Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 15 NOVEMBER 2019

Franchise 2020

HAS Law Firm
HAS Law Firm
Contributor
HAS Law Firm

HAS Law Firm

Established in 2011, HAS Law Firm has adapted and expanded, paving the path for our diverse range...

View firm profile
Explore more from HAS Law Firm

In this article we shall limit our reply with regard to UAE law but not in respect of the Dubai International Financial Centre or Abu Dhabi Global Markets law.

United Arab EmiratesCorporate/Commercial Law
Hamdan AlShamsi
Hamdan AlShamsi
Author LinkedIn connections

1. RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND RULES GOVERNING FRANCHISE TRANSACTIONS

1.1 What is the legal definition of a franchise?

In this article we shall limit our reply with regard to UAE law but not in respect of the Dubai International Financial Centre or Abu Dhabi Global Markets law.

There is no specific legal definition of franchise in UAE law; however, franchise is commonly used to refer to a grant of the right to operate and share in the profits of a business or sell goods or services under a brand or chain name. Additionally, franchise may mean the right granted to a person to operate a store or sell goods or services under a franchise agreement. The owner (the franchisor) will license outlets to others (the franchisees) to operate using business concepts, property, trademarks and tradenames owned by the franchisor.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

UAE Civil Transactions Law: Key Changes Under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 Of 2025

Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 introduces a comprehensive recodification of UAE civil law, effective June 2026. How will the new framework reshape pre-contractual conduct, governing law selection, and remedies for contractual hardship? What practical steps must businesses take to align their contracting practices with the modernized provisions on disclosure, force majeure, and compensation?
United Arab EmiratesCorporate/Commercial Law
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy
Article

DIFC Prescribed Companies: Key Changes Under The 2026 Regulations

The DIFC Prescribed Company Regulations 2026 introduce significant changes to the framework governing Prescribed Companies in the Dubai International Financial Centre, removing previous qualifying requirements and mandating the appointment of licensed Corporate Service Providers. Existing non-exempt Prescribed Companies face a six-month transition period to comply with new CSP requirements, while the updated framework broadens access to these flexible holding and structuring vehicles used for investments, f
United Arab EmiratesCorporate/Commercial Law
ADG Legal
ADG Legal
Article

Agent vs. Distributor Agreements In The UAE: Key Legal Distinctions And Pitfalls

The distinction between a commercial agent and a distributor is particularly important in the United Arab Emirates. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in commercial practice, the legal consequences can be materially different, especially where the relationship qualifies and is registered as a commercial agency under Federal Law No. 3 of 2022 Regulating Commercial Agencies (the Commercial Agencies Law).
United Arab EmiratesCorporate/Commercial Law
HAS Law Firm
HAS Law Firm
Video

ADGM SPV Nexus Requirement Removed: A Major Boost For Global Private Clients And Corporates (Video)

Abu Dhabi Global Market has removed the nexus requirement for Special Purpose Vehicles, allowing international families and businesses to establish ADGM SPVs without demonstrating a connection to the UAE or GCC region. This reform positions ADGM as a competitive alternative to traditional offshore jurisdictions for global holding and investment structures.
United Arab EmiratesCorporate/Commercial Law
Cavenwell Group
Cavenwell Group
Video

DIFC Prescribed Company: Essential Guide For Investors And Advisors (Video)

The DIFC Prescribed Company regime underwent significant changes in 2026, broadening access while introducing mandatory Corporate Service Provider requirements for most structures. This comprehensive guide examines the new regulatory framework, explaining when a CSP is required, how these holding vehicles can be used in wealth and investment structures, and the key considerations for establishing and maintaining compliance with the updated regulations.
United Arab EmiratesCorporate/Commercial Law
Cavenwell Group
Cavenwell Group
Article

2026 Incentive Facilities Resolution: Towards a More Sustainable Economic Environment in Dubai

Dubai's Executive Council has introduced Resolution No. 40 of 2026, establishing a comprehensive framework for economic and social incentives across multiple sectors. The resolution creates a flexible regulatory system that allows targeted, temporary support measures while preserving legal certainty and stability. How does this framework balance responsive economic policy with the need for predictable business environments?
United Arab EmiratesCorporate/Commercial Law
ADG Legal
ADG Legal
Article

Recruitment Obligations Under UAE Labour Law

Recruitment in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework covering hiring practices, candidate selection, and employer obligations. This detailed analysis examines the principles of good faith recruitment, non-discrimination requirements, prohibition of forced labour, and the strict allocation of recruitment costs to employers, while exploring practical compliance challenges and risk points throughout the hiring process.
United Arab EmiratesEmployment and HR
HAS Law Firm
HAS Law Firm
Article

Agent vs. Distributor Agreements In The UAE: Key Legal Distinctions And Pitfalls

The distinction between a commercial agent and a distributor is particularly important in the United Arab Emirates. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in commercial practice, the legal consequences can be materially different, especially where the relationship qualifies and is registered as a commercial agency under Federal Law No. 3 of 2022 Regulating Commercial Agencies (the Commercial Agencies Law).
United Arab EmiratesCorporate/Commercial Law
HAS Law Firm
HAS Law Firm
Article

Construction Law In Transition: Key Changes Under The UAE’s New Civil Code

The United Arab Emirates is set to replace its 1985 Civil Code with a comprehensive New Civil Code effective June 2026, introducing significant reforms to construction contract law. While preserving the fundamental framework including the mandatory ten-year structural defect warranty, the new legislation brings material changes such as statutory termination rights for convenience, expanded engineer liability, enhanced contractor notification obligations, and refined risk allocation mechanisms that will resh
United Arab EmiratesReal Estate and Construction
HAS Law Firm
HAS Law Firm
Article

Domestic Violence Protection Under UAE Law: Legal Remedies And Court Orders Available

The UAE's Federal Decree-Law No. 13 of 2024 establishes a comprehensive legal framework for addressing domestic violence, extending protection beyond physical assault to include psychological harm, economic control, and neglect. What remedies are available to victims, and how do restraining orders, shelter services, criminal penalties, and family court proceedings work together to provide early intervention and lasting protection?
United Arab EmiratesCriminal Law
HAS Law Firm
HAS Law Firm