Commercial Contracts in the UAE

We assist entrepreneurs and businesses with drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts in the United Arab Emirates and for international transactions.

Our work covers consultancy and service agreements, agency and distribution agreements, franchise agreements, commercial sales contracts, joint venture agreements and shareholder agreements.

We help clarify each party’s obligations, identify risks and negotiate terms suited to your business. Our review includes payment terms, deadlines, warranties, liability, confidentiality and termination provisions.

For international contracts, we also advise on the choice of governing law and dispute resolution procedures, taking into account the location of the parties and how the contract will be performed.

Our support covers initial discussions through to signature, as well as amendments, renewals and termination of existing agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beyond the price, you should review each party’s obligations, payment terms, deadlines, warranties and limitations of liability. Renewal, termination and dispute resolution provisions also deserve careful attention. This review helps identify risks and negotiate terms that could otherwise weaken your position.

A contract used in another country needs to be adapted to the transaction and the applicable legal framework. Some provisions may be unsuitable, difficult to enforce or inconsistent with mandatory local rules. Liability, termination, governing law and dispute resolution clauses should be reviewed in particular.

Many commercial contracts in the UAE are drafted in English. Language requirements nevertheless depend on the type of contract, any registration requirements and the authority concerned. A certified Arabic translation may be required for proceedings before local courts. For bilingual contracts, both versions should be checked for consistency.

These clauses establish the legal framework of the contract and how any dispute will be handled. The choice between courts and arbitration should take account of the location of the parties, their assets and the prospects of enforcing a decision. For international transactions, these issues should be considered during negotiations.

A breach does not always entitle you to terminate a contract immediately. You need to assess its seriousness, the termination provisions and any notice requirements or formal demands to remedy the breach. An improperly handled termination may itself expose you to liability. We help you assess your options and prepare the appropriate steps.

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