Q: Hello, I would love to ask for advice. What is the liability of managing director, who is not mentioned on the trade license but has a power of attorney to act on behalf of the owner, sign contracts and documentation, deal with banks and UAE authorities, tax returns...etc? We are talking about an LLC company in Dubai. And would you recommend directors and offices liability insurance? Thank you for your help.

Q: I have been appointed as a POA holder by the boss/owner of my company to act on his behalf. He told us that he would help us in all the financial aid from USA (where he is residing) and we just need to run the operations here in the UAE. However, it's been quite a while where we have not received any support /financial assistance from him and there are a lot of unpaid bills pending here. I would like to know if I cancel my POA, can I get away from this mess or I will still be liable to pay and be penalized?

Q: Hi, I have been given a special power of attorney by my company owner to represent the company. However, now that the company is not performing well financially and there is some outstanding to be cleared by the company to service providers like Etisalat and a few others as well. In such circumstance when the company is liable to pay the amount and the owner is not coming back from India due to medical reasons, what is my position in all this?

Q: Dear Lawyers, I have a 49% share in a 2-year-old Dubai mainland LLC. We are two foreign owners, both managers. My partner, who is appointed as the main manager, is hiding all documents and keeps the bank account empty through ATM withdrawals, which prevents me from obtaining evidence or finding a buyer. A legal notice is likely to be ignored, and removing my partner would be a lengthy process. I have no concrete evidence of a breach of trust. What are my options? Thank you!

Q: Hello, My 50-50 business partner has taken control of the company phone, social media, and bank accounts. Previously, he took 20,000 in cash to pay for his operation without consent. What can I do?

In view of the fact that the manager is primarily the point of reference for the company in the business streets, he is generally authorized by a power of attorney provided by the shareholders of the company or via the MOA of the company. In certain cases exceeding the powers given to the manager may make the manager, or the LLC itself, liable, depending on the nature of the manager’s actions.

This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.

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, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.