SHÁZM Legal Consultancy — Knowledge Hub (Q&A)
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Mainland provides broad market access across the UAE and allows government contracting; Free Zones offer 100% foreign ownership, simpler customs, and sector-specific ecosystems; Offshore vehicles serve holding, IP, and asset protection with no onshore trading. We assess your target customers, licensing needs, visa quotas, substance requirements, and banking to recommend an optimal structure.

Typically: trade name reservation, initial approval, Memorandum of Association/Articles, lease or flexi-desk agreement, UBO declarations, and specimen signatures. Sectoral approvals (health, education, finance), and economic substance filings may also apply.

We deploy clear scopes, milestone-linked payments, liability caps, warranties, intellectual property clauses, governing law and jurisdiction (or arbitration), and tailored termination rights. We also add practical schedules (SLA, acceptance tests) that courts and tribunals can readily enforce.

Entities engaged in relevant activities (e.g., distribution, HQ, holding, IP) must demonstrate adequate staff, premises, and expenditure in the UAE. We review your operations and file on time to avoid penalties and license complications.

We align company setup and contracts with UAE corporate tax and VAT registration thresholds, invoicing, and compliance calendars. Our approach reduces future reassessments and clarifies permanent establishment risks.

Typically: pleadings (statement of claim/defense), expert appointments, hearings, judgment, and possible appeal/cassation. We track deadlines meticulously and prepare evidence in formats favored by the courts.

Electronic communications are commonly accepted if authenticity is provable (headers, device attribution, time stamps). We use notarized translations, device forensics, and platform logs when necessary.

We file recognition/enforcement proceedings showing finality, jurisdiction, and due process. Reciprocity or treaty arrangements may expedite enforcement via UAE courts.

Yes. We pursue freezing orders, precautionary attachments, travel bans, and evidence preservation when immediate protection is needed, coordinating filings with precise documentary support.

Confirm developer registration, escrow arrangements, project status, payment plan triggers, default remedies, and handover timelines. We stress-test clauses on delays, variations, and defects liability.

In Dubai, matters typically begin at the Rental Disputes Center. We evaluate notices, rent index caps, renewal/termination rights, and evidence (Ejari, payment receipts, correspondence) to pursue negotiation or formal action.

Yes. We tailor risk allocations (extensions of time, force majeure, liquidated damages, design liability) and define dispute boards/expert determination alongside arbitration to avoid project gridlock.

Typically: title deed or Oqood, NOCs, paid service charge statements, IDs, PoA if applicable, and bank clearance letters when mortgaged. We coordinate trustee office appointments and fee schedules.

Major routes include investors, highly skilled professionals, exceptional talents, real estate owners (meeting threshold), and outstanding students. We map eligibility and assemble compliant evidence to avoid rejections.

Processing varies by category and emirate. Many permits issue within 5–15 working days once documents and medical/biometrics are complete. We prepare upfront to minimize back-and-forth.

Yes. Spouses, children, and in some cases parents can be sponsored subject to income, housing, and attestation requirements. We coordinate attestations and health insurance to streamline issuance.

Dependents need attested marriage/birth certificates, valid insurance, and adequate housing. We plan timelines around school terms and coordinate attestations and translations in advance.

We conduct clearance searches, file with the Ministry of Economy, manage oppositions/publications, and handle renewals and enforcement. For regional protection we consider GCC/Arab filings and international routes where suitable.

We deploy takedown notices, platform escalations, customs recordals, and civil/criminal measures. Evidence capture (timestamps, web archives, notarized prints) is critical for swift relief.

Well-drafted NDAs and assignments are enforceable when clear on scope, duration, territory, and remedies. We align them with employment and commercial agreements to avoid conflict.

We design licensing frameworks (on‑prem/SaaS), define usage metrics, audit rights, confidentiality, and data protection obligations, and set dispute resolution with efficient enforcement pathways.

Privacy, expertise of arbitrators, procedural flexibility, and typically faster timelines. Awards are enforceable through UAE courts, with limited grounds to challenge.

Clear seat, rules (e.g., DIAC, ADCCAC, ICC), number of arbitrators, language, and scope of disputes. We tailor multi-tier clauses with negotiation/mediation steps to preserve commercial relationships.

We petition the competent court for recognition/enforcement, ensuring procedural compliance and addressing any public policy issues. Proper service and jurisdictional clarity are crucial to avoid delays.

For relationship‑sensitive disputes or where speed and confidentiality matter, we draft mediation protocols with without‑prejudice protections, timelines, and conversion pathways to binding settlement terms.

Glossary

Key Legal Terms — Plain Language

Short definitions that help clients follow our advice and documents confidently.

Due Diligence

Verification of facts, documents, and risks before a transaction (e.g., property or M&A).

Force Majeure

Contract clause excusing performance for events beyond control (e.g., natural disasters).

Governing Law

The legal system chosen by parties to interpret and enforce a contract.

Seat of Arbitration

Jurisdiction whose procedural law governs the arbitration process.

Escrow

A safeguarded account where funds are held until contractual conditions are met.

UBO

Ultimate Beneficial Owner — the natural person who ultimately owns or controls an entity.

Resources

Guides & Checklists

Downloadable, client‑friendly materials to prepare for consultations.

Company Formation Checklist

Documents, timelines, and decision points from name reservation to banking.

Real Estate Buyer’s Pre‑Handover List

Snagging, escrow, variations, and penalties — what to confirm before keys.

Arbitration Clause Builder

Seat, rules, language, and arbitrator panel options to discuss with counsel.

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