06 Commercial Companies in the UAE

A brief overview by Real Law

Who is this overview for

The following overview is of interest to various types of professionals, namely:

1. entrepreneurs and investors;

2. lawyers and representatives of the related professions;

3. business consultants;

4. accountants and auditors.

Key regulation areas

Commercial companies legislation governs incorporation, management and liquidation of companies in the UAE. 

Commercial companies in the UAE are subdivided into: 

1. mainland companies, and

2. companies registered in free zones.

3. In addition to the above-mentioned types of companies, there are offshore companies. Business activities of such companies are not regulated by specialised legislation because offshore companies have no real physical presence and do not actually operate in the country.

Free zone companies have a number of restrictions on their business activities, while mainland companies enjoy all the rights and advantages. 

Mainland companies take the following legal forms:

1. Limited Liability Company (L.L.C),
2. Joint Liabili...