Commercial litigation is concerned with how business disputes are resolved at the local courts. In Dubai, interpersonal disputes are typically resolved through the Dubai Courts (civil law system) or the DIFC Courts (common law system), depending on what kind of agreement there has been between the parties.

In deciding to litigate, companies have to expect a very open, frequently lengthy, and sometimes inflexible procedure. Court decisions are enforceable and have a high degree of certainty.

Pros of Litigation:

• Advantages of Litigation:
• The decisions of the court are binding and have the power of the law.
• Appropriate when cases are urgent and need immediate injunctions.
• Appeals can be made, and these provide the 2nd level of review.
• The DIFC Courts permit proceedings in English language, which is an advantage to foreign companies.

Cons of Litigation:

• It is expensive and time-consuming.
• Proceedings are public, and this can have an impact on reputation.
• There is less control over the process.
• Whether it relates to a breach of contract, recovery of debt, or fraud, your dispute, an expert commercial litigation Dubai team will be able to best represent your interests.

Dubai has two types of laws: mainland (onshore) and free zone (offshore) jurisdictions. The first step that ought to be followed by business owners is the selection of the appropriate jurisdiction where the business is to be conducted in terms of the type of activity, market to be targeted, and the preferences of the owner.

• Mainland Companies (CCL) and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) are authorities regulating and controlling the activity of companies on the mainland
• Free zone companies are considered to adhere to the rules that free zones (such as DMCC, DIFC, or Dubai South) establish.

In 2025, the UAE will still stimulate foreign investment by being able to provide the possibility of full foreign ownership of most activities in the mainland and remove the need to have a local UAE national sponsor.

Nevertheless, corporate legal advisory Dubai is important as the structure must fit your business objectives and not be contrary to the law in the country. Maaf Legal offers full-spectrum corporate legal consultation in Dubai, which guides investors and entrepreneurs on the right licensing and structure to achieve sustainable growth.

1. Rent Increase Law Dubai 2025
The most remarkable change in 2025 is the change in the rent cap mechanism. According to the new RERA regulations:

• Landlords are not allowed to raise the rents unless they are currently paying a lot lower than the average rent amount of the types of homes in the same location.
• Any increase in the rent can be made as per the RERA rental index, and it should not exceed 20 percent, even in extraordinary situations.
• Landlords are required to give three months’ notice (in writing) of an increase in rents at the renewal of the contract.
  In case of Rent increments, Tenants should always request written documentation of the increments. These rules should be followed by a landlord; in case they are not followed, the tenants could file a case at the Dubai Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC).

2. Tenant Eviction Process UAE: What’s Legal?
In Dubai, eviction is not as simple as issuing a verbal warning or cutting off utilities. The tenant eviction process UAE is governed by strict legal rules designed to protect both parties.
Valid reasons for eviction include:

• Non-payment of rent for 30 consecutive days or more.
• Use of the property for illegal activities.
• Major renovations that require the tenant to vacate.
• Landlord or first-degree relatives intending to move into the property (with 12-month written notice).
  Important:
  Eviction notices must be delivered through a Notary Public or registered mail. If you’ve received a verbal notice or an informal message via WhatsApp or email, it is not legally enforceable.
  At Maaf Legal, our rental dispute lawyer Dubai helps both landlords and tenants navigate eviction notices, ensuring all legal procedures are followed and rights are protected.

3. The Rental Dispute in Dubai
In case of a disagreement that cannot be solved peacefully, the landlord or the tenant may turn to the rental dispute lawyer Dubai and Rental Disputes Settlement Centre (RDSC), which is a department of the Dubai Land Department.

• Some of the most common disputes about tenancies are:
• Illegal eviction
• Inequitable rent escalation
• Damage to property
• Breach of agreement
• Lack of payment of rent or dispute over the deposit

Procedure on how to file a rental dispute:
1. Collect the documents: tenancy contract, Ejari certificate, payment slips, communications, and the eviction or rent increment notice.
2. Launch a complaint on the website and at RDSC.
3. Pay fee up (normally 3.5 percent of the annual rent- usually), minimum AED 500, and maximum AED 20000.
4. Hearings -The committee listens to both sides and looks at the evidence.
5. judgment – Legally binding and enforceable.

The foreign investment law Dubai, which came about through Federal Decree-Law No. 19 of 2018, changed the game. Now, you can own 100% of your business in certain industries, especially in mainland Dubai. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Positive List specifies the particular details.

Before this, foreign investors could only own up to 49% of a company within the country, with a UAE national sponsor holding the other 51%. While this still applies to some important industries, loads of others, like manufacturing, shipping, online stores, and hotels, now allow full foreign ownership. Still, full ownership doesn’t mean you’re totally in the clear.You still have to comply with all guidelines, get the right licenses, and meet operational standards. These differ depending on where you are and sometimes what industry you’re in. Maaf Legal is good at helping foreign investors figure out these legal changes.