Governing Law

Governing law refers to the legal framework that applies to a contract or business agreement, determining how disputes will be interpreted and resolved. In the UAE, parties can freely choose the governing law for their contracts, unless public policy dictates otherwise. UAE Civil Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) generally applies to contracts between UAE-based entities, while DIFC and ADGM free zones allow businesses to adopt English common law as their governing framework. For international contracts, arbitration centers like DIAC and ICC UAE enforce agreements under widely recognized legal principles.

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This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the respective authors. ATB Legal does not endorse these opinions. While we make every effort to ensure the factual accuracy of the information provided in our blogs, inaccuracies may occur due to changes in the legislative landscape or human errors. It is important to note that ATB Legal does not assume any responsibility for actions taken based on the information presented in these blogs. We strongly recommend taking professional advice to ensure the best possible solution for your individual circumstances.

About ATB Legal

ATB Legal is a full-service legal consultancy in the UAE providing services in dispute resolution (DIFC Courts, ADGM Courts, mainland litigation management and Arbitrations), corporate and commercial matters, IP, business set up and UAE taxation. We also have a personal law department providing advice on marriage, divorce and wills & estate planning for expats.

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Governing Law

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