Corporate & Commercial
UAE companies and branches for Omani traders and family groups, and shareholder arrangements with UAE partners.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Oman
Supporting Omani clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Omani businesses, traders and families whose work, property or relationships cross the border into the UAE — from Muscat and Sohar to Buraimi and Musandam.
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Several of our lawyers have worked on matters connected with Oman and the GCC, and our team works in Arabic and English. Omani clients usually contact us about trade and distribution contracts with UAE companies, setting up a UAE entity, property in the northern emirates and Dubai, family businesses with interests in both countries, and disputes with UAE counterparties. Our offices in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah are close to the border, and we also work remotely.
Oman and the UAE
Oman is the UAE’s closest neighbour in a very practical sense. The two countries share a long land border, communities around Al Ain and Buraimi have family and commercial ties on both sides, and the Musandam peninsula sits next to Ras Al Khaimah. Goods move daily between Sohar, Jebel Ali and the east-coast ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, and the Hafeet Rail project is designed to connect Sohar to the UAE rail network.
That proximity means many legal questions are about everyday trade rather than one-off deals: distribution and agency arrangements, cross-border transport and warehousing, payment terms with UAE wholesalers, and family companies that hold licences or property in both countries. Because Omani and UAE law are similar in places but not the same, it is worth checking assumptions — for example about commercial agency rules, cheque-related claims or the steps needed to register property in each emirate — before relying on them.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Oman
All practice areasDispute Resolution
Recovery of unpaid sums from UAE customers and claims involving cross-border supply, transport and storage.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAEReal Estate & Construction
Property in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Sharjah and Dubai, including purchases, leases and warehouse arrangements.
Real Estate & Construction lawyers in the UAEMaritime & Shipping
Shipping, cargo and logistics contracts for goods moving between Omani and UAE ports.
Maritime & Shipping lawyers in the UAEPrivate Client & Family Business
Family business governance and succession where companies or property are held in both countries.
Private Client & Family Business lawyers in the UAEFor businesses
Legal support for businesses from Oman
For Omani businesses selling into the UAE, the main legal decisions are whether to trade from Oman, appoint a UAE distributor or agent, or set up a UAE entity. Each has different implications for control, liability and termination. We review and draft distribution, agency and supply agreements, advise on establishing a free zone or mainland company, and help structure logistics and warehousing arrangements in the northern emirates.
Where an Omani family group holds UAE companies, we help keep governance documents, licences and signatory arrangements current, and advise when a partner wishes to exit or a generation changes.
For individuals and families
Legal support for individuals from Oman
Omani individuals often own property in the northern emirates or Dubai, or have invested in UAE businesses run by relatives or friends. We advise on property purchases and disputes, investment arrangements that need to be properly documented, and the UAE side of succession planning for these assets.
Typical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Oman
Appointing a UAE distributor for an Omani product
An Omani manufacturer wants a UAE company to distribute its products. We help decide whether the relationship should be exclusive, how targets, pricing and branding are controlled, and how the arrangement can be ended. Because commercial agency registration in the UAE can affect termination rights, we explain when it is relevant and draft the agreement accordingly.
A cross-border cargo claim
Goods trucked from Sohar to a UAE warehouse arrive damaged, and the transporter, warehouse operator and buyer each blame the others. We review the transport and storage contracts, delivery records and insurance cover, identify which party bears the risk at each stage, and set out the options for recovering the loss in the UAE.
A family company with partners in both countries
Brothers in Muscat and Al Ain jointly own a UAE trading company, and one wants to step back. We review the company documents, advise on valuing and transferring the shares, and prepare the documents needed to update the licence and bank mandates so the business continues smoothly.
Leasing a warehouse in Ras Al Khaimah
An Omani distributor wants a warehouse near the northern border to serve both markets. We review the lease term, rent reviews, permitted use, fit-out obligations and break rights, and check that the licence of the UAE entity occupying the warehouse covers the activities it will carry out there.
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 Oman
- 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 Oman 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 Oman.
Oman and the UAE share the same time zone. 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 officesFujairah
Fujairah
101, Al FaiKalba
Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah
35, Al Jazeera Al Hamra IndustrialRas Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Head 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 Oman unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
People who can help
Find a lawyer
Egypt · Bahrain · Oman · GCC
Dr. Fadil Hafiz
Commercial Arbitration, Litigation & GCC Legal Advisory
Languages: Arabic
View profile
Egypt · Qatar · Oman · Saudi Arabia
Rashid Abdulla Ali
Corporate Advisory, Litigation & Intellectual Property
Languages: Arabic (native), English (very good; TOEFL certified)
View profile
Oman · Qatar · Egypt · Saudi Arabia
Dr. Fouz Mohammed
Cyber Law, AI, Real Estate & Dispute Resolution
Languages: Arabic (native), English (B1)
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
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can an Omani national set up a company in the UAE?
Yes. Omani nationals can establish mainland or free zone companies, and GCC nationals may have additional options under certain rules. The activity and emirate determine the route.
Can you help with disputes involving UAE customers who have not paid?
Yes. We review the contract, invoices and any cheques or guarantees and advise on negotiation, payment orders, court claims or arbitration in the UAE.
Do you have offices near the Oman border?
Our east-coast office is in Kalba, Fujairah, and we also have an office in Ras Al Khaimah, alongside our head office in Dubai. Meetings are by appointment.
Can you advise on Omani law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Omani law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Oman may be necessary, and we can coordinate with them.
Can our family company hold licences in both Oman and the UAE?
Yes. A family can own companies in both countries, but each is governed by its own law and licensing authority. The UAE company’s documents should accurately record who owns and manages it, whatever arrangements exist in Oman.
Can a UAE court decide a dispute about goods delivered in Oman?
It depends on the contract and where the parties and obligations are located. A clear jurisdiction or arbitration clause avoids arguments about which country’s courts should hear the dispute; without one, jurisdiction is assessed on the facts.
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. Oman and the UAE share the same time zone.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Oman 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.