Corporate & Commercial
UAE trading and services companies for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Nigeria
Supporting Nigerian clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Nigerian traders, entrepreneurs, investors and families with business or assets in the UAE. Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Nigerian clients typically ask us about setting up a UAE company, sourcing and supply contracts with UAE suppliers, payment disputes and suspected fraud, banking documentation and property purchases. We work with clients in Lagos, Abuja and elsewhere by video call and meet in Dubai by appointment.
Nigeria and the UAE
Dubai has long been a sourcing hub for Nigerian traders buying electronics, vehicles, building materials and consumer goods for the West African market, and many Nigerian entrepreneurs now run trading, logistics and services companies from the UAE. Because much of this trade is paid in advance and arranged quickly, the most common legal problems are goods that never ship, shipments that do not match the order, and payments made to accounts that turn out to be fraudulent. Clear written terms, verified counterparties and careful records make recovery far more realistic when something goes wrong.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Nigeria
All practice areasDispute Resolution
Recovery of advance payments and disputes with UAE suppliers and logistics providers.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAECriminal Law
Reporting suspected fraud in the UAE and coordinating civil recovery.
Criminal Law lawyers in the UAETypical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Nigeria
Goods paid for but never shipped
A Lagos importer pays a Dubai supplier in advance for building materials, but the goods never leave the warehouse. We review the order, payment records and correspondence, verify the supplier’s licence and advise on demand, civil claims and any criminal complaint in the UAE.
Setting up a re-export company
A Nigerian entrepreneur wants a UAE company to buy and consolidate goods for shipment to West Africa. We advise on the licence, warehousing and freight contracts, and terms with suppliers that protect advance payments.
Payment diverted by email fraud
A buyer pays an invoice to a bank account sent in an email that later proves to be fake. We explain the immediate steps, reporting routes in the UAE and the realistic prospects of recovery.
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 Nigeria
- 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 Nigeria 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 Nigeria.
Nigeria is three hours 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
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in Nigeria unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
People who can help
Find a lawyer
Cairo, Egypt
Asif Rahman Parambil
Financial Crime, AML & Regulatory Investigations
Languages: Arabic (native), English (proficient)
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Banking Law, NPLs & Corporate Legal Management
Languages: Arabic, English (professional drafting experience)
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Egypt · UAE · GCC · Europe
Moideen Rahman Kutty
International Corporate Law, Arbitration & Cross-Border Disputes
Languages: Arabic, English
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
How can I check whether a UAE supplier is genuine?
Ask for the trade licence, check it with the issuing authority, confirm bank details by phone using known contacts, and avoid paying into personal accounts.
Can you help recover money from a UAE supplier?
Yes, on the UAE side. We assess the evidence and advise on negotiation, civil proceedings and, where appropriate, a criminal complaint.
Can a Nigerian national own a UAE company?
Yes. For trading and re-export, a free zone company is often used; mainland companies can also be fully foreign-owned for many activities, which matters if you want to sell directly into the local market.
Can you advise on Nigerian law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Nigerian law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Nigeria 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. Nigeria is three hours behind the UAE.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Nigeria 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.