Q: Hello, I am looking for legal help to shut down a partnership in Dubai or to somehow cancel my share in the partnership. I am a minority partner and I no longer want to be in the partnership due to questionable activities of the other partner.

Q: A friend and I have started a business in Dubai about 2 years back and I paid my share of the capital and expenses on that basis we'd be 50/50 partners. The company was registered under an Emirati sponsor as per the local laws and regulations who holds 51% of the shares and my friend who holds the remaining 49%. We didn't add my name to the application at the time thinking it would reduce the processing time. Till date, I have not seen any share or any profit on the grounds that we're not making much of it. We have not signed any papers that can prove that I'm a partner in the business, but I have made 2 payments (about 90% of my total investment) through a bank transfer to the company's bank account. To sell my share, would it suffice if I get him to sign on a paper that we are 50/50 partners and I contributed with X amount? Should it be done at a notary and have it legally attested? Or should I have him sign a paper that I gave him an X amount as a loan? Any other suggestions

Q: My husband was awarded shares in the company he works for. Now he is leaving and wants to sell them and the company refuses to acknowledge the fact that he holds shares even though it clearly states that he does in the 'Articles of Association'. What advice can you give to us? Thanks.

Q: Hello I’m a business partner who just decided to exit the partnership with three more partners. It’s a recruitment agency. I want to know what is the best right way of getting my share from the business in terms of the company’s valuation and current billing.

س: السلام عليكم، قدمت إخطار تخارج لشريكي في الشركة ذات المسؤولية المحدودة، وبعدها رفع شريكي دعوى بوجود منازعات قائمة على المشروع، ولكن المحكمة رفضت الدعوى. هل يمكنني بيع الحصة الخاصة بي؟ علمًا بأنه مضى على الإخطار الذي أرسلته للتخارج 30 يومًا.

Q: Good day, I would like to know where I can get a copy of the partnership agreement, as the acting partner/manager has not provided us with one. He has all the access. Additionally, how can I cancel my partner visa? I hold a 49% share, another lady also holds 49%, and the acting partner/manager holds 2%. The trade license expired three years ago, in 2022. I went to Amer, and they said they can’t cancel the card because it is blocked. My grace period already finished on August 18, 2024, and I have incurred fines. I met with a local agent, and she asked for 3000 AED from each of us two partners to cancel the visa. As of now, I only want to cancel my visa and work peacefully for the company. Thank you!

Over the years the UAE has become a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location, excellent connectivity and extensive services to assist with all aspects of business. According to the World Bank's 2016 report, the UAE has ranked 31st in the global index of ease of doing business. This encourages more entrepreneurs to set up different kinds of business entities in the country.

The provisions of this Law apply to the commercial companies established in the UAE and the foreign companies that have established in the UAE a base to conduct any activity therein or established a branch or representative office. The Law abrogates Federal Law No. (8) of 1984 Concerning Commercial Companies.

The provisions of this law On Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions (Law of Evidence) govern evidence in civil and commercial disputes in the UAE.