Law Firms in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the seat of federal government, sovereign wealth funds and a large share of the country's energy industry. Lawyers in Abu Dhabi advise on oil and gas, infrastructure, banking, investment funds and government contracts, and also on everyday matters for a population that is mostly expatriate.

The emirate has two legal systems side by side. Onshore, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department runs the local courts and licenses lawyers and legal consultants who practise there. Proceedings are conducted mainly in Arabic, and rights of audience before onshore courts are largely limited to UAE national advocates, while foreign lawyers usually act as legal consultants. Offshore, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) on Al Maryah Island is a financial free zone with its own English common law based courts and its own register of practitioners. Before you engage a firm, ask which licence it holds and check it with the relevant authority. Non-Muslim residents can also use the emirate's civil family court for marriage, divorce and inheritance.

Residents commonly need help with employment disputes and end of service gratuity, tenancy, divorce and child custody, wills and cheque or debt claims. Companies look for advice on licensing, mainland versus free zone structures, joint ventures and arbitration. Abu Dhabi law firms also assist with golden visa and residence questions.

Fees are agreed in writing. Fixed fees are usual for company setup and wills, hourly rates or retainers for corporate work, and litigation is often priced in stages. Most firms work in Arabic and English, and many also offer Hindi, Urdu, French or Russian. Narrow down by practice area below to find lawyers in Abu Dhabi for your case.