Corporate & Commercial
UAE subsidiaries, branches and joint ventures for German companies.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Germany
Supporting German clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for German companies, family-owned Mittelstand businesses and investors with business in the UAE, and for Germans living in the Emirates. Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. German clients typically ask us about distribution and agency arrangements, setting up a UAE entity, engineering and supply contracts, and disputes with UAE partners. One of our lawyers lists German among their working languages. We also review German standard terms for use with UAE customers and suppliers.
Germany and the UAE
German companies have a long-standing presence in the UAE in engineering, automotive, industrial equipment, healthcare technology, renewable energy and construction, supported by an active German–Emirati business community. Many sell through UAE distributors and agents. That makes the UAE’s commercial agency rules especially important: whether an agent is registered, and what the agreement says, can affect exclusivity and the ability to end the relationship. German companies also tend to bring detailed standard terms that need adapting to UAE practice on governing law, liability and dispute resolution.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Germany
All practice areasDispute Resolution
Disputes with UAE distributors, agents and customers.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAEArbitration
Dispute clauses and arbitration for German–UAE supply and engineering contracts.
Arbitration lawyers in the UAETypical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Germany
Changing UAE distributors
A German equipment manufacturer wants to replace its UAE distributor of ten years. We review the agreement and the distributor’s agency registration status, assess any compensation exposure and plan the transition.
An engineering supply contract
A German supplier is asked to sign a UAE contractor’s terms for a major project. We review liability, penalties, warranty and payment provisions and propose changes before signing.
Setting up a regional service company
A German manufacturer wants a UAE entity to provide after-sales service across the Gulf. We advise on the licence, employment of technicians and the service agreement with the German parent.
These examples describe the kinds of questions clients raise. They are not case studies, and every matter depends on its own facts.
Working together
Working with Rahman & Company from Germany
- 01
Initial discussion
Tell us who you are, who else is involved and what you want to achieve. A short call or video meeting is usually enough to understand the matter and agree whether we can help.
- 02
Identifying the UAE legal issues
We identify which questions are governed by UAE law, which emirate, free zone or court is relevant, and where advice under the law of Germany may also be needed.
- 03
Document review and strategy
Once the scope and fees are agreed, we review the contracts, licences, title documents or correspondence and set out the options and the likely next steps.
- 04
Remote consultation where appropriate
Most discussions can take place by video call and email. Where a UAE step requires a signature, registration or attendance, we explain whether a power of attorney can be used and how it should be prepared.
- 05
Ongoing support and coordination
We keep you informed in writing, deal with UAE counterparties and authorities on your behalf where instructed, and coordinate with your advisers in Germany.
Germany is two to three hours behind the UAE depending on the season. Clients may be able to engage the firm remotely where this is legally and practically appropriate. Every engagement is subject to conflict, identity and compliance checks, and no particular outcome can be promised.
Where to find us
Our UAE offices
All officesHead office
Dubai
115, Al Moosa Building 5Al Ghubaiba
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
42 Tawi Umm Al'atal StreetAl Wathba, Al Nahdah Jadeedah
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in Germany unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
People who can help
Find a lawyer
Egypt · KSA · UAE
Amaan Sabir Beegum
Corporate, Investment, Banking & Cross-Border Legal Advice
Languages: Arabic (native), English (fluent), French (good), German (good)
View profile
Egypt · UAE · GCC · Europe
Moideen Rahman Kutty
International Corporate Law, Arbitration & Cross-Border Disputes
Languages: Arabic, English
View profile
Cairo, Egypt
Simak Ahmad Rahman
Commercial Appeals, Arbitration & Corporate Transactions
Languages: Arabic, English (excellent), French (fair)
View profileProfiles describe each lawyer’s background as published on this website. Languages are listed as stated in their profiles.
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a German company terminate a UAE commercial agent freely?
Not always. Where an agency is registered in the UAE, termination may be restricted and compensation may be claimed. The agreement and registration status need to be reviewed first.
Can we work in German?
One of our lawyers lists German among their working languages; most work is carried out in English and Arabic.
Can you advise on German law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on German law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Germany may be necessary.
Is a German judgment enforceable in the UAE?
Possibly, subject to the conditions in UAE procedural law. Arbitration is often preferred in German–UAE contracts because both countries are parties to the New York Convention.
Do I need to travel to the UAE to obtain legal advice?
Not usually. Most advice can be given by video call and email. Some UAE steps, such as certain registrations or court appearances, may require a properly prepared power of attorney or attendance, and we explain this at the outset. Germany is two to three hours behind the UAE depending on the season.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Germany or connected with it and need advice concerning a business, investment, property, dispute or other legal matter in the UAE, our team can help you understand the relevant legal considerations and next steps. Please do not send confidential documents until an engagement has been agreed.