Service · Lucent Legal

Business and corporate lawyer in Dubai: partner disputes and asset protection

When a partner locks you out of the account or starts moving money, the first days decide the outcome. A UAE court can freeze accounts before you file the main claim, without hearing the other side, usually within 48 hours. We help you move fast, and before any conflict we structure ownership so there is less to fight over.

When people come to us

  • Your partner changed the access to the bank, portals or office.
  • Money leaves the company account without your consent.
  • A 50/50 deadlock blocks decisions while the licence nears expiry.
  • You are being squeezed out of your share or denied the accounts.
  • You need to vet a counterparty or a future partner before a deal.
  • You want to protect assets and agree exit terms before a dispute starts.

What we do

  1. Urgent review: MOA, SHA, bank access, what has already been moved.
  2. Interim measures: a pre-action account freeze under Articles 247–251 of the Civil Procedure Law (Decree-Law No. 42/2022). You then have 8 days to file the main claim.
  3. A legal notice to the partner and talks on a buyout or exit.
  4. A claim in court or arbitration (DIAC, or another centre named in the SHA). In court a UAE-licensed advocate represents you.
  5. Protection going forward: ownership structure, shareholder agreements, counterparty checks.

Timelines and what drives the cost

Per our guides, a corporate dispute takes 12–24 months at first instance and 2–4 years with all appeals; arbitration takes 12–24 months. An account freeze takes days.

The cost depends on whether you need an urgent freeze, where the dispute runs (court or arbitration), the amount and the number of parties. We fix the budget in the plan before work starts.

Why Lucent Legal

  • An honest assessment first. If you have no case, you hear it at the review, before you pay anything.
  • UAE-licensed advocates. We handle the review, strategy, paperwork and negotiations; in court you are represented by an advocate licensed in the UAE whom we work with.
  • English and Russian. We explain your case in plain language.
  • Confidential. Your documents and messages stay with us.
  • Office in Dubai: Oxford Tower, Office 307, Business Bay. LUCENT LEGAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCIES CO. L.L.C, DET licence No. 1192929.

FAQ

Will the bank freeze the account if I report that my partner is taking money?

No. A bank won't freeze a company account or change signatories on one shareholder's letter. A court orders the freeze and the bank carries it out.

How fast can the accounts be frozen?

The court hears a precautionary attachment application without the other side, usually within 48 hours. You must file the main claim within 8 days, or the freeze lapses.

What can I do in a 50/50 deadlock?

The Companies Law No. 32/2021 has no ready mechanism. The way out lies in the MOA and SHA, a negotiated buyout, or court action up to judicial liquidation.

Is a partner taking company money a crime?

It can be. Article 453 of the Penal Code (Decree-Law No. 31/2021) treats a co-owner like an agent: one month to 3 years and a fine. We decide from the documents whether to start with the police or a civil claim.

Court or arbitration?

Your SHA decides. If it names arbitration, the dispute goes there. In Dubai the main centre is DIAC, which took over DIFC-LCIA cases in 2021.

Related guides

This material is for information only and is not legal advice. UAE law changes — a lawyer will assess how it applies to your situation.