Corporate & Commercial
Holding and operating companies in the UAE for Saudi groups, mainland versus free zone structures, and reorganisations when regional functions move between the two countries.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Saudi Arabia
Supporting Saudi clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Saudi companies, investors and families with business, property or disputes in the UAE — from groups in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province to individuals who hold assets in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Several of our lawyers have worked on matters connected with Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, and all of them work in Arabic. Saudi clients typically ask us about holding and operating structures in the UAE, contracts with UAE distributors and contractors, shareholder disagreements in jointly owned companies, arbitration, and buying or financing property. We can meet at our UAE offices or work with you remotely.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Saudi Arabia is one of the UAE’s most important trading partners, and the two economies are tightly connected through GCC membership, shared logistics corridors and family groups that operate on both sides of the border. Many Saudi businesses have historically used Dubai or Abu Dhabi as a regional base, while Emirati companies are active in the Kingdom’s construction, retail and energy sectors.
That relationship is changing as Saudi Arabia pursues its Vision 2030 programme. The Kingdom now links certain government contracts to companies maintaining a regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, which has led some groups to revisit where their regional entities sit and which entity signs which contract. Those are Saudi-law decisions, but they often have UAE consequences: restructuring a Dubai holding company, transferring contracts or employees, or winding down an entity that no longer has a role. GCC nationals may also be treated differently from other foreign nationals under some UAE rules, which can affect ownership and structuring choices.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Saudi Arabia
All practice areasMergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Acquisitions of UAE businesses by Saudi buyers and disposals of UAE subsidiaries, including due diligence, sale agreements and warranty protection.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) lawyers in the UAEArbitration
Arbitration clauses in Saudi–UAE contracts, proceedings before UAE-seated tribunals and the enforcement of awards where assets sit in either country.
Arbitration lawyers in the UAEDispute Resolution
Shareholder and partnership disputes in UAE companies with Saudi owners, and commercial claims in the UAE courts.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAEReal Estate & Construction
Residential and commercial property acquisitions in the UAE, development agreements and leasing for Saudi investors and family offices.
Real Estate & Construction lawyers in the UAEPrivate Client & Family Business
Governance and succession arrangements for Saudi family businesses that hold UAE companies or property.
Private Client & Family Business lawyers in the UAEFor businesses
Legal support for businesses from Saudi Arabia
Saudi groups often hold UAE entities that were set up years ago for a different purpose — as a trading hub, a holding company or the employer of regional staff. We help review whether those structures still fit, what changing them involves under UAE law, and how contracts, licences, employees and bank accounts move with the business.
For new ventures we advise on joint ventures with Emirati partners, shareholder agreements that address deadlock and exit, distribution and agency arrangements for Saudi brands entering the UAE market, and the corporate governance of UAE subsidiaries.
For individuals and families
Legal support for individuals from Saudi Arabia
Saudi individuals commonly own residential property in Dubai, hold investments through UAE companies, or have personal guarantees attached to family company borrowing. We advise on property purchases and leases, the UAE side of succession planning for these assets, and disputes over property or investments in the UAE. Where Saudi law governs a question — for example inheritance under Saudi rules — we coordinate with your Saudi advisers.
Typical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Saudi Arabia
Reorganising a Dubai regional entity
A Saudi group decides that its Dubai company will no longer serve as its main regional headquarters. The UAE questions include whether the company should be retained as a trading or holding entity, how contracts with customers and suppliers are novated, what happens to employees and their end-of-service entitlements, and how licences and bank accounts are closed or transferred. We map these steps so the change in Riyadh does not leave loose ends in the UAE.
Deadlock in a jointly owned UAE company
A Saudi investor and an Emirati partner each own half of a UAE company and can no longer agree on strategy. We review the memorandum of association and any shareholders’ agreement for deadlock, buy-out and exit provisions, assess options for negotiated separation, and explain how a dispute would run before the UAE courts or an arbitral tribunal if negotiations fail.
Enforcing an award against a UAE counterparty
A Saudi company obtains an arbitral award against a UAE contractor. Because both countries are parties to the New York Convention, recognition in the UAE is generally available, but the application must meet procedural requirements and should be aimed at assets that can actually be reached. We prepare the recognition application and the enforcement strategy in the UAE.
A Saudi family office buying UAE property
A family office plans to acquire several residential units in Dubai. We consider how the units should be held, whether through individuals or a company, review sale and purchase agreements and service charge obligations, and explain how ownership would pass within the family under UAE procedures.
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 Saudi Arabia
- 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 Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is one hour behind the UAE, so meetings fit easily within the working day. 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 Saudi Arabia unless one is listed here.
Our lawyers
People who can help
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Zain Sabith Mahmoud
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Dr. Fouz Mohammed
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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
Can a Saudi company set up a branch or subsidiary in the UAE?
Yes. Saudi companies can establish branches, free zone entities or mainland companies in the UAE. The right option depends on the activity, who will contract with customers, and whether the entity needs to hold assets or employ staff.
Does the GCC relationship change how UAE law applies to Saudi nationals?
In some areas GCC nationals may be treated differently from other foreign nationals, for example under certain ownership and licensing rules. The effect depends on the activity and the emirate, so it should be checked for the specific transaction.
Can you advise on Saudi law requirements such as regional headquarters rules?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Saudi law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in the Kingdom may be necessary, and we can coordinate with them on the UAE consequences.
Can a UAE court judgment be enforced in Saudi Arabia, or the other way round?
GCC and Arab League conventions on judicial cooperation may be relevant, alongside each country’s procedural rules. Whether a particular judgment can be enforced is assessed case by case and, on the Saudi side, with Saudi counsel.
Can we work with you in Arabic?
Yes. Our lawyers work in Arabic and English, and documents can be prepared in either language or both.
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. Saudi Arabia is one hour behind the UAE, so meetings fit easily within the working day.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Saudi Arabia 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.