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: My company is located in Dubai as an LLC. We have two shareholders, 1. UAE national shareholder with 95% 2. A foreign shareholder with 5% The UAE national shareholder transferred this 5% shares to the foreign shareholder through a share sales agreement, which was notarized at the notary public in Dubai and submitted it to the DED to amend the trade license etc. This happened in 2014. But till this date, the foreign shareholder did not pay the value of 5% shares to the UAE national shareholder or to the company. Also, the foreign shareholder was not actively involved with the company's operation and as per Article 17 of the Commercial Companies Law: "2. The partner may not contribute in work rendered unless he is a joint partner. The contribution of the partner may not consist of his having reputation or influence." Under these circumstances, is it possible for the UAE national shareholder to request from the court to cancel the 5% shares of the foreign shareholder and transfer back to him?

Q: Hello, I am a manager of an LLC company with 25% share. In February 2003, a partner joined the company with a 25% share. After two months, he didn’t like the company and left. After two years, we did not know where he was. We just heard that he left to Tunisia before his visa expired. What to do with his 25% share, please?

An interview-format article covering the topic of the amendments to the company law in the UAE. This is from the legal podcast of lawyer Ludmila Yamalova, the founder of Lawgical with LYLAW.

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.

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.

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.