Professional Lawyer – Dr. Hassan Elhais

Cybercrime is a major social threat to individuals and organizations in the UAE. The government of the UAE has already implemented a structured legal system to prevent such online crimes. According to UAE criminal law, these offenses are taken very seriously with strict penalties. By understanding the cybercrime laws and staying vigilant against online crimes, individuals can protect themselves from becoming victims. Prompt reporting may prevent or reduce cybercrime incidents and contribute to a safer cyberspace.

What are the major online crimes and their punishments under the UAE\'s cybercrime laws?

The major cybercrimes in the UAE include hacking, damaging government agencies\' computer networks, infringing on private data, fabricating emails, websites, and digital accounts, as well as illegally monitoring and disseminating data. Under criminal law in UAE, depending on the offense\'s severity and the case\'s circumstances, a conviction can lead to a fine, jail time, or both. Article 11 of the cybercrime law prohibits creating fraudulent websites or email addresses or misrepresenting others with imprisonment and AED 50,000–200,000 fines. Further, using fake accounts to damage someone may get the offender jailed for two years. Targeting state institutions\' websites or accounts carries penalties that escalate to AED 200,000 to AED 2,000,000 in fines and five years in prison.

What are the most common tactics used to commit the online crimes in the UAE?

Sending fake web links through messages or emails is known as smishing. It may direct the users to scam websites that illegally collect information, such as financial information and personal data. These kinds of scams can result in substantial financial losses and the misuse of the users\' identities.

The criminal activity that can occur online is known as hacking. This procedure is a frequent practice in which individuals and even businesses receive requests for sensitive information such as banking and credit card information through emails that appear legitimate. Being a victim of phishing scams can result in financial fraud and risking private data.

Another very common way of online scamming is through phone calls, called voice phishing. Scammers may use phone calls to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or transferring money. The banks and government authorities may initiate campaigns to raise awareness and prevent such online fraud activities. It\'s important to note that legitimate organizations will never request sensitive information over the phone.

How to protect yourself from cyberattacks?

Beware and avoid sharing personal data and contact information on untrusted internet sites. It is extremely important to remain vigilant when downloading from unknown links that are received via text messages or emails. Download apps only from authorized sources, ensure your personal data is kept safe, and create backup copies. Regularly monitor for signs of electronic fraud, such as abnormal battery consumption or slower processing speeds.

Conclusion:

Cybercrime victims may report the incidents to the nearest police station. In each emirate, official websites and applications are created by relevant authorities to submit cybercrime complaints. The federal public prosecution established an application named My Safe Society to report suspicious activities on social networking websites that may impact national security or public order.

Dubai offers various opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow, particularly for expats. Many legal requirements may need to be followed to establish or operate a business in the UAE. The UAE\'s legal system is well-organized, and business owners and corporate entities are expected to comply with its rules and regulations.

Having corporate lawyers in Dubai is essential, regardless of the company\'s level of establishment or operation. An expert corporate lawyer can guide and direct the company as it starts on its formation process. They can also protect the company and facilitate its growth in an effortless manner.

The initial step in the process of establishing a company in the UAE is to identify the nature of the business activity. One of the important considerations when starting a business in Dubai is to choose the right type of business entity, and corporate lawyers can offer complete guidance based on the nature of the business. There are three main choices: mainland, free zone, or an offshore entity. The right choice depends on the nature of the business activity performed by the company, its intended trading partners, its ownership structure, and other factors. Each category has its regulations; for example, free zones permit full foreign ownership and do not require a local sponsor to start a business. However, free zones restrict companies from doing business in the mainland. A mainland company can do business and operate anywhere in the UAE. An experienced corporate lawyer in Dubai ensures that company owners understand these three business structures and advises business owners through the procedure.

A corporate lawyer in Dubai that specializes in civil and cooperative law may help businesses avoid potential legal issues in the future. Before submitting the documents to the relevant authority, the corporate lawyer can review or draft the company documents, including the MOU or any other agreements related to the business.

Contracts are an essential part of a business. Depending on the nature of the business or subsequent expansion, companies might be required to enter a contractual relationship with third parties. These contracts may include agreements with employees, partners, and suppliers. The parties should specify their rights and obligations in these agreements. Hence, these contracts should be thoroughly reviewed or well drafted to prevent future disputes or legal complications. Corporate lawyers in Dubai can guarantee that these contracts adhere to the applicable law in the UAE and safeguard the client\'s rights and interests.

