Real Estate & Construction
Acquisitions, leases and developer disputes for Kuwaiti owners of residential and commercial property in the UAE.
Real Estate & Construction lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Kuwait
Supporting Kuwaiti clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Kuwaiti investors, family groups and companies with investments, property or business relationships in the UAE.
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Our lawyers work in Arabic and English, and several have worked on matters across the GCC. Kuwaiti clients usually ask us about holding UAE property and companies, joint ventures and investment agreements with UAE partners, disputes over those investments, and how UAE assets fit into family succession plans. We work from our UAE offices and remotely with clients in Kuwait. Where a Kuwaiti family already has advisers at home, we work alongside them on the UAE aspects.
Kuwait and the UAE
Kuwaiti capital has been present in the UAE for decades, through family investment groups, real estate, retail franchises and stakes in UAE businesses. Many Kuwaiti families hold apartments, villas or commercial units in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, sometimes directly and sometimes through companies set up years ago.
Because these holdings are often long-standing, the legal questions tend to be about stewardship rather than entry: whether the holding structure still makes sense, whether documents are up to date, how income is managed, and what will happen when ownership passes to the next generation. When partnerships with UAE operators or developers go wrong, Kuwaiti investors also need a clear view of their rights under the investment documents and how a claim would proceed in the UAE.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Kuwait
All practice areasCorporate & Commercial
Holding companies, investment vehicles and joint ventures for Kuwaiti family groups in the UAE.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEPrivate Client & Family Business
Governance and succession planning for UAE companies and property held by Kuwaiti families.
Private Client & Family Business lawyers in the UAEDispute Resolution
Claims under investment, partnership and franchise agreements before the UAE courts.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAEWills, Probate & Inheritance
The UAE side of inheritance where Kuwaiti nationals own UAE property, accounts or shares.
Wills, Probate & Inheritance lawyers in the UAEFor businesses
Legal support for businesses from Kuwait
Kuwaiti groups often enter the UAE market through franchises, joint ventures with Emirati operators or minority investments. We review and negotiate franchise and investment agreements, focusing on control, information rights, exit and dispute resolution, and advise on the holding structure for UAE interests. Where an investment underperforms or a partner breaches its obligations, we assess the remedies available under the agreements and UAE law.
For individuals and families
Legal support for individuals from Kuwait
For Kuwaiti individuals and families, we review property purchases and leasing arrangements, help organise documentation for assets held over many years, and explain how UAE property and company shares are transferred on death and what can be done in advance to make that process smoother. Questions governed by Kuwaiti law are coordinated with Kuwaiti advisers.
Typical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Kuwait
Updating a long-standing property holding
A Kuwaiti family bought several Dubai units in the 2000s, some in individual names and some through a company. We collate title documents and company records, identify gaps such as expired licences or outdated managers, and advise on whether to keep, simplify or restructure the holdings.
A franchise partnership in difficulty
A Kuwaiti brand owner granted UAE franchise rights to a local operator, which has stopped paying royalties. We review the franchise agreement, any commercial agency registration and the evidence of breach, and advise on termination, recovery and protection of the brand in the UAE.
Passing UAE assets to the next generation
An elderly Kuwaiti investor wants to make sure his UAE property and shares pass smoothly to his children. We explain how UAE procedures apply to his assets, what documents his heirs would need, and what steps can be taken now to reduce delay and uncertainty, working with Kuwaiti advisers on matters of Kuwaiti law.
A delayed off-plan project
A Kuwaiti investor bought several off-plan units in a project that is now years behind schedule. We review the sale agreements, payment history and escrow arrangements, explain the remedies that may be available where a project is delayed or cancelled, and advise on negotiation or proceedings.
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 Kuwait
- 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 Kuwait 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 Kuwait.
Kuwait is one hour behind the UAE. 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 Kuwait unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
People who can help
Find a lawyer
Egypt · UAE · GCC · Europe
Moideen Rahman Kutty
International Corporate Law, Arbitration & Cross-Border Disputes
Languages: Arabic, English
View profile
Egypt · Bahrain · Oman · GCC
Dr. Fadil Hafiz
Commercial Arbitration, Litigation & GCC Legal Advisory
Languages: Arabic
View profile
Bahrain · Egypt · GCC
Dr. Nusrath Beegum
Commercial Law, Technology Regulation & Legal Academia
Languages: Arabic (native), English
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 insightsInsightYour 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 moreInsightBefore you sign: a more considered approach to commercial leasing.Questions to bring to your next property discussion, from permitted use to the practicalities of handing the premises back.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 more
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can Kuwaiti nationals own property in the UAE?
Yes. Kuwaiti nationals can own property in designated freehold areas, and GCC nationals may have additional options in some emirates. The specific emirate and area determine what is possible.
How are UAE assets of a Kuwaiti national dealt with on death?
UAE courts and authorities apply UAE procedures to UAE assets, and the applicable inheritance rules depend on factors such as nationality and religion. Advance planning can make the process smoother, and we explain the options for your circumstances.
Can you advise on Kuwaiti law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Kuwaiti law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Kuwait may be necessary.
Can a company we set up years ago still hold our UAE property?
Often yes, provided the company remains properly licensed and its records are up to date. Some property-holding structures have specific rules, so we check the company’s status and the title before advising whether to keep or simplify it.
Can you review a franchise or joint venture agreement before we sign?
Yes. We review the agreement from a UAE-law perspective and highlight provisions on control, payments, exit and disputes that deserve attention.
Can a power of attorney signed in Kuwait be used in the UAE?
Often yes, if it is drafted to cover the intended acts and properly notarised and legalised for use in the UAE. Authorities and developers may have their own requirements, so we check them before the document is signed.
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. Kuwait is one hour behind the UAE.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Kuwait 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.