Corporate governance describes the entire process of how a company operates under direction and control. The system of corporate governance consists of established rules and processes that direct business operations for decision-making and operational success. The UAE requires strong corporate governance systems because they ensure transparency, legal compliance and maintain accountability. Good governance establishes trust among investors while supporting long-term business growth. It also protects shareholder rights and other stakeholder interests.
At HHS Lawyers, we provide UAE businesses with assistance to establish and maintain efficient corporate governance systems. Our legal experts guarantee that your governance practices fulfill all requirements of the UAE Commercial Companies Law together with Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) regulations and other relevant laws and guidelines. Our UAE corporate governance lawyers provide assistance to both new and established businesses to maintain market compliance while reducing legal risks and building a strong market reputation.
The UAE corporate governance system relies on multiple essential laws that direct companies to maintain optimal management practices together with transparency and accountability standards.
The following list includes essential regulations that control corporate governance in the UAE:
DIFC and ADGM Corporate Governance Regulations: The regulations apply to all businesses that operate within the Dubai International Financial Centre and Abu Dhabi Global Market free zones.
The governance of companies providing services in the UAE is not just a legal requirement but rather a great business strategy. Companies having better governance enjoy such advantages as:
It is mandatory for companies listed on any of the UAE stock exchanges, such as the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), to adhere to the corporate governance rules of the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).
At HHS Lawyers, we assist companies, whether public, private, or family-owned, in establishing and maintaining governance systems that comply with legal requirements and promote sustainable growth.
Our corporate governance legal services support clients from local businesses to multinational corporations and family-owned entities and publicly listed entities that operate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our services include:
Our team assists organizations in building customized governance systems that match their operational structure, size and their business sector while adhering to UAE Commercial Companies Law requirements and regulatory standards.
Our legal experts provide advisory on board composition, roles, independence, and responsibilities. Our team provides support for creating board charters and governance manuals as well as committees’ terms of reference.
We establish fundamental corporate governance policies, which include
Our company provides complete systems to safeguard shareholder rights while facilitating their involvement in vital business choices and fulfilling UAE disclosure requirements.
Our team assists companies to fulfill SCA regulations and free zone authority requirements and prepares governance reports and disclosures for regulatory bodies.
Our experts also provide information relating to the importance of corporate governance to board members and senior management teams and compliance officers about their legal duties along with ethical responsibilities.
Your governance strategy will benefit from our ESG and sustainability advisory services to fulfill both international requirements and UAE sustainability objectives.
Our governance audits reveal non-compliant areas and then present actionable steps to improve both regulatory adherence and transparency alongside risk management practices.
Businesses operating in the UAE need to understand that corporate governance rules vary based on their location of registration. At HHS Lawyers, we provide you with the correct regulatory guidance for all your business operations throughout mainland UAE, free zones and DIFC or ADGM financial centers.
All companies operating in the mainland UAE must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021.
Key points include:
The DIFC Law No. 5 of 2018, as amended, applies to all DIFC companies. This system is based on English common law and focuses on
The ADGM Companies Regulations 2020 serve as the foundation of the English common law system used by this jurisdiction. It requires
Each free zone has its own rules. Companies operating in the UAE Free Zones need to implement board governance structures and internal controls while following free zone authority guidelines.
HHS Lawyers operates as a leading UAE corporate law firm that offers complete corporate governance advisory and implementation solutions. Our services include:
Whether starting a new enterprise or revisiting the governance model of an existing one, HHS Compliance Lawyers can provide the necessary guidance. Our highly skilled corporate governance lawyers in the UAE offer clear legal advice and practical solutions according to individual business requirements.
Contact us for a consultation to ensure your company is compliant with the UAE corporate governance law and attains its expected growth.
The three types are:
The board of directors is primarily responsible for corporate governance. Senior management, shareholders, and other stakeholders also play a role.
7 Principles are:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in corporate governance refers to a company’s commitment to operate ethically and contribute to sustainable economic development while improving the quality of life for its workforce, their families, the local community, and society at large.
It encourages business leaders to consider the social, environmental, and ethical impact of their decisions and take steps to minimize harm, promote positive change, and uphold stakeholder trust.
Key areas of CSR include: