Corporate & Commercial
UAE entities and joint ventures for French groups and investors.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · France
Supporting French clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for French companies, investors and families with business or assets in the UAE. Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. French clients typically ask us about setting up a UAE entity, distribution and franchise agreements for French brands, property in Dubai, disputes and UAE wills. Several of our lawyers list French among their working languages, at different levels. We coordinate with French notaries and advisers where a family or business matter also involves French law.
France and the UAE
France and the UAE have close cultural and economic ties, visible in institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and French companies are active in luxury goods, retail, hospitality, energy, infrastructure and defence. Lawyers trained in France often find the structure of UAE civil and commercial codes familiar, since both draw on the civil-law tradition. The details still differ — for example in commercial agency rules, the role of Arabic in onshore proceedings, and the separate common-law regimes of the DIFC and ADGM — so French businesses benefit from checking how their usual contractual approach will operate in the UAE.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from France
All practice areasIntellectual Property
Brand protection and licensing for French brands entering the UAE market.
Intellectual Property lawyers in the UAEWills, Probate & Inheritance
UAE wills and the UAE side of estates for French families with UAE property.
Wills, Probate & Inheritance lawyers in the UAETypical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from France
A French brand franchising in the UAE
A French fashion brand plans to franchise stores in Dubai. We review trademark registration in the UAE, franchise and agency terms, and how the relationship can be ended if performance falls short.
A French family with a Dubai villa
A French couple resident in Dubai wants to know how their villa would pass to their children. We explain UAE procedures, the options for a UAE will, and how they interact with French succession rules, which French notaries should review.
A contract dispute with a UAE hotel operator
A French supplier of hotel fittings has not been paid by a UAE operator. We review the contract and delivery records and advise on recovery in the UAE.
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 France
- 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 France 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 France.
France 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 France 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
Cairo, Egypt
Simak Ahmad Rahman
Commercial Appeals, Arbitration & Corporate Transactions
Languages: Arabic, English (excellent), French (fair)
View profile
Egypt · Bahrain · International
Prof. Faiz Muhammed Kunju, PhD
International Law, State Disputes & Arbitration
Languages: Arabic (native), English (C2), French (basic/intermediate)
View profile
Alexandria, Egypt
Ahmad Salhudheen Kanjheera
Contracts, Litigation & Pharmaceutical Sector Legal Affairs
Languages: Arabic (native), English (fluent), French (familiarity)
View profileProfiles describe each lawyer’s background as published on this website. Languages are listed as stated in their profiles.
Our knowledge & media
Insights for international clients
All insightsInsightClearer agreements. Stronger business relationships.A starting point for more useful conversations about expectations, responsibilities and change in commercial contracts.Read moreOnline event · 18 May 2027UAE Will & Inheritance WorkshopAn online workshop for expatriates, property owners and families on wills, succession, inheritance and estate planning in the UAE.Read moreInsightYour next business move starts with the right questions.A practical discussion guide for founders and business owners considering a new venture, partnership or transaction.Read more
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can we work in French?
Several of our lawyers list French among their languages at different levels; most formal work is carried out in English and Arabic.
Do French forced-heirship rules apply to UAE property?
UAE assets are dealt with under UAE procedures, and the interaction with French succession law should be reviewed with French advisers.
Can you advise on French law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on French law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in France may be necessary.
Can French brands register trademarks in the UAE?
Yes. UAE trademark registration is separate from French or EU registration and is usually an early step before entering the market.
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. France is two to three hours behind the UAE depending on the season.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in France 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.