Mediation FAQs

1.What services does ATB Legal provide to businesses and individuals in the UAE?

ATB Legal offers end-to-end legal support for businesses and individuals, including company formation, corporate advisory, commercial contracts, arbitration and dispute resolution, intellectual property protection, regulatory compliance, and cross-border legal assistance. We help clients navigate UAE, DIFC, ADGM, and international legal systems with clear guidance, practical solutions, and strong commercial understanding. Our team ensures efficient processes, transparent communication, and reliable support from setup to ongoing operations and dispute management.

2. What are the different business structures available in UAE and which should I choose?

The UAE offers LLC (Limited Liability Company), free zone company, sole proprietorship, civil company, and branch of foreign company. LLCs provide liability protection and tax efficiency—best for most businesses. Free zone companies suit trading and services with 100% foreign ownership. Your choice depends on ownership structure, activity type, and location. We analyze your needs and recommend the best structure.

3. What documents do I need to start a company in the UAE?

Required documents include passport copies of all shareholders and managers, proof of address, bank references, detailed business plan, and memorandum of association. For foreign nationals, no local sponsor is needed if starting a civil company (professional services). We prepare all necessary documents, handle government submissions, and coordinate with authorities.

4. What ongoing compliance obligations exist after company formation?

After formation, you must maintain business licenses (annual renewal), file annual audited financial statements, comply with corporate tax and VAT filings, and adhere to labor law requirements. Free zone companies have simpler compliance; mainland companies face stricter scrutiny. We provide annual compliance calendars and handle all filings to keep your company in good standing.

5. What types of intellectual property should my tech company protect?

Tech companies typically protect patents (inventions), trademarks (brand names), copyrights (software code), and trade secrets (business methods). Each provides different protection for different assets. For fintech, patents protect innovative algorithms, trademarks protect your brand, and copyrights protect software code. We help identify and protect all valuable IP assets.

6. How do I register a trademark in the UAE?

Trademark registration involves filing an application with the UAE Ministry of Economy specifying your brand name, logo, or symbol and the goods/services you offer. The process takes 2-4 months. Registration gives you exclusive rights to use that trademark nationwide for 10 years, renewable

7. What are freehold and leasehold property rights in Dubai?

Freehold means you own the property and land indefinitely—best for long-term investment and provides full control. Leasehold means you own the property for a fixed term (typically 99 years) but not the underlying land; ownership reverts to the landlord afterward. Freeholds have higher resale value but cost more upfront. Choose based on investment horizon.

8. What is a Dubai property registration and why is it important?

Property registration with Dubai Land Department (DLD) is mandatory for all property transactions. Registration confirms your legal ownership, creates an official record, and enables you to sell, mortgage, or rent the property. Without registration, you have no legal claim to the property. We ensure proper registration, obtaining your title deed within legally required timelines.

9. What must be included in an employment contract in the UAE?

Employment contracts must specify: employee name, job title, responsibilities, salary (including allowances), benefits, working hours and days, contract duration, notice period, probation terms, and termination conditions. Contracts must be in English and Arabic. Omitting key details can lead to employee disputes and labor department penalties. We draft comprehensive, compliant employment contracts.

10. How much notice period must employers give before terminating an employee?

For misconduct, immediate termination is possible. For poor performance, typically 30-60 days notice is required depending on contract terms and labor law provisions. For economic reasons, 30-90 days notice applies per the new labor law. Employees also need similar notice to resign. Without proper notice, the terminating party may owe compensation. We review termination letters ensuring legal compliance. Employer has the right to terminate without notice if it is a termination for cause.

11. Why should I make a will in UAE if I’m an expat?

Without a will, your assets are distributed by courts under Sharia law, which may not reflect your wishes. Spouses don’t automatically inherit; children receive fixed shares; business assets freeze pending legal resolution. With a registered will, you ensure assets pass to chosen beneficiaries (spouse, specific children, charities) as you intend. Non-Muslim expats can now opt for civil law inheritance

12. What are the legal requirements to make a valid will in UAE?

You must be 21+ years old, mentally competent, and have a valid reason (typically being non-Muslim expat). The will must be written (typed preferred) and witnessed by two independent adult witnesses. It should be notarized and registered with DIFC Wills Service Centre or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Without registration, local courts may not recognize your will. We prepare, notarize, and register your will.

13. How do divorce proceedings work in UAE and what are my rights?

Divorce in UAE can be uncontested (through mutual agreement) or contested (through court). Uncontested divorces are resolved in weeks via settlement; contested divorces take 6-12 months. In divorce, courts divide community assets, determine custody of children (typically to mother if young), set child support obligations, and determine spousal maintenance. Non-Muslim expatriates can opt for civil law divorce. We represent you throughout divorce proceedings.

14. What are spousal and child maintenance obligations in UAE?

Husbands are obligated to provide food, housing, healthcare, and education for wives and children during marriage and after. Child maintenance continues until age 21 (or longer if child is studying/disabled). Wives may receive spousal maintenance if they didn’t cause divorce. Child support is calculated based on father’s income and number of children. Courts enforce maintenance orders; non-payment can trigger legal action.

15. How is property divided between spouses in divorce?

Community property acquired during marriage is divided equally between spouses unless a pre-marital/marital agreement states otherwise. Separate property (owned before marriage or gifted to one spouse) remains separate. Mortgage debt on community property is also divided equally. For non-Muslims, property division follows civil law (allowing unequal divisions per agreement). We ensure fair property division and protection of your interests.

16. What is AML compliance and why does my company need it?

AML compliance prevents your business from facilitating money laundering (hiding illegally-earned money). You must verify customer identities (Know-Your-Customer or KYC), monitor transactions for suspicious patterns, and report to Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) within specified timeframes. Non-compliance results in criminal liability for directors, hefty fines, business license revocation, and reputation damage. AML compliance is mandatory for financial and real estate businesses.

17. What is a confidentiality/NDA agreement and how is it enforced?

An NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) prevents parties from disclosing confidential information shared during business dealings. Breaches allow the injured party to seek damages and injunctions preventing further disclosure. NDAs typically specify information covered, permitted disclosures, duration (often 3-5 years), and remedies. Enforcement requires proving: information was confidential, legitimate business interest existed, and damages resulted from breach. We draft enforceable NDAs.

18. How should I handle contract breaches and what remedies are available?

Upon breach, first send written notice specifying breach details and demanding cure within reasonable timeframe (typically 5-15 days). If cure doesn’t occur, you can: perform the contract yourself (and seek cost reimbursement), terminate and claim damages (lost profits, replacement costs), seek specific performance (court order forcing the breaching party to perform), or file for arbitration/litigation. Documentation throughout prevents disputes about breach proof. We handle breach notification and remedies.

19. What is arbitration and how is it different from court litigation?

Arbitration is private dispute resolution where an independent arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision, bypassing courts. It’s faster (6-12 months vs. 2-3 years for courts), confidential, and final—no lengthy appeals. Litigation is public, slower, but allows more procedural protections. Choose arbitration for commercial disputes; litigation for criminal matters.

20. What is mediation and when should we use it?

Mediation is voluntary dispute resolution where a neutral mediator helps parties reach mutual agreement—not a binding decision like arbitration. It preserves business relationships, costs less, and succeeds in 60-70% of commercial disputes. Use mediation first; escalate to arbitration if mediation fails. Many UAE courts now require mediation before litigation.

21. What fees should I expect when engaging your legal services?

The cost of legal assistance varies based on the nature of the matter, the level of expertise required, and the time involved. Our firm ensures transparent and upfront fee structures, offering estimates and tailored pricing options based on your specific legal requirements.