Glossary

This comprehensive glossary provides definitions of key legal terms, phrases, and government departments relevant to legal practice in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and the United Arab Emirates. Each term includes translations in ten languages, detailed descriptions, and where applicable, information about how DIFC Lawyers can assist with related legal matters.

DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)

Arabic: مركز دبي المالي العالمي

French: Centre Financier International de Dubaï

German: Internationales Finanzzentrum Dubai

Italian: Centro Finanziario Internazionale di Dubai

Spanish: Centro Financiero Internacional de Dubái

Portuguese: Centro Financeiro Internacional de Dubai

Russian: Международный финансовый центр Дубая

Chinese: 迪拜国际金融中心

Czech: Mezinárodní finanční centrum Dubaj

Hebrew: המרכז הפיננסי הבינלאומי של דובאי

Description:

An independent common law jurisdiction and special economic zone within Dubai, UAE. Established in 2004, DIFC operates under its own legal framework based on English common law principles, with its own courts, registry, and regulatory authority (DFSA). DIFC provides a platform for financial institutions, professional services firms, and businesses to operate under internationally recognized legal and regulatory standards.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers specializes in all legal matters within DIFC jurisdiction including company formation, commercial litigation before DIFC Courts, regulatory compliance with DFSA requirements, employment matters under DIFC Employment Law, and transactional work governed by DIFC law. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

This description provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations are subject to change. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult qualified legal counsel.

ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)

Arabic: سوق أبوظبي العالمي

French: Marché Mondial d’Abou Dhabi

German: Globaler Markt Abu Dhabi

Italian: Mercato Globale di Abu Dhabi

Spanish: Mercado Global de Abu Dabi

Portuguese: Mercado Global de Abu Dhabi

Russian: Глобальный рынок Абу-Даби

Chinese: 阿布扎比全球市场

Czech: Globální trh Abú Zabí

Hebrew: השוק הגלובלי של אבו דאבי

Description:

A common law financial free zone established in Abu Dhabi in 2015. Similar to DIFC, ADGM operates as an independent jurisdiction with its own courts, regulations, and regulatory authority (FSRA – Financial Services Regulatory Authority). ADGM provides a legal and regulatory framework for financial services and related commercial activities based on internationally recognized standards.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers provides comprehensive legal services for ADGM matters including company registration, ADGM Court representation, FSRA regulatory compliance, commercial transactions, and all aspects of ADGM law. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

DIFC Courts

Arabic: محاكم مركز دبي المالي العالمي

French: Tribunaux du DIFC

German: DIFC-Gerichte

Italian: Tribunali DIFC

Spanish: Tribunales DIFC

Portuguese: Tribunais DIFC

Russian: Суды DIFC

Chinese: DIFC法院

Czech: Soudy DIFC

Hebrew: בתי המשפט של DIFC

Description:

An independent common law court system within DIFC comprising the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal. DIFC Courts apply DIFC law and English common law principles, follow common law procedures including case precedent, and can hear disputes involving DIFC entities, DIFC property, or matters where parties have agreed to DIFC jurisdiction. Judgments from DIFC Courts can be enforced throughout the UAE under the Judicial Authority Law.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers has extensive experience representing clients before DIFC Courts at both trial and appellate levels, handling commercial litigation, contract disputes, shareholder matters, and all contentious proceedings within DIFC jurisdiction. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

ADGM Courts

Arabic: محاكم سوق أبوظبي العالمي

French: Tribunaux de l’ADGM

German: ADGM-Gerichte

Italian: Tribunali ADGM

Spanish: Tribunales ADGM

Portuguese: Tribunais ADGM

Russian: Суды ADGM

Chinese: ADGM法院

Czech: Soudy ADGM

Hebrew: בתי המשפט של ADGM

Description:

The judicial authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, consisting of the Court of First Instance and Court of Appeal. Similar to DIFC Courts, ADGM Courts apply common law principles and can hear commercial disputes, civil matters, and employment cases arising within or connected to ADGM. The courts follow international standards of procedural fairness and transparency.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers represents clients in ADGM Court proceedings, providing strategic litigation services, procedural guidance, and advocacy before all levels of the ADGM court system. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority)