Conclusion:

Corporate lawyers in Dubai play an important role in guiding company owners through this process. Company owners can avoid legal complications by understanding legal changes and maintaining legal compliance with the help of a corporate lawyer in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi has a robust real estate market, which has been witnessing considerable growth and demand. If you are looking to invest in real estate in Abu Dhabi, consider hiring a lawyer, to ensure smooth transactions.

Are lawyers essential in real estate transactions?

1. Contract review and drafting 

A real estate lawyer can assist you in drafting a contract with the terms and conditions governing the sale. In case the opposite party presents you with a contract that has been drafted by them, the lawyer can help you in reviewing the contract. Due to their expertise in the matter, they will be able to vet the contract and ensure that the terms are not arbitrary or unreasonable or against your interests. A sound contract will minimize future disputes.

2. Compliance

A real estate transaction will be required to follow several compliance regulations. Furthermore, the sale transaction will be required to be conducted as per the prescribed law, and must be registered with the competent authority. A real estate lawyer in Abu Dhabi will be familiar with the registration process and the compliance requirements. Consequently, hiring a real estate lawyer in Abu Dhabi can not only make the process easier, but also ensure that you are not penalized for not following compliance regulations.

3. Market knowledge and advice

Market knowledge is important to ensure fair and profitable real estate transactions. A lawyer who is experienced in the field will have detailed knowledge of the market.

4. Due diligence 

Real estate transactions involve large sums of money and it is important that a thorough due diligence be conducted before the transaction is initiated. The property title deeds need to be examined and one must also ensure that all construction guidelines were followed. The assistance of a lawyer is crucial in conducting due diligence as they can retrieve records from the competent authority and analyze compliance issues, if any.

5. Dispute resolution 

In case of any disputes arising due to the transaction, a real estate lawyer can not only help you with the dispute, but if he is a licensed advocate in Abu Dhabi, he can also represent you before the court of law. If the agreement between the parties has an arbitration clause, the dispute can be resolved through the process of arbitration, where parties may be able to choose their own arbitrator and ensure a timely resolution.

A real estate lawyer plays a significant role in real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi. They are vital if you are looking for a hassle-free process when buying or selling your property in Abu Dhabi. 

Abu Dhabi has a robust real estate market, which has been witnessing considerable growth and demand. If you are looking to invest in real estate in Abu Dhabi, consider hiring a lawyer, to ensure smooth transactions.

Are lawyers essential in real estate transactions?

1. Contract review and drafting 

A real estate lawyer can assist you in drafting a contract with the terms and conditions governing the sale. In case the opposite party presents you with a contract that has been drafted by them, the lawyer can help you in reviewing the contract. Due to their expertise in the matter, they will be able to vet the contract and ensure that the terms are not arbitrary or unreasonable or against your interests. A sound contract will minimize future disputes.

2. Compliance

A real estate transaction will be required to follow several compliance regulations. Furthermore, the sale transaction will be required to be conducted as per the prescribed law, and must be registered with the competent authority. A real estate lawyer in Abu Dhabi will be familiar with the registration process and the compliance requirements. Consequently, hiring a real estate lawyer in Abu Dhabi can not only make the process easier, but also ensure that you are not penalized for not following compliance regulations.

3. Market knowledge and advice

Market knowledge is important to ensure fair and profitable real estate transactions. A lawyer who is experienced in the field will have detailed knowledge of the market.

4. Due diligence 

Real estate transactions involve large sums of money and it is important that a thorough due diligence be conducted before the transaction is initiated. The property title deeds need to be examined and one must also ensure that all construction guidelines were followed. The assistance of a lawyer is crucial in conducting due diligence as they can retrieve records from the competent authority and analyze compliance issues, if any.

5. Dispute resolution 

In case of any disputes arising due to the transaction, a real estate lawyer can not only help you with the dispute, but if he is a licensed advocate in Abu Dhabi, he can also represent you before the court of law. If the agreement between the parties has an arbitration clause, the dispute can be resolved through the process of arbitration, where parties may be able to choose their own arbitrator and ensure a timely resolution.

A real estate lawyer plays a significant role in real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi. They are vital if you are looking for a hassle-free process when buying or selling your property in Abu Dhabi. 

Resignation from an establishment and termination of employment are a standard part of an individual’s professional journey. To ensure fairness, the UAE government has enacted regulations to govern employment termination and resignation procedures in the country. Legal assistance from a reputed Dubai law firm or an experienced corporate lawyer in Dubai can help employees and employers navigate these processes effectively.

