Business Disputes, Arbitration & Litigation

Business-focused legal support for business disputes & arbitration in the UAE, helping companies reduce risk and move forward with

Business Disputes & Arbitration

When commercial disputes arise, speed and strategy matter. We handle court litigation, arbitration, debt recovery, and shareholder or management disputes – across all UAE forums – with a focus on protecting your position and enforcing outcomes.

In-depth description

Commercial disputes in the UAE – whether between contracting parties, shareholders, or creditors – require legal representation that understands both the substantive law and the procedural landscape of UAE courts and arbitration institutions. We provide vigorous, strategically sound representation across all forums.

 

Litigation Services

Litigation Services offer expert legal representation and support in resolving disputes through court proceedings. These services include case analysis, strategy development, document preparation, and courtroom advocacy. By providing skilled litigation services, businesses can effectively manage legal conflicts, protect their interests, and achieve favourable outcomes in commercial and civil cases.

Scope of work

  • Provide expert legal representation in all employment-related disputes.
  • Our scope includes case analysis, strategy development, representation in MOHRE mediations, and full courtroom advocacy in the Labour Courts.
  • We manage the entire litigation process to protect the company’s interests and achieve a favorable outcome.

Deliverables

  • A formal case strategy.
  • Full representation in all formal dispute resolution proceedings.

Pricing

  • AED 20,000 – AED 500,000, billed Hourly and Lump Sum (concluded with a Success Fee).
 

 

Litigation & Arbitration for Commercial and Construction Matters

When disputes are unavoidable, our seasoned legal team provides vigorous representation in both court litigation and arbitration. We handle complex commercial and construction claims, strategically pursuing the most effective path to a favorable judgment or award and ensuring its successful enforcement.

Scope of work

  • Provide vigorous representation in complex commercial and construction disputes.
  • Our scope covers the entire dispute lifecycle: pre-action case assessment and strategy, managing settlement negotiations, and full representation in court litigation or arbitration proceedings, through to the enforcement of the final judgment or award.

Deliverables

  • A formal case strategy memorandum.
  • Full representation in all dispute resolution proceedings.

Pricing

  • AED 35,000 – AED 5,000,000, billed Hourly and Lump Sum (concluded with a Success Fee).
 

 

Debt Recovery & Enforcement

We develop customized and commercially-minded debt recovery strategies tailored to your specific situation in the UAE. We work closely with you from the outset, starting with direct negotiation and escalating to decisive legal enforcement and asset recovery actions through the courts, always keeping your commercial objectives in mind.

Scope of work

  • Develop and execute a customized debt recovery strategy.
  • The scope begins with direct, pre-litigation negotiation (amicable settlement).
  • If unsuccessful, we escalate to decisive legal enforcement, including filing a court case, obtaining a judgment, and pursuing enforcement actions such as asset seizure.

Deliverables

  • A executed debt recovery strategy, from negotiation through to enforcement.

Pricing

  • AED 20,000 – AED 100,000, billed Lump Sum (concluded with a Success Fee).
 

 

Litigation / Arbitration (Manager/Shareholder Disputes)

Litigation and arbitration services assist businesses in resolving disputes among managers or shareholders efficiently and effectively. We provide expert guidance on both court-based litigation and alternative dispute resolution through arbitration, helping clients reach fair outcomes while protecting their rights and interests. With a strategic approach tailored to each case, we aim to minimise disruption and facilitate resolutions that uphold corporate governance and stakeholder relationships.

Scope of work

  • Conduct a thorough review of the shareholders’ agreement, articles of association, and the facts of the dispute.
  • Provide a strategic legal opinion on the client’s rights and options.
  • Represent the client in pre-litigation negotiations to seek an amicable settlement.
  • If unresolved, provide vigorous representation in the contractually agreed forum, whether arbitration or the UAE Courts.

Deliverables

  • A formal legal opinion and case strategy.
  • Full representation in negotiations, arbitration, or court proceedings.

Pricing

  • AED 35,000 – AED 10,000,000, billed Hourly (concluded with a Success Fee).

Is a commercial dispute threatening your business?

Are you owed money by another business not paying?

Debt recovery in the UAE requires a structured legal approach. We negotiate first and escalate to enforcement if needed.

Are you in a dispute with a partner or shareholder?

Shareholder and management disputes need immediate legal containment to prevent operational disruption and asset dissipation.

Has a counterparty breached a commercial contract?

Breach of contract claims in the UAE have specific procedural requirements. Acting fast protects your legal position.

Do you need to enforce a judgment or arbitral award?

Winning is not enough without enforcement. We manage the full process of seizing assets and executing judgments in the UAE.

Frequently asked questions

Arbitration suits confidential, cross-border or technically complex disputes. Enforcement is easier under the New York Convention, and expert arbitrators can be appointed. Litigation may be faster and cheaper for straightforward domestic disputes with clear evidence. The choice should align with the dispute profile and enforcement strategy.
Yes. The UAE is a signatory to the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. Both DIFC-LCIA and ICC awards are routinely enforced through UAE courts. Domestic awards are enforceable through the local courts, with limited grounds for challenge under arbitration law.
 