Arabic: هيئة دبي للخدمات المالية

French: Autorité des Services Financiers de Dubaï

German: Dubai Finanzdienstleistungsbehörde

Italian: Autorità dei Servizi Finanziari di Dubai

Spanish: Autoridad de Servicios Financieros de Dubái

Portuguese: Autoridade de Serviços Financeiros de Dubai

Russian: Управление финансовых услуг Дубая

Chinese: 迪拜金融服务管理局

Czech: Úřad pro finanční služby Dubaj

Hebrew: רשות השירותים הפיננסיים של דובאי

Description:

The independent regulator of financial services conducted in or from the DIFC. DFSA authorizes and supervises financial institutions, sets conduct of business rules, enforces compliance with DIFC regulations, and takes enforcement action when necessary. DFSA regulates banking, securities, insurance, funds, Islamic finance, and other financial services activities within DIFC.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers assists clients with DFSA authorization applications, ongoing regulatory compliance, regulatory reporting, compliance framework development, and defense in DFSA investigations and enforcement proceedings. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority)

Arabic: هيئة تنظيم الخدمات المالية

French: Autorité de Réglementation des Services Financiers

German: Finanzdienstleistungs-Regulierungsbehörde

Italian: Autorità di Regolamentazione dei Servizi Finanziari

Spanish: Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Financieros

Portuguese: Autoridade Reguladora de Serviços Financeiros

Russian: Регулирующий орган финансовых услуг

Chinese: 金融服务监管局

Czech: Regulační úřad finančních služeb

Hebrew: הרשות הרגולטורית לשירותים פיננסיים

Description:

The independent financial services regulator for ADGM. FSRA authorizes and supervises financial services firms, enforces regulatory requirements, and maintains the integrity of ADGM’s financial marketplace. FSRA’s regulatory framework is based on international best practices and covers banking, insurance, investment, and other financial services.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers provides regulatory compliance services for FSRA-regulated entities including authorization applications, compliance advisory, regulatory investigations defense, and ongoing regulatory counsel. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Dubai Courts

Arabic: محاكم دبي

French: Tribunaux de Dubaï

German: Dubai-Gerichte

Italian: Tribunali di Dubai

Spanish: Tribunales de Dubái

Portuguese: Tribunais de Dubai

Russian: Суды Дубая

Chinese: 迪拜法院

Czech: Soudy Dubaj

Hebrew: בתי המשפט של דובאי

Description:

The civil law court system for mainland Dubai, comprising the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, and Court of Cassation. Dubai Courts handle civil, commercial, criminal, labor, and personal status matters under UAE federal law and Dubai local laws. Proceedings are conducted in Arabic and follow civil law procedures based on UAE Civil Procedure Law.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers represents clients before Dubai Courts in commercial disputes, civil matters, employment cases, real estate litigation, and enforcement proceedings, providing Arabic-language advocacy and expertise in UAE civil law procedures. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

UAE Federal Courts

Arabic: المحاكم الاتحادية الإماراتية

French: Tribunaux Fédéraux des EAU

German: Bundesgerichte der VAE

Italian: Tribunali Federali degli EAU

Spanish: Tribunales Federales de los EAU

Portuguese: Tribunais Federais dos EAU

Russian: Федеральные суды ОАЭ

Chinese: 阿联酋联邦法院

Czech: Federální soudy SAE

Hebrew: בתי המשפט הפדרליים של איחוד האמירויות

Description:

The federal court system operating in the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah) and handling certain matters in all emirates. Federal Courts apply UAE federal laws and follow civil law procedures. The system includes Courts of First Instance, Courts of Appeal, and the Federal Supreme Court.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers handles matters before UAE Federal Courts across all seven emirates, providing comprehensive representation in civil, commercial, and criminal matters under UAE federal law. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Common Law

Arabic: القانون العام

French: Common Law (Droit Commun)

German: Common Law (Gewohnheitsrecht)

Italian: Common Law (Diritto Comune)

Spanish: Common Law (Derecho Común)

Portuguese: Common Law (Direito Comum)

Russian: Общее право

Chinese: 普通法

Czech: Common Law (obecné právo)

Hebrew: המשפט המקובל

Description:

