If your business needs a corporate lawyer in Dubai, you need advice that fits how companies actually operate in the UAE — mainland, free zone and DIFC structures, licensing rules, corporate tax, employment compliance, and contracts that hold up when deals go wrong. Ali Advocates has advised UAE companies for more than 25 years.
What a corporate lawyer in Dubai does
Corporate work splits into two halves. The first is advisory: choosing the right structure, drafting shareholder and commercial agreements before problems arise, and keeping the company compliant with UAE law — from the Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021) to economic substance and anti-money-laundering rules. The second is contentious: shareholder disputes, recovery claims, partner exits and litigation when a relationship breaks down.
Corporate legal services we provide
Company formation and structuring
Mainland, free zone and offshore entities, branch registrations, licensing and restructuring — structured correctly from day one so banking, visas and tax registration proceed without surprises.
Commercial contracts
Drafting, reviewing and negotiating supply, distribution, agency, franchise, service and consultancy agreements. We write contracts to be enforced, not just signed.
Shareholder and partner matters
Shareholder agreements, share transfers, capital changes, deadlock mechanisms and exits. The cheapest corporate legal work you will ever buy happens before the dispute.
Corporate governance and compliance
Board advisory, resolutions, ultimate beneficial owner filings, corporate tax and regulatory questions handled correctly the first time.
Mergers and acquisitions
Due diligence, deal structuring, share purchase agreements and post-completion steps for UAE and cross-border transactions.
Restructuring and insolvency
Reorganisation, voluntary liquidation and creditor negotiations.
Who we help
- Founders and startups setting up or raising investment in the UAE.
- Family businesses and SMEs that need an outside legal partner for contracts and governance.
- International companies entering the UAE market or running a mainland entity alongside a free zone entity.
- Investors and acquirers buying into UAE businesses.
How we work
- Assessment. We review your structure, contracts or transaction and explain the options, risks and likely timelines in plain language — in Arabic or English.
- Action plan. You get a clear scope and fee structure before we start.
- Execution. Drafting, filings and coordination with authorities, banks and auditors on your behalf.
- Ongoing support. Many clients retain us for day-to-day commercial questions and contract reviews.
Why Ali Advocates
- 25+ years of UAE practice across mainland, free zone and offshore matters.
- Full-service firm — corporate, disputes, property, employment and IP under one roof, so your matter is not fragmented across three firms.
- Bilingual team working in Arabic and English, including before government authorities.
- Commercially practical advice: what you can do, what it costs, and what happens next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a corporate lawyer in Dubai cost?
Fees depend on scope: formation and contract work is usually fixed-fee, while transactions and disputes are quoted after an initial assessment. We agree fees in writing before starting.
Can you handle both mainland and free zone company matters?
Yes. We manage formation, licensing, compliance and disputes across mainland, free zones (DMCC, JAFZA, Meydan and others), DIFC, ADGM and offshore jurisdictions.
Do you work with businesses under the new UAE corporate tax law?
Yes. We coordinate corporate structuring and compliance with your tax advisers, including registration and documentation obligations.
What should I do before signing a shareholders agreement?
Have it reviewed before signature. We check decision rights, exit mechanisms, deadlock and restriction clauses — the provisions disputes are actually fought over.
Need a corporate lawyer in Dubai? Book a consultation with Ali Advocates or contact us directly. You can also read about our employment law, litigation and intellectual property services.