The DIFC-LCIA is an internationally respected arbitration centre based in Dubai, applying LCIA rules with a UAE nexus. It is particularly suited to commercial disputes with an international dimension where parties want English-language proceedings and common-law arbitrators. Awards are enforceable in over 170 countries.
A complex international arbitration can take 18 to 36 months from commencement to award. Simpler matters on expedited tracks can be resolved in 6 to 12 months. Arbitration timelines are heavily influenced by the complexity of evidence, the number of parties and counsel cooperation, more than by the institution chosen.

Yes, both courts and arbitration centres offer emergency relief. UAE courts grant precautionary asset attachments; DIFC-LCIA and ICC rules include emergency arbitrator procedures. Speed is often decisive in commercial disputes, so the available emergency tools should be considered before any formal proceeding is launched.

Key contacts:

Romain Astruc

Managing Partner – Generalist, Advisory & Litigation

Mehdi Al Ghafari

Associate – Corporate, Commercial & Litigation

Gabriel Elmarzouki

Associate – Corporate, Commercial & Litigation

Get in touch

Other services you might need

Commercial disputes often arise from contract failures, governance gaps or financial misconduct. These services address the root causes.

Commercial Contracts - Drafting & Advisory

Most disputes start with a poorly drafted contract. We review and redraft yours to reduce future exposure.
Learn more

White-Collar & Financial Crimes for Businesses

Commercial fraud and financial misconduct often run alongside civil disputes. We manage both tracks simultaneously.
Learn more

Corporate Governance - Board, Policies & Controls

Strong governance is the most effective dispute prevention. We build the framework before conflicts arise.
Learn more

WHAT SET US APART

Why ASTRUC & Co

Commercial disputes require senior lawyers who combine legal precision with commercial judgment. Strategy drives every step.

1.

Senior counsel only

Commercial litigation and arbitration are led personally by senior lawyers – never delegated to juniors for substantive work. You get the experience and strategic judgment

2.

Commercial judgment

We assess every dispute for its commercial reality – cost, time, likely outcome, business relationship impact. Litigation is a last resort; settlement on the right terms

3.

Cross-border fluency

Commercial disputes between UAE and European parties require lawyers who know both systems. We handle proceedings in UAE courts, DIFC courts, LCIA arbitration and French

More than legal counsel

With you, all the way

Life in the UAE brings extraordinary opportunities — and equally complex legal realities. Whether you’re relocating your family, navigating a divorce across jurisdictions, or structuring an inheritance that spans continents, you deserve a legal partner who understands both the technicalities and the human side of what you’re going through. At ASTRUC & Co, we treat every client’s situation as if it were our own.

From our offices in Dubai to our network spanning Riyadh, Paris, and Luxembourg, we bring senior-level attention to every matter — personal or financial. We believe the best legal advice is honest, clear, and delivered by someone who genuinely cares about the outcome. That’s why our clients stay with us, and why they come back when life presents its next chapter.

Ready to move forward?

Book a consultation with our team to discuss your situation and explore the right legal and strategic approach for your business.

