Voluntary Liquidation of LLCs in the UAE: Treatment of Insufficient Assets and Shareholder Liability

This article examines what happens when a UAE limited liability company (LLC) undergoing voluntary liquidation is found to have insufficient assets to cover its debts. It explores the legal framework under the UAE Companies Law and Bankruptcy Law, discusses the liquidator’s duties, and clarifies the extent of shareholder and director liability, supported by Ministry of Justice opinions and recent Dubai Court of Cassation rulings.

Using Artwork as Collateral in the UAE: Legal Framework and Practical Challenges

The UAE is rapidly emerging as a global hub for art and culture, with significant investments in museums and creative industries. While artwork is not classified as a financial security under UAE law, it can be legally used as collateral for loans under the Federal Decree Law No. 4 of 2020 and registered through the Emirates Movable Collateral Registry (EMCR). Despite practical challenges such as valuation and authenticity risks, the evolving legal framework offers promising opportunities for leveraging art as a valuable asset class in the region’s growing creative economy.

Can an Arbitral Tribunal Award Relief That a Party Never Expressly Requested — Without Exceeding Its Jurisdiction?

A recent Dubai Court of Appeal judgment underscores a critical procedural principle in arbitration: tribunals must not award relief that was never expressly requested by a party. Doing so may constitute an excess of jurisdiction under Article 53(1)(h) of the UAE Arbitration Law, potentially rendering the award void. This article explores the boundaries of arbitral authority and the importance of adhering strictly to the relief sought by the parties.