A legal system based on judicial precedent and case law rather than codified statutes. DIFC and ADGM operate under common law systems derived from English law, where previous court decisions (precedents) guide future cases. This contrasts with the civil law system used in mainland UAE. Common law features include adversarial proceedings, extensive discovery, and binding precedent.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers’ extensive common law expertise enables effective representation in DIFC Courts and ADGM Courts, where understanding precedent, case law, and common law procedures is essential for success. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Civil Law

Arabic: القانون المدني

French: Droit Civil

German: Zivilrecht

Italian: Diritto Civile

Spanish: Derecho Civil

Portuguese: Direito Civil

Russian: Гражданское право

Chinese: 民法

Czech: Občanské právo

Hebrew: המשפט האזרחי

Description:

A legal system based on comprehensive written codes and statutes. Mainland UAE follows a civil law system based on Egyptian civil law and Islamic law principles. Civil law systems feature codified laws, inquisitorial procedures (where judges actively investigate facts), limited discovery, and no binding precedent. UAE Civil Code, Commercial Transactions Law, and Civil Procedure Law govern civil matters.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers navigates both common law (DIFC/ADGM) and civil law (UAE mainland) systems, providing clients with strategic advantage in matters spanning multiple jurisdictions and helping structure transactions that optimize benefits of each legal system. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Arbitration

Arabic: التحكيم

French: Arbitrage

German: Schiedsverfahren

Italian: Arbitrato

Spanish: Arbitraje

Portuguese: Arbitragem

Russian: Арбитраж

Chinese: 仲裁

Czech: Arbitráž

Hebrew: בוררות

Description:

A form of alternative dispute resolution where parties agree to submit disputes to one or more arbitrators who render a binding decision. Arbitration in UAE is governed by UAE Arbitration Law (Federal Law No. 6 of 2018). DIFC has its own arbitration law, and major arbitration institutions include DIAC (Dubai International Arbitration Centre), DIFC-LCIA, and ADGM Arbitration Centre. Arbitration offers confidentiality, party autonomy, and enforceable awards under the New York Convention.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers represents clients in domestic and international arbitrations under DIAC, DIFC-LCIA, ADGM, and ad hoc rules, handling all aspects from arbitration clause drafting through award enforcement. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Arabic: عقد التأسيس

French: Acte Constitutif

German: Gründungsurkunde

Italian: Atto Costitutivo

Spanish: Escritura de Constitución

Portuguese: Memorando de Associação

Russian: Учредительный договор

Chinese: 组织章程大纲

Czech: Zakladatelská listina

Hebrew: תקנון ההתאגדות

Description:

A foundational document required for company formation in UAE, DIFC, and ADGM that sets out basic information including company name, objectives, share capital, shareholders, and initial management structure. The MOA must be notarized and filed with relevant authorities (DED for mainland, DIFC Registrar for DIFC companies, ADGM Registration Authority for ADGM entities).

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers prepares comprehensive Memorandums of Association compliant with DIFC Companies Law, ADGM Companies Regulations, or UAE Commercial Companies Law, ensuring proper structure and registration. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Articles of Association (AOA)

Arabic: النظام الأساسي

French: Statuts

German: Satzung

Italian: Statuto

Spanish: Estatutos Sociales

Portuguese: Estatutos

Russian: Устав

Chinese: 公司章程

Czech: Stanovy

Hebrew: תקנון החברה

Description:

Internal regulations governing company operations including shareholder rights, director powers, meeting procedures, dividend policies, share transfer restrictions, and decision-making processes. AOA work alongside the MOA to provide comprehensive governance framework. DIFC and ADGM offer more flexibility in AOA provisions than UAE mainland companies.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers drafts tailored Articles of Association that protect shareholder interests, establish clear governance structures, and provide mechanisms for resolving internal disputes. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

DED (Department of Economic Development)

Arabic: دائرة التنمية الاقتصادية

French: Département du Développement Économique

German: Wirtschaftsentwicklungsbehörde

Italian: Dipartimento dello Sviluppo Economico

Spanish: Departamento de Desarrollo Económico

Portuguese: Departamento de Desenvolvimento Econômico

Russian: Департамент экономического развития

Chinese: 经济发展部

Czech: Odbor ekonomického rozvoje

Hebrew: מחלקת הפיתוח הכלכלי

Description:

