Shareholder & partnership disputes
Deadlock, minority oppression, director disputes, joint venture breakdowns and shareholder exits. See shareholder & partnership disputes.
Corporate & Commercial Law · Dubai & Sharjah
Corporate & Commercial Lawyer Dubai
Running, growing or protecting a business in the UAE? Whatever stage you are at, the right legal structure and advice matters.
MBM advises business owners, shareholders and general counsel across the full range of corporate and commercial matters in Dubai - contracts, shareholder and partnership disputes, mergers and acquisitions, and governance. Tell us what is happening in your business, and we will point you to the right service.
The framework
One law underpins most UAE business structures
UAE companies operate under the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021), in force since January 2022. It permits up to 100% foreign ownership onshore for most activities, and governs company formation, shareholder rights, restructuring and exit.
Beyond the statute, most day-to-day legal questions actually turn on the company's own constitutional documents and commercial agreements. This page describes the general framework; it is not advice on your matter.
Choose what matches your situation
Corporate & commercial services MBM provides
Each of these is its own specialist area. Choose the one that matches your situation, or call us if you are not sure which applies.
M&A & business acquisitions
Structuring and executing the purchase or sale of a business, share purchase agreements, and due diligence. See M&A & business acquisition.
Commercial contracts & agreements
Shareholder agreements, joint venture agreements, distribution, agency and franchise agreements. See commercial contracts & agreements.
Governance, restructuring & exit
Corporate governance frameworks, company restructuring, and planning an exit. See governance & restructuring.
Commercial litigation
Complex or cross-border business disputes, and being sued as a company. See civil litigation & court representation.
Retainer legal services
Continuous legal support for businesses that want a specialist partner on call, rather than instructing matter by matter.
Why MBM
Commercial judgment, not just legal correctness
Good corporate advice balances legal risk against what actually makes commercial sense for the business. MBM works from both.
- Full-service corporate practice. Contracts, disputes, transactions and governance, under one team.
- Litigation and arbitration in-house. Where a matter has to be argued, the people advising you are the people who will argue it.
- Straight answers on risk. We tell you what is actually at stake, not what is easiest to say.
- Two offices. Dubai and Sharjah.
17Years in practice as MBM Businessmen Services L.L.C.
90+Years of shared experience across the team
10Lawyers, litigation and arbitration capable
95%Win rate in high-stakes disputes, as published by the firm
Common questions
Corporate & commercial law, answered directly
General information, not advice on your matter. Positions and procedures can change and depend on your specific facts.
What does a corporate and commercial lawyer in Dubai actually do?
Corporate and commercial work covers company formation and structuring, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, shareholder and partnership matters, mergers and acquisitions, and governance and restructuring advice - broadly, the legal needs of running and growing a business rather than a single dispute.
What law governs UAE companies?
The Commercial Companies Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021), in force since January 2022, is the core framework. It permits up to 100% foreign ownership onshore for most activities and governs company formation, shareholder rights, restructuring and exit.
Do I need a corporate lawyer if I already have an accountant or company services provider?
Company formation agents and accountants handle administrative and financial matters, but do not typically advise on legal risk in contracts, shareholder rights, or dispute exposure. A lawyer's role is complementary, not a replacement for either.
I'm not sure which specific service I need - can MBM still help?
Yes. Many business owners contact us with a general concern rather than a defined legal question. We start with a conversation about what is actually happening in the business and identify the right specialist service from there.
Does MBM handle both disputes and transactional corporate work?
Yes. MBM advises on the full range - drafting and negotiating agreements, structuring transactions, and representing clients in shareholder, partnership and other corporate disputes when they arise.
Can MBM act as ongoing legal counsel for a business rather than a one-off matter?
Yes - MBM offers retainer legal services for ongoing legal support arrangements designed for businesses that want continuous access to legal advice rather than instructing counsel matter by matter.
How much does corporate legal advice cost in Dubai?
The initial consultation with MBM is free. Cost thereafter depends on the nature of the work - a contract review is priced differently from a shareholder dispute or an acquisition. MBM provides a scope and fee position before you instruct.
Free consultation
Tell us about your business
Tell us briefly about your situation. Our team will review your enquiry and advise you on the appropriate next step. Everything you send is treated as confidential.
- +971 4 570 0204Dubai office · Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00
- WhatsApp +971 54 596 1111Tell us briefly what is happening in the business
- info@mbm-co.comAttach any relevant documents
Practice area: Corporate & Commercial Law
Jurisdiction: Dubai & Sharjah, UAE
Last reviewed: September 2026
Thank you — your enquiry is with our team.
A member of the MBM team will review what you have sent and come back to you with the appropriate next step.
Whatever stage your business is at, get advice before you decide.
Contract, dispute, transaction or ongoing support - tell us what is happening and we will point you to the right service. The first consultation is free.