract with government; free-zone companies benefit from zone-specific regulations, often simpler set-up and, in the DIFC and ADGM, common-law frameworks and courts, but face restrictions on onshore trading. With 100% foreign ownership now available onshore for most activities, the decision turns on market access, licensing, banking, substance and tax. We give a written recommendation after a short scoping call.

For most commercial and industrial activities onshore, yes, since the 2021 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law; a limited list of strategic-impact activities still requires Emirati participation or approvals. Free-zone companies have always permitted 100% foreign ownership. Professional licences and some sectors have their own rules.

Federal Law No. 3 of 2022 governs registered commercial agencies. Registered agents historically enjoyed strong protection against termination and exclusivity; the 2022 law modernised the regime but registered agencies remain difficult to exit. Whether to structure a relationship as a registrable agency or an unregistered distribution arrangement is one of the most consequential decisions in a GCC market-entry plan.

Fixed-term contracts (now the standard form), probation terms, notice periods, non-compete and confidentiality clauses within legal limits, working hours and leave, end-of-service gratuity, and compliance with the relevant regime: onshore Labour Law, or the separate DIFC or ADGM employment laws. Free-zone and onshore rules differ materially and templates should not be reused across them.

Locked-box pricing is common in the Gulf; regulatory approvals vary by free zone and sector; audit quality outside DIFC and ADGM varies; and share transfers require notarised or registrar-level formalities. Warranty and indemnity insurance is increasingly available. For Indian acquirers, RBI overseas-investment rules and reporting apply; for Indian targets, FEMA pricing and sectoral rules govern. We run both sides.

Register trademarks in each country you trade in; the UAE is a first-to-file jurisdiction and registration is the basis for enforcement, including customs and platform takedowns. India likewise. Clearance searches before launch avoid expensive rebrands. We handle filing, watching and enforcement across the UAE, GCC and India.

Yes, from prevention to resolution. Good shareholders' agreements with clear deadlock, exit and valuation mechanisms avoid most disputes. Where they arise, we advise on strategy, negotiate settlements and, where proceedings are necessary, coordinate registered advocates in UAE courts or counsel in India and arbitral tribunals.

Fixed fees for formations, standard contracts, employment documentation and trademark filings; scoped fixed or capped fees for M&A, joint ventures and restructurings; and retainer options for companies with recurring needs. We quote before starting.