The government authority responsible for business licensing, commercial registration, and economic regulation in Dubai mainland. DED issues trade licenses, registers companies, enforces consumer protection laws, and regulates commercial activities outside free zones. Every mainland Dubai business must obtain DED approval and maintain valid trade license.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers assists with DED licensing procedures, mainland company formations, trade license applications, and matters involving DED regulations. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Arabic: دائرة الأراضي والأملاك في دبي

French: Département des Terres de Dubaï

German: Dubai Grundstücksbehörde

Italian: Dipartimento del Territorio di Dubai

Spanish: Departamento de Tierras de Dubái

Portuguese: Departamento de Terras de Dubai

Russian: Департамент земли Дубая

Chinese: 迪拜土地部

Czech: Pozemkový úřad Dubaj

Hebrew: מחלקת הקרקעות של דובאי

Description:

The government entity responsible for real estate registration, property transactions, title verification, and land administration in Dubai. All property sales, purchases, mortgages, and leases must be registered with DLD. The department maintains the official property registry and collects transfer fees (typically 4% of transaction value).

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers handles property transactions including DLD registration, due diligence, sale and purchase agreements, mortgage documentation, and resolution of property disputes. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)

Arabic: مؤسسة التنظيم العقاري

French: Agence de Réglementation Immobilière

German: Immobilienregulierungsbehörde

Italian: Agenzia di Regolamentazione Immobiliare

Spanish: Agencia Reguladora Inmobiliaria

Portuguese: Agência Reguladora Imobiliária

Russian: Агентство по регулированию недвижимости

Chinese: 房地产监管机构

Czech: Regulační úřad pro nemovitosti

Hebrew: הרשות לרגולציה של נדל”ן

Description:

An agency under Dubai Land Department that regulates Dubai’s real estate sector including developers, brokers, property managers, and landlord-tenant relationships. RERA maintains the rental index (used to determine fair market rent), registers tenancy contracts (Ejari system), oversees off-plan property sales, and licenses real estate professionals.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers advises on RERA regulations, assists with rental disputes, represents parties before the Rental Dispute Centre, and handles tenancy contract matters. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Rental Dispute Centre (RDC)

Arabic: مركز فض المنازعات الإيجارية

French: Centre de Règlement des Litiges Locatifs

German: Mietstreitbeilegungszentrum

Italian: Centro Risoluzione Controversie Affitti

Spanish: Centro de Resolución de Disputas de Alquiler

Portuguese: Centro de Resolução de Disputas de Aluguel

Russian: Центр разрешения арендных споров

Chinese: 租赁纠纷中心

Czech: Centrum pro řešení nájemních sporů

Hebrew: מרכז ליישוב סכסוכי שכירות

Description:

A specialized tribunal under Dubai Courts that exclusively handles landlord-tenant disputes in Dubai including rent increases, eviction cases, maintenance obligations, security deposit disputes, and lease terminations. RDC decisions can be appealed to Dubai Courts. The centre aims to resolve rental disputes efficiently through mediation and adjudication.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers represents landlords and tenants before the Rental Dispute Centre, handling eviction proceedings, rent disputes, and all tenancy-related litigation. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation)

Arabic: وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين

French: Ministère des Ressources Humaines et de l’Emiratisation

German: Ministerium für Humanressourcen und Emiratisierung

Italian: Ministero delle Risorse Umane ed Emiratizzazione

Spanish: Ministerio de Recursos Humanos y Emiratización

Portuguese: Ministério de Recursos Humanos e Emiratização

Russian: Министерство людских ресурсов и эмиратизации

Chinese: 人力资源和酋长化部

Czech: Ministerstvo lidských zdrojů a emiratizace

Hebrew: משרד משאבי אנוש ואמיראטיזציה

Description:

The UAE federal ministry responsible for labor relations, employment regulations, work permits, Emiratisation initiatives, and workplace standards. MOHRE regulates employment contracts, oversees labor disputes, issues work permits for mainland companies, and enforces UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). Note: DIFC and ADGM have separate employment laws and are not governed by MOHRE.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers handles MOHRE-related matters for mainland UAE employment including employment contract compliance, labor disputes, work permit issues, and representation before MOHRE labor dispute committees. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Emiratisation

Arabic: التوطين

French: Emiratisation

German: Emiratisierung

Italian: Emiratizzazione

Spanish: Emiratización

Portuguese: Emiratização

Russian: Эмиратизация

Chinese: 本地化政策

Czech: Emiratizace

Hebrew: אמיראטיזציה

Description:

