Corporate governance and executive employment
Advising UAE-based companies on board structures, shareholder agreements, director duties, and executive-level employment arrangements across mainland, DIFC, and ADGM frameworks.
What our clients face
When you need this
Companies operating in the UAE that need guidance on board structures, shareholder agreements, director duties, and executive-level employment arrangements. Typical triggers include setting up a new entity, onboarding C-suite hires, or restructuring leadership roles to meet UAE regulatory requirements.
Our approach
Governance framework design
Board charters, committee terms of reference, and decision-making protocols tailored to mainland (CCL), DIFC, or ADGM requirements.
Shareholder agreements
Voting rights, drag/tag-along provisions, deadlock resolution, and exit mechanics.
Director service contracts
Appointment terms, fiduciary duties, D&O liability boundaries, and indemnification clauses.
Executive employment structuring
Bespoke contracts covering compensation, probation, notice periods, and end-of-service gratuity under UAE Federal Labour Law or DIFC Employment Law.
Restrictive covenants
Enforceable non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality obligations calibrated to UAE jurisdiction standards.
Equity incentive plans
ESOP, phantom share, and carried interest schemes with vesting schedules, leaver provisions, and tax-efficient structuring.
Termination protocols
Lawful dismissal procedures, settlement agreements, and garden leave arrangements compliant with applicable regulations.
Stages of work
Initial consultation
Assess your current corporate governance framework and executive employment needs.
Regulatory review
Analyse applicable UAE corporate and labour law requirements across mainland, DIFC, and ADGM regimes.
Documentation
Draft or revise governance documents (board charters, shareholder agreements, resolutions) and executive employment agreements (service contracts, equity plans, restrictive covenants).
Review and revision
Incorporate your feedback and align with stakeholder expectations.
Finalisation
Deliver approved documents ready for execution and board adoption.
Discuss
the Task
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