Termination versus resignation: layman\'s terms

Colloquially, resignation is often referred to as the process of dissolving the employment contract, initiated by the employee. On the other hand, termination is referred to as the dissolution of the employment contract initiated by the employer. The law firm in UAE, both termination and resignation are governed by the labour code under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on Regulation of Labour Relations.

Provisions regarding termination of an employment contract under the Labour Code:

Article 42 provides the various conditions under which an employment contract can be terminated. It states that a contract can be terminated mutually by both parties agreeing in writing. The contract will also stand terminated at the expiry of the agreement, unless it is extended or renewed in accordance with the law.

Termination of contract by either party - Either party may unilaterally request the termination of the employment contract. In such cases, the notice period must be observed as prescribed by law. A corporate lawyer in Dubai can help draft and review termination clauses to ensure compliance.

Termination of contract due to death or imprisonment - A contract may be terminated due to the death of one of the parties involved. Thus, in case of death or permanent total disability of an employee, the employment may be terminated. Similarly, the death of the employer can also result in termination if the subject of the contract is related to the employer in person.

Closure of the company - An employment contract will be terminated if the workplace is permanently shut down, or if the employer is declared insolvent or bankrupt.

Providing notice of termination

As per the labour regulations, the employer and the employee have the right to terminate the contract provided they give notice to the other party. As per the labour code, the notice period prescribed in the employment contract must be between 30 days to 90 days, and must be the same for both parties. During this notice period, the terms of the contract will continue to be applicable and the employee is entitled to his full salary. Consequently, the employee must carry out his duties in the same manner as before the notice period.

If either the employer or the employee fails to comply with the notice period, they must compensate the other party for the same even if there was no harm. This compensation will be equal to the employee’s salary for the period of non-compliance.

The right to look for another employment during the notice period

In a step towards protecting the interest of the employee, the law states that if the termination was carried out by the employer, the employee may take one day off per week as unpaid leave, to look for a new job. The employee may specify the day of absence, but he must inform the employer at least 3 days prior to the day of absence.  

Termination of the contract during the probation period

The probation period is defined by Law as the period that enables an employer to evaluate the employee’s performance on the job after the expiry of which the employment contract may be continued or terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Decree-Law. If the employer wishes to terminate the employment during the probation period, he must provide a notification stating the same at least 14 days before the last working day. If the employee wishes to terminate the contract and join another work in the UAE, he must notify the employer, in writing, at least one month prior to the last working day. 

With a growing number of organizations moving away from a traditional office setup and opting for complete or partial remote working options, people have started looking into co working and co living spaces. Apart from obvious perks such as reduced rentals, increased flexibility and access to amenities, these setups also help in the building of communities of like-minded people. As a result, Dubai has seen a stark increase in co-living and co-working spaces across the city. A real estate lawyer in Dubai can help ensure that rental agreements comply with tenancy laws and protect both landlords and tenants.

Impact on real estate law

The new trend has had a considerable impact on Dubai’s real estate. The influx of expatriates choosing to work out of Dubai has increased, thanks to the option of working remotely, hugely benefiting landlords in Dubai.

Legal requirements for co-living spaces

Dubai Law No. 26/2007 on the Organization of the Relationship between the Lessors and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai governs leased lands and properties in the Emirate. The law states that the rights of the landlord and the tenant will be governed by the tenancy contract. The law also states that a tenant can sublet premises to third parties after obtaining a written consent from the landlord. If a property is sublet without the consent or knowledge of the landlord, and against the terms of the lease contract, the landlord has the right to evict the tenant.

In case of co-living spaces, the landlord may directly lease the property to multiple tenants specifying the conditions of using the property in the tenancy contract. A tenant can also sublet a part of the property to another individual, with the written consent of the landlord. Thus, co-living spaces largely depend upon the tenancy contract between the landlord and the tenant(s) as long as all applicable regulations of appropriate authorities, building or community management, or association are complied with.

Legal requirements for Co-Working Spaces 

Setting up a co-working venture in Dubai is a profitable option. An increasing number of entrepreneurs are choosing to work in co-working spaces due to the many benefits. It offers increased networking opportunities, access to amenities and a refreshing working environment. The option of freelance visas and increased opportunities and incentives to innovators and entrepreneurs provided by the government also contribute to the popularity of co-working spaces. Co-working spaces may be set up in mainland Dubai or in the freezone areas. Accordingly, one will be required to obtain the appropriate trade license and lease an office space suitable for co-working. Entrepreneurs planning to launch co-working ventures should consult experienced real estate attorneys to navigate licensing, leasing, and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion 

If you are looking to rent out co-living or co-working spaces, it is recommended that you consult a Dubai lawyer, to ensure compliance with the contract and the local laws. Real estate law in Dubai is essential for maintaining lawful and profitable arrangements with setting up or renting out a co-living or co-working spaces.

