Whenever your business grows, deals with complex agreements or is involved in a major corporate dispute in the United Arab Emirates, clear and sound legal advice makes the difference between long-term success and costly disruptions.

At RH & HALE, our commercial lawyers in Dubai support local mainland businesses, free zone companies, international brands and startups through all stages of their business lifecycle. We turn complex rules into practical business decisions so you can focus on scale, and we take care of the legal complexities.

What Does “Commercial” Mean for Your Business in the UAE?

A commercial license in UAE allows you to buy, sell, import, export or trade goods. It is one of the most common licenses as it covers many everyday business activities. It may be required for:

• General trading
• Retail or wholesale shops
• Import and export
• E-commerce
• Real estate broking
• Logistics and freight
• Building materials, electronics, fashion, foodstuff, and many more activities.

Whether you need a commercial license in Dubai, help with commercial contracts, or advice on commercial company formation, getting it right from the start saves time, money, and headaches later.

Latest UAE Commercial License Rules 

The main law for commercial companies is Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, updated by Federal Decree Law No. 20 of 2025.

Key points include:

• Non-profit companies: It is now possible to create a company that does not pay owners but instead reinvests all profits in its goals. Ideal for social or charitable enterprises.
• Drag-along and tag-along rights – these protect shareholders in a sale. 

• Drag-along: One group can force others to join a sale. 
• Tag-along: Minority owners can get in on the same terms.

• Different classes of shares: Companies can issue shares which have different voting rights, profit shares or other features. This helps attract investors.
• Re-domiciliation: Move your company registration between UAE authorities more easily, without losing your legal status.

These rules apply to mainland companies. Free zones have their own aligned systems. We at RH & HALE stay updated on all official changes from the Ministry of Economy and help you apply them to your business.

Complete Legal Support for Your Commercial Business in Dubai

Our bilingual corporate and commercial lawyers can offer practical assistance with local UAE mainland and free zone systems (including DFM and ADGM). Our commercial legal services include:

1. Corporate formation and structural advice:

Choosing the right structure is crucial to protect your assets and ensure compliant tax planning under the 9% UAE Corporate Tax regime. Our drafting and advisory services will help you choose and form your structure under one of the following jurisdictions:

• • Mainland LLCs, governed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 
  • Free zone entities (including DMCC, JAFZA and KIZAD). 

• Offshore and branch office registration 

• Cross-border corporate domiciliation (moving a foreign company to or from onshore UAE).

2. Drafting and review of commercial agreements:

The most common cause of commercial disputes is poorly drafted agreements with vague language. Our commercial contract lawyers can draft clear, legally enforceable agreements directly in English and Arabic – no need for a third party translator. Our regular writing and review service supports:

• Shareholder agreements and organizational structures
• Shareholder agreements and other corporate partnership structures
• Distribution, franchising and commercial agency agreements
• Joint venture (JV) and service agreements
• Corporate governance reports and board resolutions

3. Mergers, Acquisitions (M&A) and restructuring 

From transaction structuring to integration, we conduct the complete legal due diligence process, protecting your capital. The services that we offer include: 

• Asset and share purchase agreements 
• Filing for regulatory approvals with UAE ministries 
• Corporate restructuring and debt negotiations 
• Insolvency and formal filings under UAE Bankruptcy Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2023) to protect company directors from personal liability.

4. Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution:

Business relationship fail? You need a firm with a proven track record in dispute resolution. We will assist you to resolve a dispute through strategic negotiation or representation through either arbitration or the courts.

• Arbitration: fast-tracked representation before DIAC (Dubai International Arbitration Centre) ADGM/DIFC common-law arbitration bodies.  
• Litigation: Direct, experienced representation across all local UAE Onshore Civil Courts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

5. Other Related Services: 

We also provide:

• Corporate compliance and regulatory advice
• Employment contracts for your team
• Tax advisory linked to commercial operations
• Intellectual property protection for your brand
• Business restructuring or exit strategies

Step-by-Step Support from RH & Hale for Commercial Businesses

We assist businesses in aligning their current company setup to comply with the new UAE Commercial Companies Law.

1. Corporate Objectives Review: We review your existing company structure, shareholder agreements and business operations to make sure they comply with the new Commercial Companies Law.
2. MoA Drafting & Amendment: Our professional bilingual lawyers will amend your Memorandum of Association (MoA), add any missing clauses as required e.g. multiple share classes, drag-along rights or contributions of in-kind assets.
3. Notary & DET Registration: Thereafter, we sign the amended MoA before the Notary Public and will submit all documents to the Department of Economy and Tourism (or relevant Free Zone Authority) to amend your commercial register.
4. FTA Tax Compliance Check: Our professional team will conduct a final compliance check to make sure your amended company structure complies with the new Federal Tax Authority (FTA) corporate tax requirements.

Steps to obtain Your Commercial License in Dubai and UAE

A commercial license lets you trade goods or run trading activities. It’s one of the most searched topics because every business needs one.

Steps to follow:

1. Choose your activity (general trading, import/export, etc.)
2. Reserve your trade name
3. Initial approval by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zone authority
4. Submit the required documents (passports, visas, tenancy “Ejari”, Memorandum of Association)
5. Pay the fees and get your license

Fees and procedures depend on the location (mainland, Dubai, free zones in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah). The UAE Commercial Companies Law now allows 100% foreign ownership for most mainland business activities. We ensure that your paperwork is completed accurately, help choose the best structure (LLC, etc.), and make sure everything is done in accordance with the latest rules.

Common license types:

• Commercial license (trading)
• Professional license (services)
• Industrial license (manufacturing)
• General trading license

Why Choose RH & Hale for Your Commercial Legal Needs?

• Strong Court Representation: Our licensed commercial lawyers can represent you directly in Dubai Courts, DIFC Courts and ADGM. You will have real courtroom experience with a thorough understanding of UAE legal processes.
• Fully Bilingual Attorneys: All contracts, pleadings and court documents are drafted in both Arabic and English. This eliminates translation errors and time consumption, while ensuring your legal situation is clear at all times.
• Up‑to‑Date, Accurate Legal Advice: All recommendations we make are always based on the most recent UAE federal laws, ministerial ordinances and emirate‑level regulations. Always receive accurate, up‑to‑date legal advice.
• Practical, Business‑Focused Solutions: We keep things simple. Our commercial lawyers will give you practical and realistic advice that protects your business, and ensures you can operate smoothly, with no legal headaches.

Let’s talk. Contact RH & HALE for a consultation. Leave the legal side to us while you focus on running and expanding your business. Let us help you get what you want – a strong, compliant and successful commercial enterprise in the UAE.