Corporate & Commercial
Holding and operating structures in the UAE for Lebanese businesses relocating or expanding regionally.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Lebanon
Supporting Lebanese clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Lebanese entrepreneurs, families and companies who have moved operations, banking or investments to the UAE, or who are considering it. Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters, and our team works in Arabic and English. Lebanese clients typically ask us about restructuring businesses into the UAE, banking and finance arrangements, hospitality and retail ventures, disputes, and how UAE assets fit into family succession plans. Meetings can take place at our Dubai office or by video call with clients in Beirut and elsewhere.
Lebanon and the UAE
Lebanese entrepreneurs have shaped many of the UAE’s hospitality, media, retail, design and financial businesses, and the Lebanese community is one of the most established in the Emirates. Since Lebanon’s financial crisis began in 2019, many Lebanese companies and families have moved their regional operations, banking relationships or holding structures to the UAE. Those moves raise practical legal questions: which UAE entity should hold the business, how contracts and employees are transferred, how new banking relationships are documented, and how family members’ interests are recorded so that ownership is clear in the future.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Lebanon
All practice areasBanking & Finance
Facility, security and account documentation with UAE banks, and restructuring discussions.
Banking & Finance lawyers in the UAEPrivate Client & Family Business
Family business governance and succession for Lebanese families with UAE companies and property.
Private Client & Family Business lawyers in the UAEDispute Resolution
Commercial and investment disputes involving UAE parties.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAETypical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Lebanon
Moving a restaurant group’s regional base to Dubai
A Lebanese restaurant group wants its UAE company to own the brand, sign franchise agreements across the Gulf and employ the regional team. We advise on the structure, the IP assignment or licence from the Lebanese entity, franchise agreement terms and employment arrangements.
Documenting a family holding company
Three Lebanese siblings hold UAE property and company shares informally between them. We help set up a UAE holding structure with clear shareholdings, governance rules and transfer restrictions, so that ownership is documented and decisions can be made without disputes.
Refinancing with a UAE bank
A Lebanese-owned trading company in Dubai is refinancing its working capital facilities. We review the facility letter, security and personal guarantees, and negotiate terms that reflect the business’s cash flow and the owners’ real exposure.
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 Lebanon
- 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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon.
Lebanon is one to two 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
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in Lebanon unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
People who can help
Find a lawyer
Cairo · Alexandria, Egypt
Dr. Ayushman Hussein Rahman
Banking Law, Investment Disputes & Commercial Arbitration
Languages: Arabic (native), English (good)
View profile
Cairo, Egypt
Dia Kabeer Kalban
Banking Law, NPLs & Corporate Legal Management
Languages: Arabic, English (professional drafting experience)
View profile
Egypt · KSA · UAE
Amaan Sabir Beegum
Corporate, Investment, Banking & Cross-Border Legal Advice
Languages: Arabic (native), English (fluent), French (good), German (good)
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 moreBlogFive habits that make every legal conversation easier.Simple record-keeping habits that save time when an agreement, opportunity or disagreement needs attention.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 a Lebanese business relocate its regional operations to the UAE?
Yes. The usual steps are choosing the UAE entity, transferring or licensing assets and contracts, and moving employees, each of which has UAE legal requirements.
Can our UAE company own the brand used by our Lebanese business?
Yes. A UAE company can own trademarks registered in the UAE and license them to related companies. Transferring ownership from a Lebanese entity also raises questions of Lebanese law, which Lebanese advisers should review.
Can you help with the UAE side of family succession?
Yes. We explain how UAE property and shares are dealt with on death and the planning options available, working with Lebanese advisers on Lebanese law.
Can you advise on Lebanese law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Lebanese law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Lebanon may be necessary.
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. Lebanon is one to two hours behind the UAE depending on the season.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Lebanon 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.