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Merger and Acquisition
  • Set-up of the Workstreams related to the Transaction
  • Legal Due Diligence
  • Tax Due Diligence
  • Negotiating and Drafting the SPA
  • Assistance related to Conditions Precedents
  • Registration of the Transaction with the Authorities
Private Equity
  • Advisory on PE life cycle from Fund Formation, Capital Deployment, M&A, etc.
  • Advisory on Financing Rounds and Execution
  • Drafting of Prospectus, Investment Case, Risk Warnings and Investment Disclaimers, etc.
  • Drafting of Shareholders Agreements
  • Advisory on Board of Directors Structuring and Execution
  • Drafting of Policies, Charts and other JVAs
  • Litigation/Arbitration
Banking &Finance
  • Banking loan documentation negotiation and review including requested securities
  • Account opening requirements and forms
  • Compliance controls upon onboarding as a bank customer and regular updates to allow flawless funds repatriation
  • Escalation if needed with banking authorities and preparing file for litigation
  • Arabic speaker for immediate translation or intermediation with third parties including local authorities.
Commercial
  • Commercial Agency – Contract Drafting and Litigation
  • Rent-Sales Contract – Contract Drafting, Contract Management and Litigation
  • Logistic Services Contract
  • IT Services Contract
  • Intermediary Contract
  • Other Services Contract
Construction
  • FIDIC Short Form of Contract
  • FIDIC Larger or more complex projects (the Construction Contract)
  • FIDIC Contractor doing the Design (Plant and Design-Build Contract)
  • FIDIC EPC/Turnkey Contract
  • Review of Ad Hoc Contracts
  • Assistance for Management of the Contract
  • Litigation/Arbitration
Employment Relationship
  • Assistance during Recruitment Phase with Executive Search Agents or Recruitment Agency
  • Drafting Offer Letter and Employment Contract
  • Drafting Disciplinary Policy and Documentation
  • Registration of Company with Labour Authorities
  • Registration of Employee with Labour Authorities
  • Assistance During Disciplinary Proceedings
  • Termination Strategy and Execution
  • Litigation Services
HR Strategy – Advisory Services
  • Labour Market Analysis
  • Labour Legislation Memo and Manual
  • Analysis of Remuneration Trends, Structures and Composition
  • Labour Taxation
  • Industry Practice reg. bonus, schedule, overtime, leave, length of service, etc.
Business Set-Up and Maintenance
  • Comparative Study on Options Available
  • Legal Memorandum on Corporate and Tax Laws
  • Set-Up Services (Company, Immigration, Labour, Banking, Tax)
  • Nominee Services (Regulated Activity)
  • Shareholders Agreements
  • Board of Directors Structuring
  • Dissolution, Liquidation, Bankruptcy Proceedings
  • Litigation/Arbitration (Manager or Shareholders Dispute)
  • Redomiciliation
Joint Venture and Investors Relationship
  • Set-up of Joint Venture Company
  • Drafting Joint Venture Agreement
  • Drafting of Prospectus, Investment Case, Risk Warnings and Investment Disclaimers, etc.
  • Drafting of Shareholders Agreements
  • Advisory on Financing Rounds and Execution
  • Advisory on Board of Directors Structuring and Execution
  • Drafting of Policies, Charts and other JVAs
  • Litigation/Arbitration
Expatriation Services
  • Employment Package and Contract Review
  • Wealth Management Advisory
  • Tenancy Opportunities and Contract Advisory
  • Medical Insurance Advisory
  • Banking Advisory
  • School Advisory
  • Logistic Advisory
  • FX Exchange Advisory
Relocation
  • Resignation Strategy
  • Tax Situation Review
  • Logistic Advisory
  • FX Exchange Advisory
  • Administration of the Departure and Legal Representation
Advisory
  • Advisory Services on the Developer (reliability check)
  • Review of Contract with Developer
  • Conveyance of Property and Supervision of the Sales Process
  • Legal Representation for the Purchase/Sales
  • Assistance with Engineers and Contractors
  • Assistance with tenants or holidays home management firm
Litigation
  • Cancellation of Contract
  • Cancellation of Project
  • Disputes regarding Lands
  • Disputes regarding Permits and Licenses
  • Dispute with Engineer or Contractor
Civil Status
  • Amendment of Civil Status (divorced/married) in Home Country
  • Change of Name
  • Transcription of Marriage or Divorce
  • Legalisation Services with Consulate and Embassies
Nationality and Immigration
  • Application for Nationality due to family reasons
  • Coordination Services for Obtaining Nationality based on Investment (more than 40 countries)
  • Immigration Services to Schengen Country (Tourist, Business, Long Term, Residence, Nationality)
  • Immigration Services to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia (Tourist, Business, Long Term, Residence, Nationality)
  • Immigration Services to GCC countries (Tourist, Business, Long Term, Residence, Golden Visa, Nationality)
Succession Planning
  • Overall Estate Planning with Financial and Legal Experts
  • Set-up of Shariah Compliant Foundation or Holding Structure
  • Set-up of Trust (DIFC, UAE, ADGM, Foreign based)
  • Set-up of Holding Structure
  • Set-up of Last Wills in the UAE, Qatar, KSA and various territories, as needed
  • Family Counseling - Mediation of dispute between family members
Inheritance Proceedings
  • In any country where there are assets
  • Court proceedings based on Shariah Law
  • Court proceedings based on Deceased Law
  • Court Proceedings based on Last Will
Crime against the Person and Narcotics
  • Assault, Sexual Abuse, Murder
  • Kidnapping
  • Household Theft
  • Threat, Insult, Defamation, Harassment
  • Social Media Crimes
  • IT Crimes
  • Stealing or Misappropriation of Personal Data
  • Narcotics
Business Crimes
  • AML issues
  • Cryptocurrency and other Investment related Scams
  • Breach of Trust
  • Deception and Fraud
  • Theft of business secrets
  • Insolvency related Crimes
  • Accounting Crimes
  • Interpol
Marriages
  • Marriage between French nationals
  • Marriage involving a French national and a non-French national
  • Marriage involving two persons of the same nationality
  • Marriage involving two persons of different nationality
  • Marriage involving a Muslim
  • Brief on matrimonial regimes and applicable laws
Divorces
  • Divorce between French nationals
  • Divorce involving a French national and a non-French national
  • Divorce involving two persons of the same nationality
  • Divorce involving two persons of different nationality
  • Divorce involving a Muslim
  • Brief on matrimonial regimes and applicable laws