The United Arab Emirates has witnessed tremendous economic growth in the past three decades. The country has welcomed major global brands, be it in luxury, manufacturing or from the service sector, to set up business in the city. Consequently, its growth and success has catapulted its legal industry to new heights.

A major benefactor of the immense growth of the UAE is the arbitration sector.  With so many multinational companies and global brands establishing themselves in the emirate, it was inevitable that some of them would face disputes either with vendors, clients or other businesses. Businesses facing disputes often turn to arbitration lawyers in Dubai for efficient, confidential, and legally binding resolutions through UAE\'s renowned arbitration centers.

Why is the UAE increasingly chosen for dispute resolution?

Apart from its presence in the global market, UAE also has a huge advantage due to its accessibility as a result of its geographical location. UAE is situated close to both Africa and central and south Asia. It is also relatively closer to East Asia, and southern Europe. An experienced arbitration lawyer in UAE can help navigate complex contractual disagreements and ensure compliance with both local and international arbitration standards.

Expatriate Friendly Environment

The UAE is considered among the most hospitable countries, as evidenced by its long history with expatriate presence. People from various nationalities have been pouring into the UAE for decades, and the local population has been welcoming to all nationalities regardless of race or ethnicity. The country has also enabled the peaceful co-existence of the many communities, and has the lowest crime rates in the world. This has resulted in many investors choosing the UAE as their home.

Favourable law and resources

The UAE allows arbitration in case of disputes and also has its own arbitration law under Federal Law No. 6 of 2018 Concerning Arbitration. The UAE arbitration law offers a modern legal framework that supports fair and efficient dispute resolution through arbitration. The UAE also established Arbitration centers that are equipped to hear arbitration disputes. The various arbitration centers in the UAE are listed below:

1. Dubai International Arbitration Center (DIAC)

2. Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (ArbitrateAD)

3. Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre (Tahkeem)

4. Ras Al Khaimah Arbitration Centre (RAK Chambers)

The Dubai International Financial Center with its Arbitration division and the ADGM Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre in Abu Dhabi also facilitate arbitration hearings. The Dubai International Financial Centre - London Court of International Arbitration (DIFC-LCIA) was also major hub for arbitration proceedings but it was abolished in 2021, with its functions transferred to the DIAC.

Conclusion

The UAE has become an important center for the settlement of disputes through arbitration. The country’s robust legal framework, its role as a major investment center, its well-established mechanism and its strategic location has all contributed to it becoming a global hub for arbitration. 

Legal issues can be intimidating, particularly to expatriates who are unfamiliar with the UAE legal system, often inducing them to avoid courts and other legal channels for dispute resolution. In this article, we will provide a brief insight into family law in Dubai for the benefit of the expat community.

The UAE Legal Framework

The family law in the United Arab Emirates is encapsulated under three main laws. Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2024 on the Issuance of Personal Status Law governs Muslims in the UAE, including both citizens and expatriates of the country, across the seven emirates. Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 on the Civil Personal Status governs non-Muslims in the UAE, except in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Finally, Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 governs non-Muslims within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2024 (Federal Personal Status Law)

The Federal Personal Status Law is a sharia-based law governing Muslims in the UAE. This law came into effect in the year 2025, replacing the older family law under Federal Decree Law no. 28 of 2005. The new Federal Personal Status Law is an exhaustive law and covers marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and inheritance in great detail.

Key aspects of the Federal Personal Status Law

This law allows divorce by both the husband and the wife, as well as divorce on grounds such as abuse, illness, lack of financial support, abandonment, imprisonment and addiction to intoxicants. After divorce, the custody of the children is granted to the mother, making her in charge of day-to-day care and wellbeing of the children, as well as their education. The father is granted guardianship over the children. He is also responsible for providing for the children financially.  

Federal Personal Status Law does not provide for spousal support after marriage, or the automatic distribution of assets that were acquired during the course of the marriage. Instead, the law states that the husband is responsible for the financial maintenance of the wife during the course of marriage, regardless of whether she has a personal source of income. After divorce and the expiry of the iddah period, the husband does not have any financial obligations towards the wife. However, if the divorce is the sole decision of the husband, and the wife did not wish for it, the husband is obligated to provide compensation to the wife.

