Huda AlMazmi - Founding Attorney

Rental laws in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) govern the relationship between landlords and tenants, providing a legal framework for residential and commercial leases. Rental laws can vary between emirates, so it's important to be aware of the specific regulations applicable in the area where the property is located. Below are some key aspects of rental law in the UAE:

• Lease Agreements: A lease agreement is a legal contract between the landlord and the tenant, outlining the terms and conditions of the tenancy. It typically includes details such as the rental amount, payment terms, duration of the lease, and other important provisions.
• Security Deposits: Landlords commonly require tenants to provide a security deposit, which is intended to cover any damages to the property. The deposit is refundable at the end of the lease period, subject to the condition of the property.
• Rent Increases: Rental laws in the UAE may regulate the frequency and amount of rent increases. In some emirates, there are guidelines specifying the maximum percentage by which the rent can be increased.
• Eviction Procedures: Landlords must follow legal procedures if they wish to evict a tenant. The reasons for eviction and the process involved can vary, but typically, landlords are required to provide notice and follow specific legal steps.
  Maintenance and Repairs: The responsibilities for property maintenance and repairs are usually outlined in the lease agreement. Landlords are typically responsible for major structural repairs, while tenants are responsible for routine maintenance and minor repairs.
• Tenant's Rights: Tenants have specific rights under UAE rental laws, including the right to live in a well-maintained property, the right to privacy, and protection against unfair eviction. Any restrictions on these rights should be clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
• Tenancy Renewal: Rental laws often address the renewal of leases. In some cases, if both parties agree, the lease can be renewed under similar terms. Some emirates may have regulations in place to protect tenants from arbitrary eviction when renewing a lease.
• Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute between the landlord and tenant, the UAE has established mechanisms for resolution. This may involve mediation, arbitration, or legal proceedings depending on the nature and severity of the dispute.
• Rent Committees: Some emirates have rent committees or authorities that oversee rental matters and may provide assistance in resolving disputes between landlords and tenants. These committees may also set guidelines for rent increases.
• It's crucial for both landlords and tenants to familiarize themselves with the specific rental laws applicable in the emirate where the property is located. Consulting with legal professionals and understanding the terms of the lease agreement are essential steps to ensure a smooth and legally compliant landlord-tenant relationship in the UAE.

Property law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a complex area that involves a combination of federal laws, local regulations, and specific rules implemented by each emirate. Here are some key aspects of property law in the UAE:
Federal Laws: The UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, is a fundamental legal framework that governs various aspects of property rights, contracts, and obligations. It covers issues such as ownership, possession, lease, and transfer of property.
Freehold and Leasehold: In the UAE, there are different types of property ownership, primarily freehold and leasehold. Freehold ownership allows the buyer to own the property and the land it sits on indefinitely. Leasehold ownership, on the other hand, grants the right to use the property for a specific period, typically long-term leases ranging from 30 to 99 years.
Land Registration: The UAE has established land registration systems to record property transactions and ownership. Each emirate has its own land department responsible for maintaining these records. For example, the Dubai Land Department and the Abu Dhabi Municipality play key roles in land registration in their respective emirates.
Foreign Ownership: In recent years, the UAE has introduced measures to allow greater foreign ownership of property in certain designated areas. This is aimed at promoting investment and boosting the real estate market.
Strata Law: Strata law regulates the ownership and management of common areas in multi-unit developments, such as condominiums and apartment buildings. This is particularly important in cities like Dubai, where vertical development is common.
Real Estate Development: Real estate development is governed by regulations that vary by emirate. Developers must comply with planning and zoning regulations, obtain necessary permits, and adhere to construction standards.
Tenancy Laws: Each emirate has its own tenancy laws that regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants. These laws address issues such as lease agreements, rent increases, and eviction procedures.
Escrow Accounts: To protect the interests of property buyers, the UAE has introduced regulations requiring developers to use escrow accounts for off-plan property sales. This helps ensure that funds from buyers are used for the intended project and provides a level of financial security.
Real Estate Agents: Real estate agents in the UAE must be registered and licensed. The UAE has implemented regulations to professionalize the real estate brokerage sector and protect the interests of buyers and sellers.
It's important for individuals and businesses involved in property transactions in the UAE to seek legal advice and be aware of the specific regulations and laws applicable in the emirate where the property is located. Additionally, the legal landscape may evolve, so staying informed about updates and changes in property laws is crucial.

Construction law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a specialized legal field that governs the rights and responsibilities of parties involved in construction projects. The legal framework for construction in the UAE is a combination of federal laws, local laws in each emirate, and contractual agreements. Here are some key aspects of construction law in the UAE:
Federal Laws: The UAE has federal laws that apply across all emirates. One of the key federal laws related to construction is the UAE Civil Code, which outlines general principles of contract law. Additionally, the UAE Federal Law No. 4 of 1979 concerning Mortgages of Movable Property and Registration Thereof plays a role in securing construction-related transactions.
Local Laws: Each emirate in the UAE may have its own laws and regulations related to construction. For example, Dubai has its own Building Code and Planning Regulations, while Abu Dhabi has the Abu Dhabi Building Code.
Regulatory Authorities: Each emirate typically has its own regulatory authority responsible for overseeing construction activities. For instance, the Dubai Municipality in Dubai and the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities in Abu Dhabi play key roles in regulating and approving construction projects.
Construction Contracts: Construction contracts in the UAE are based on principles of the common law system. FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) contracts are commonly used in the UAE, and parties may also draft bespoke contracts to suit the specific requirements of a project.
Dispute Resolution: Disputes in the construction industry are not uncommon, and various mechanisms exist for resolving them. Mediation, arbitration, and litigation are the primary dispute resolution methods. The UAE has established specialized courts to handle construction disputes, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts.
Payment Issues: Payment disputes can be a significant concern in construction projects. The UAE has introduced specific regulations to address payment delays, such as the UAE Construction Trust Account Law, which aims to ensure timely payments in construction projects.
Health and Safety: Health and safety regulations are stringent in the UAE, and construction companies must adhere to them. The UAE Labour Law and other regulations outline the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in the construction sector.
It's important to note that laws and regulations can change, so it's advisable to consult with legal professionals or keep abreast of updates from relevant authorities when dealing with construction projects in the UAE. Legal advice should be sought to ensure compliance with current regulations and to address the specific circumstances of each construction project.

Our team is aware of how crucial it is to uphold the law in order to regulate government operations in the United Arab Emirates and how society is based on respect for the law. Our group has started putting the idea of legal insurance into practice, giving people and businesses a means of legally protecting themselves. For this service, our office and clients enter into an annual agreement that covers insurance for the client, their family, or their businesses.

• We oversee their legal matters in a number of ways as stipulated below.
• Local Litigations.
• Debt recovery.
• Drafting and Reviews of business or personal contracts.
• Immigration.Employment and labour issues.

In the UAE, the new Tax Law initiated in 2018. We can deal with tax cases that result from a dispute between the taxpayer and the tax authority. In these cases, the Federal Tax Authority is authorized to review taxpayers' tax returns in order to ascertain the rights and obligations of each party, within the parameters of the authority's ability to conduct a tax audit.
Our office has qualified staff who can provide advice on what businesses should do, what paperwork needs to be submitted, and how to comply with the UAE's new tax laws. We also offer a wide range of other services pertaining to tax disputes and represent businesses in accordance with the most recent and relevant legal guidelines.