UAE Law Archives - Fichte & Co Legal

Impossible, Delayed or Simply More Expensive? Force Majeure and Hardship under the New UAE Civil Code

Florian Herkommer — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:21:35 +0000

Commercial disruptions can affect contractual performance in different ways. A government restriction may prevent delivery, a critical asset may be destroyed, or performance may remain possible but become substantially more expensive. These situations are often described generally as force majeure. Under UAE law, however, the legal consequences depend on whether performance has become impossible or …

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Before the Signature: Why Good Faith Now Matters at the UAE Negotiating Table

Galymzhan Alpeis — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:29:53 +0000

What if the biggest legal risk in your next deal has nothing to do with the contract itself? Most businesses assume that legal obligations only kick in once a contract is signed. Under the new UAE Civil Code, that assumption no longer holds up. Think about how much happens before anyone reaches for a pen. …

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DIFC COURTS VS. DUBAI COURTS: Resolving the Jurisdictional Divide in the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards

Ravi P. Jawani — Thu, 07 May 2026 12:49:39 +0000

The Emirate of Dubai operates two legally distinct court systems: the onshore Dubai Courts, constituted under UAE federal and local law, and the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts (“DIFC Courts”), which administer a common-law framework within the DIFC’s autonomous legal jurisdiction. While this dual-court architecture has been a powerful draw for international commerce, it has …

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Doing Business in Uncertain Times: Key Dos and Don’ts For UAE Employers and Employees

Mahmoud Ahmed — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:45:10 +0000

Periods of regional uncertainty raise immediate, practical questions for businesses. The starting point, however, remains unchanged: UAE Labour Law continues to apply in full, regardless of external circumstances For employers, the real issue is not whether the law applies, but how to take decisions (cost-cutting, remote work, termination) without creating legal exposure. FOR EMPLOYERS: …

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What Happens to Your Assets in the UAE When You Die? Most Expats Don’t Know and It’s Costly

Lakshmi Omanakuttan — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:52:38 +0000

If you live or invest in the UAE and don’t have a valid Will, your family could face frozen accounts, lengthy court proceedings, and inheritance rules you never intended. Here’s what every expat needs to know. You’ve built a life here. An apartment in Dubai, a salary account, maybe a business. You’ve thought about schools, …

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Standing Strong with Dubai and the UAE: Operations Remain Active

Jasmin Fichte — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:07:47 +0000

In light of recent developments being reported across the region, we would like to briefly confirm that Dubai and the United Arab Emirates remain fully operational, with business activities continuing as normal. All UAE courts, government authorities and regulatory bodies are open and operating, and legal proceedings and commercial activities continue without interruption. At Fichte …

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A New Era for the Commercial Companies Law: What the 2025 Amendments Mean in Practice

Florian Herkommer — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:13:04 +0000

With Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025, the UAE has implemented one of the most far-reaching updates to its Commercial Companies Law in recent years. Rather than constituting incremental adjustments, the amendments implement structural reforms. The reform agenda is clearly practice-driven. It incorporates concepts long familiar in common law jurisdictions, enhances flexibility for investors and …

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DIFC Courts Confirm no DIFC Nexus is Required for Recognition of Foreign Arbitral Awards

Ravi P. Jawani — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:45 +0000

In a further affirmation of the DIFC Courts’ pro-arbitration stance, the Court of First Instance in Om v. Ottilie (ARB 017/2025, judgment dated 28 October 2025) has confirmed that domicile, business activity, or the presence of assets in the DIFC are not statutory pre-conditions for the recognition or enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. The judgment …

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UAE Corporate Tax Law Amendment: Tax Credit Offsets and Payments for Unutilized Credits

Dr. Laura Voda — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:13:43 +0000

On 15 December 2025, the UAE issued a new Federal Decree-Law amending Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (“Corporate Tax Law”). The amendments further refine the UAE’s corporate tax framework by clarifying the treatment of tax credits, incentives, and reliefs, and by introducing a statutory basis for claiming …

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RAK ICC Foundations: New Amendments Enhance Asset Protection and Succession Planning

Florian Herkommer — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:54:39 +0000

Foundations have become an essential structuring tool in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly for succession planning, asset protection, and international wealth management. The Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) introduced its Foundations regime in 2019, with substantial amendments taking effect on 31 July 2025 to further enhance the framework. These changes consolidate …

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