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Corporate law counsel in the UAE — ABR Advocates
HomeOur ExpertiseCorporate Law
Practice Area

Business Formation, Corporate Governance & Commercial Advisory: Your Complete Corporate Lifecycle Partner

From incorporation and shareholder agreements to M&A, restructuring, and everything in between — we help you build, protect, and grow your business in the UAE and beyond.

Building a business in the UAE is exhilarating — and legally demanding. The choices made at the start (where to incorporate, how to structure ownership, what the shareholders sign) echo through everything that follows: how you raise money, how you resolve disagreements, how you are taxed, and how easily you can one day sell or restructure. Getting those choices right is where we come in.

Our philosophy is simple: one firm, the whole lifecycle. We support clients seamlessly from the first incorporation decision, through day-to-day governance and commercial contracting, into growth transactions such as M&A and joint ventures, and — when the picture changes — through restructuring, exit or insolvency. Because we see the whole journey, our advice is never a compliance checkbox; it is a strategic input to the decision you are actually making.

That advice rests on deep working expertise in the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021, as amended), the free-zone regimes across the UAE, the 9% federal corporate tax framework, and the regulatory landscape in which UAE businesses operate. Whether you are a founder with an idea or a multinational entering the market, we help you build on solid legal ground — and keep building.

Our services — the corporate lifecycle

From formation to transaction, and beyond

01

Business Formation & Incorporation

Selecting and setting up the right vehicle — whether a mainland LLC, free-zone company, or offshore entity — with full licensing, shareholder arrangements, and a structure that aligns with your commercial objectives from day one.

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08

Foreign Investment & Market Entry

Advising international clients on ownership rules, structuring, and licensing for entering the UAE market. We demystify the local landscape and create a clear, compliant path to market.

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02

Corporate Governance & Compliance

Establishing robust board structures, defining fiduciary duties, and ensuring ongoing compliance with the Commercial Companies Law and sector-specific regulators. We help you govern with confidence and avoid costly penalties.

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03

Shareholder & Partnership Agreements

Drafting the agreements that govern ownership, control, profit-sharing, and exit between business partners. We anticipate future disputes and build solutions into your foundational documents.

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07

Commercial Contracts

Drafting and negotiating the day-to-day agreements that run a business — from supply and distribution to NDAs and service contracts. We ensure your commercial relationships are protected and your risk is minimized.

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09

Corporate Tax & Regulatory Advisory

Authoritative guidance on the 9% federal corporate tax regime, economic substance requirements, and sector-specific regulations. We help you plan for tax efficiency and stay ahead of regulatory change.

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04

Mergers & Acquisitions

End-to-end M&A support from due diligence and structuring to negotiation, regulatory approvals, and completion. Whether buying or selling, we protect your interests and maximize deal value.

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05

Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances

Structuring and documenting partnerships between businesses sharing a venture, market, or project. We design JVs that balance risk, reward, and operational control for all parties.

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06

Corporate Restructuring & Reorganisation

Reorganising group structures, share capital, and operations for efficiency, tax optimisation, or to prepare for a transaction. We streamline complexity so your business is fit for purpose and fit for the future.

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10

Restructuring & Insolvency

Expert advice on debt restructuring, voluntary liquidation, and creditor/debtor positions under the Bankruptcy Law. We protect your interests when businesses face financial distress.

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Why choose ABR Advocates

One firm, the whole corporate journey

The full lifecycle perspective.

We see the big picture. Our advice considers where you are now and where you want to be, so every decision supports your long-term goals.

Commercial, not just legal.

Legal structures must serve business objectives. Our advice is pragmatic, actionable, and designed to help you compete and grow.

Deep UAE and regional knowledge.

We work daily with UAE company law, free-zone rules and the evolving tax landscape, giving you authoritative guidance you can rely on.

One integrated team.

Our corporate, tax and commercial lawyers work seamlessly together, so you never have to manage multiple advisors for a single transaction.

Client-centric service.

We are responsive, accessible, and committed to practical solutions that make a real difference to your business.

Common questions

Corporate Law FAQs

Can't find your answer? Our team responds to every enquiry within one business day.

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Timelines vary by jurisdiction and structure. Mainland company formation in Dubai typically takes one to three weeks once documentation is ready, while some free zone incorporations can move faster. We manage the process end-to-end — licensing, structuring and registration — so you can focus on the business itself.
Yes. We advise on mainland, free zone — including DIFC, DMCC and JAFZA — and offshore structures, and help you choose the right jurisdiction for your activity, ownership and tax objectives.
Yes. Shareholder and partnership disputes are one of our core areas — from negotiating an exit to representing you in litigation or arbitration where agreement isn't possible.
Ready to build, grow or restructure?

Speak to our corporate team today

A strategic consultation on establishing, growing or restructuring your business in the UAE.

  • Complimentary, confidential first review
  • Response within one business day
  • Advice in your preferred language
Speak to our corporate team Call the firm

Speak with ABR

Confidential, and free for your first review.

Call the firm+971 50 887 2523Email usinfo@abrlaw.comWhatsAppChat with our team
Visit us401 Sama Building, Al Barsha 1, Dubai