06 Commercial Companies in the UAE

A brief overview by realLaw AI

The overview includes practical federal and Dubai guidelines and analytical materials from realLaw AI.

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 Liability Company,
3. Limited Partnership Company,
4. Public Joint Stock Company,
5. Private Joint Stock Company.

As for free zone companies, they take the following forms:

1. Free Zone Establishment, FZE (one shareholder)
2. Free Zone Company, FZCO (several shareholders)
3. and others ...