Q: Insolvency Law No. 9 of 2019: Court may order to stop all criminal and civil proceedings against an individual defender. I do not live in Dubai, UAE, and I am currently hiding out overseas. I have pending 2013 judgments by the criminal court in absentia and civil court in absentia. - Could you please recommend an experienced lawyer to file for insolvency in Dubai Court? - Is it possible to give a POA, my lawyer file insolvency in absentia, and obtain bail from the same court?

Q: I have an LLC company in Dubai mainland since March 2013, and I'm a 49% shareholder of the company. I have taken a loan from a bank in August 2019 and have paid 7/48 instalments to the bank. Then, I was unable to pay back due to the COVID-19 crisis. I have the following unpaid debts: 1. Business loan from a bank, outstanding about 300,000/- 2. Principle outstanding credit cards on personal name: A. 60,800/- B. 15,000/- C. 5,000/- Sum of 3 cards 80,800/- 3. I have unpaid rent of business office in Dubai amount 8000/- of period Sept 2020 - Dec 2020. The landlord refused to accept to take keys as the contract ends in December. He perhaps filed some case against me. Currently, I'm out of the UAE and would like to get a benefit from the law of bankruptcy/law of insolvency.

Q: Dear sir/madam, Request for 1 hour Pro-Bono consultation. I wish to register two lawsuits: A) Performance order I and my partner each have 50% of a house as per the title deed. The partner signed an affidavit confirming that his 50% share of the house is a loan from me and he will return the 50% share whenever I ask for it. B) Bankruptcy and dissolution of a small civil company I request 1-hour pro-bono consultancy for the above lawsuits where you share your ideas on how you will proceed with the lawsuit, after which you can make me your offer to represent me in the above lawsuits.

Q: Hello, How can I file for private insolvency in Abu Dhabi?

With the introduction of the new procedures for obtaining a power of attorney (POA) remotely in the UAE, after it was mandatory to appear in person in front of the notary public as a global rule to ensure the identity and intention of the person requesting a POA, we put between your hands this brief guide for how you get it done.

This article will briefly explain about the Personal Insolvency Law of 2019 and Bankruptcy Law of 2016 in the UAE. Previously, there was only the Bankruptcy Law that was available for the commercial companies, merchants, traders, and similar persons who were suffering from the financial crisis but now individuals have such options available as well especially considering the effects of COVID-19. Both laws were issued to assist distressed persons and entities by offering them settlement options.

Companies can be wound up by Voluntary Liquidation. This shall proceed as initiated by shareholders or creditors of a company by passing a valid shareholder’s resolution. When a company’s financial mechanism fails, and the company is in financial distress and/ or becomes insolvent whereby it is unable to pay off its debts, the company may file a petition for winding up to the court.

The UAE continues to strive to modernize its laws and create more flexibility in meeting the needs and requirements of investors and businessmen and elevate its economy to the highest levels of growth and development.

Dealing with financial difficulties can be overwhelming, but the UAE provides a comprehensive legal framework to manage bankruptcy and insolvency in a way that benefits both debtors and creditors. Understanding these laws and how they work can make a huge difference in navigating the process successfully.

This Law applies to merchants, as well as to all acts of commerce carried out in the UAE by any person even though he be not a trader. Commercial matters regarding which specific Federal laws are issued shall be subject to the provisions of such laws, and to the provisions hereof which do not contradict with said laws.

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 Federal Decree-Law No. (51) of 2023 Promulgating the Financial Restructuring and Bankruptcy Law, known as the "Bankruptcy Law" governs Financial Restructuring and Bankruptcy regulations in the United Arab Emirates