The Federal Personal status law also covers inheritance for Muslims, listing the proportion of the assets to be granted to each family member, upon the death of a person. Although Muslims are allowed to execute a Will, only one-third of the assets will be disposed of as per the will. The remaining two-third will be disposed of as per the inheritance law under the Federal Personal Status Law.

Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022 (Federal Civil Personal Status Law)

The Federal Civil Personal Status Law governs non-Muslims in the six emirates of the United Arab Emirates, namely Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras al Khaimah. This law is based on international best practices related to family law.

The law allows no-fault divorce, without the requirement of mediation with the family guidance department. The law also provides for joint custody of children. Another key difference between this law and the Federal Personal Status Law is that women may be granted maintenance after divorce, depending on the duration of the marriage, age of the wife, financial status of the parties etc.

With regard to inheritance, the law allows for the disposal of property as per a valid will. In the absence of a will, the law contains certain provisions that dictate the distribution of assets to the legal heirs. The laws also provide for the equality between genders in terms of marriage, child custody, witness testimonials, and inheritance.

Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 (Abu Dhabi Civil Personal Status Law)

The Abu Dhabi Civil Personal Status Law governs non-Muslims within the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This law is similar to the Federal Civil Personal Status Law and promotes equality between genders with regard to marriage, child custody, witness testimonials, and inheritance. The law also allows no-fault divorce without the requirement of mediation with the family guidance department, joint custody of children, and alimony to the wife.

Conclusion

Family cases such as divorce, child custody and inheritance are often charged with mental trauma and emotional pain. It is for this reason that it is always recommended to hire a family lawyer in Dubai to handle these issues. Dubai family lawyers are experts in the existing laws and can help one navigate the legal landscape and the court structure in the emirate. 

Intellectual properties (“IP”) are creations of the mind, which may have an intangible characteristic. They include literary work, music, designs, symbols, and inventions. Patents are inventions that are registered after undergoing an examination process. Patents include new technologies, devices, medical substances, and much more. Once an invention is patented, the inventor is granted exclusive rights to use, sell, or license their invention for a set period of time. Copyrights include the registration of original work by allowing the copyright owner to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative works based on the original. Trademarks distinguish goods and services from one trade to another by registering their identifying name and/or symbol. Intellectual property also includes trade secrets, geographical indications, and industrial designs.

In the UAE, intellectual properties are protected by Federal Decree Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyrights and Neighboring Rights. Here are a few reasons why it is important to protect intellectual property in Dubai.

1. Safeguard Creations

Strong legislations to register intellectual properties, and laws against breach of these rights help in safeguarding intellectual properties belonging to individuals and businesses. Intellectual property law firms in Dubai not only help individuals and businesses register their creations and inventions, but they also provide representation to these entities, when their creations or inventions are misused or stolen, or when their intellectual property rights are breached by a third party.

2. Prevent Imitations and protect Goodwill

Protecting intellectual properties can lead to the prevention of imitations, which are sometimes of a lower quality, thus undermining the trust in the product. Every brand works towards preserving the quality of its products or services, by consistently working towards customer interests. Overtime, these brands gather a level of goodwill among its clients who always choose the brand over other options in the market, due to their trust in its products. If an unknown entity tries to sell their products under the name of a popular brand, without giving the same quality of products or services, it will gravely affect the goodwill or the popularity of the brand. Thus, intellectual property lawyers help protect brand identity through trademark registrations, and also by protecting trade secrets.  

3. Promote healthy competition

Protection of intellectual property can promote healthy competition as it creates a level playing field for all individuals. Patenting and IP registration processes in Dubai are easy, straightforward, and accessible to all individuals and businesses. Entities can approach any intellectual property lawyer to obtain help with the registration or patenting process.  

4. Incentivize Innovation

Registering intellectual properties in a way where the owner of the IP rights can reproduce, use, sell, rent, or distribute the patent or copyrighted work, will incentivize entities to work towards creating more original works. This will lead to greater advancement in science, technology, medicine and other fields.  

Conclusion

The Dubai government takes active steps in promoting and assisting innovation in all sectors including science, technology, real estate, healthcare and more. The UAE laws with relation to trademarks and copyrights is a big step towards the same. The legislation and various other government policies have resulted in turning the emirate into an attractive destination for global investors, further enhancing the position of innovators in the region.