Page 10 - Premier Brains Global -Doing Business in UAE (Low Res)

DOING BUSINESS in UAE

courts handle these matters and make their
Legal and Regulatory
decisions based on Islamic theory. However,
Framework UAE allows non-Muslims to prepare and

register their personal wills with courts in
The UAE has a dual judicial system consisting UAE. There are 2 financial freezones ADGM
of civil courts and Sharia courts. Civil courts and DIFC which applies Common Law.
handle civil and commercial matters, while
Sharia courts deal with family and personal • International Treaties: The UAE is subject
status issues. In addition, there is a federal to various international treaties and
Supreme Court that acts as the highest agreements. These treaties can influence
court of appeal in the UAE the legal landscape, particularly in matters
The UAE does not have a single constitution. of international trade, human rights, and
Instead, the Constitution of the UAE consists diplomatic relations.
of a combination of federal laws, traditional
laws, local laws of individual emirates, Islamic • Free Zones: The UAE has established
law (Sharia), and international treaties. The numerous free zones that have their own
illustration of the structure: legal and regulatory frameworks to attract
foreign investment. These zones offer
• Federal Laws: The system of federal laws specific incentives, such as tax exemptions
that apply across all seven emirates. These and simplified business regulations, to
laws are passed by the federal government promote economic growth. There are over
and cover areas such as immigration, labour, 45 freezones in UAE spread over the different
criminal offenses, intellectual property, and emirates of UAE
more.
Freezones are structured based on nature
• Emirate-Specific Laws: Each emirate of activities undertaken though general
within the UAE has the authority to issue its nature of businesses can operate from any
own local laws and regulations, particularly freezone.
in areas not covered by federal legislation.
These laws are often related to matters such Abu Dhabi and Dubai are home to the vast
as land use, property ownership, and other majority of free zones established in the
local concerns. UAE. such as Dubai International Financial
Centre (DIFC), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA),
• Sharia Law: Islamic law (Sharia) is an and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
important aspect of the legal framework in These are special economic zones, often
the UAE, especially in matters of personal industry specific, each existing in a defined
status, family law, and inheritance. Sharia geographic area in the UAE.

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