Q: 3 years ago, I agreed to sign my name to a trade license as a shareholding Managing Director. I did so as a favour to our group chairman. I have lost faith/control and I am worried about what is being done with my identity. All documents/operation are with the 2nd partner and local sponsor (51%). I am not active in the business neither do I know what is happening. I realize the high risk but agreed in trust, now with great regret. I signed a POA last year after leaving the country for another project. It was limited to 6 months which has since expired. How can I remove my name? The 2nd partner continues to use the sponsor's availability (or lack thereof) as an excuse for why he cannot do so.

Q: I am a partner in a restaurant with a 20% stake and the remaining divided equally between 2 other partners. I have been made the managing partner to run the place. I would like to resign from the position as all responsibility has been put on me. I am not being paid for my time and efforts as a managing partner. I don't have any signing authority with banks and because of my position, all legal onus has been put on me. They are refusing to put money into the business and as it's a new business, the initial financial support is missing which is dragging down the business. In this situation, I am feeling overwhelmed and distressed because I know without the influx required for marketing, the business will not grow to become sustainable. And without any compensation coming from the company, I cannot survive. So I would like to remove myself from the managing partner position. How can I do that?

Q: Salam Alaikum, I need your help to solve my issue. We have started one tourism company in Sharjah Media City free zone in Jan 2018. I was a 20% shareholder. But in the month of Nov, my other partner came and asked me to remove my name as a manager from the license because he has some money in KSA and will bring to Dubai and then through this company will transfer to Japan. He will remove my name from the bank and then he can do this. I agreed verbally. But now I came to know that he transferred my shares to his name. But still, I am receiving the du bills under my name. The guarantee cheques issued under my signature. We are operating a cruise in Deira. The contract is under my name. for the last 1 year, I have not received any money for my shares. Immigration card still has my name. 2 days ago, one guy from that partner filed a complaint in Naif Police that I am not the partner and they want me not to come to the cruise. The cruise agreement is under my name and company name with my signature. Kindly help me in this regard.

Q: Dear sir/madam, I am a general manager of an insurance company. However, I don't have any equity and I am not a shareholder. I am not authorized to sign a cheque and I am not a signatory in any of the bank accounts. Partners issue the cheques. If the company has debts, will I be responsible or will it be the partner's/owners' responsibility? I resigned from my company and have taken resignation acceptance from all the 3 partners on the company letterhead. I have completed my notice period. However, they need one more month to change my name on the trade license. In case of any legal cases, would I be responsible?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I am working as a general manager in a contracting company in Dubai, and my name is on the trade license. I want to leave the company now. Please advise!

Q: Dear colleagues, According to Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (“Executive Regulations”), employees occupying supervisory roles are exempt from the provisions of the Labour Law and the Executive Regulations in relation to maximum working hours only if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer. Could you please clarify what is meant by "if they possess powers equivalent to those of the employer"? Currently, we have heads of departments who report to the directors. Will they be eligible for overtime? Also, those who have a POA to sign contracts will they be eligible? Or, those who temporarily replace the CEO while he is out, will they be eligible?

An interview-format article covering the topic of shareholder disputes in the UAE and pre-emptive measure to be considered. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.