UAE government policy requiring private sector companies to employ Emirati nationals in certain percentages and roles. Nafis program sets targets for Emirati employment in skilled positions. Companies must comply with quotas varying by industry and company size. Non-compliance can result in penalties including work permit restrictions and fines.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers advises companies on Emiratisation compliance, develops compliant hiring strategies, and assists with Nafis program requirements. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Labour Ban

Arabic: حظر العمل

French: Interdiction de Travail

German: Arbeitsverbot

Italian: Divieto di Lavoro

Spanish: Prohibición Laboral

Portuguese: Proibição de Trabalho

Russian: Запрет на работу

Chinese: 劳动禁令

Czech: Pracovní zákaz

Hebrew: איסור עבודה

Description:

A restriction preventing employees from working in UAE for a specified period after employment termination. UAE Labour Law allows employers to request labour bans in limited circumstances including employees who resign before completing limited-term contracts. Ban duration depends on circumstances, typically 1-2 years. Employees can challenge unjustified bans through MOHRE or courts. DIFC and ADGM have different rules regarding labour bans.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers represents employees challenging unjustified labour bans and advises employers on lawful imposition of bans under UAE, DIFC, and ADGM employment laws. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

End of Service Gratuity

Arabic: مكافأة نهاية الخدمة

French: Indemnité de Fin de Service

German: Abfindung bei Dienstende

Italian: Indennità di Fine Servizio

Spanish: Gratificación por Fin de Servicio

Portuguese: Gratificação de Final de Serviço

Russian: Выходное пособие

Chinese: 离职补偿金

Czech: Odstupné při ukončení služby

Hebrew: גמלת סיום שירות

Description:

Severance payment owed to employees upon termination of employment under UAE Labour Law, DIFC Employment Law, or ADGM regulations. Calculation varies by jurisdiction: UAE mainland uses 21 days’ salary per year (first 5 years) and 30 days’ salary per year thereafter; DIFC uses different calculation methods. Gratuity accrues for all employees who complete at least one year of service. Employees terminated for cause may forfeit gratuity rights.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers calculates end of service gratuity entitlements, resolves gratuity disputes, and represents parties in gratuity-related litigation. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Wrongful Termination

Arabic: الفصل التعسفي

French: Licenciement Abusif

German: Unrechtmäßige Kündigung

Italian: Licenziamento Illegittimo

Spanish: Despido Improcedente

Portuguese: Demissão Indevida

Russian: Незаконное увольнение

Chinese: 不当解雇

Czech: Neoprávněné ukončení pracovního poměru

Hebrew: פיטורים שלא כדין

Description:

Termination of employment in violation of applicable employment law or contract terms. Grounds for wrongful termination claims include dismissal without valid cause, failure to provide required notice, discriminatory termination, or breach of employment contract. Remedies may include reinstatement, compensation for wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages, and end of service benefits. Laws governing wrongful termination differ significantly between UAE mainland, DIFC, and ADGM.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers represents both employers defending against wrongful termination claims and employees pursuing remedies for unlawful dismissal before appropriate tribunals and courts. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com

Disclaimer:

Commercial Companies Law

Arabic: قانون الشركات التجارية

French: Loi sur les Sociétés Commerciales

German: Handelsgesellschaftsgesetz

Italian: Legge sulle Società Commerciali

Spanish: Ley de Sociedades Comerciales

Portuguese: Lei das Empresas Comerciais

Russian: Закон о коммерческих компаниях

Chinese: 商业公司法

Czech: Zákon o obchodních společnostech

Hebrew: חוק החברות המסחריות

Description:

UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 governing mainland UAE companies. The law regulates company formation, types of business entities (LLC, joint stock companies, partnerships), foreign ownership (now permitting 100% foreign ownership in most sectors), corporate governance, shareholders’ rights, director duties, and company dissolution. This law does not apply to DIFC or ADGM companies which operate under separate corporate legislation.

How DIFC Lawyers Can Help: DIFC Lawyers advises on UAE Commercial Companies Law for mainland business formations, corporate governance matters, shareholder disputes, and corporate transactions governed by UAE law. Contact: consult@difclawyers.com