Memorandum of Association Dubai: A Complete Guide for Business Setup

If you are planning to start a business in Dubai, one of the most critical steps is preparing the memorandum of association (MOA). This legal document lays the foundation of your company’s operations. Whether you are forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in mainland Dubai or establishing a business in one of the free zones, the memorandum of association in Dubai defines your company’s legal structure and operational guidelines.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about drafting and notarizing a memorandum of association in Dubai.

Need assistance? Our licensed private notary office in Dubai provides fast online drafting and notarization of MOAs. Contact us now.

What is a Memorandum of Association?

According to Federal Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, a memorandum of association is:

A binding legal document signed by two or more individuals (or one individual in the case of sole proprietorship), authenticated by a notary public. It outlines the legal form of the company, partner details, capital structure, share distribution, management mechanism, legal representation, director powers, profit and loss distribution, entry/exit clauses, liquidation procedures, and dispute resolution framework.

This document is mandatory for registering a business in Dubai. You must submit it to the Department of Economy and Tourism for mainland companies or the respective authority of the free zone, such as DIFC or DMCC, for free zone establishments.

Key Elements of a Memorandum of Association in Dubai

Your memorandum of association must include the following:

1. Full names and ID numbers of all partners

2. Legal structure of the company

3. Company name

4. Business objectives

5. Duration of the company

6. Capital contribution

7. Share transfer regulations

8. Company management procedures

9. Fiscal year definition

10. Profit and loss allocation

11. Rules for capital increase or decrease

12. Company dissolution and liquidation

13. Dispute resolution mechanism

Required Documents for MOA Notarization in Dubai

To notarize your memorandum of association in Dubai, prepare the following documents:

For Individual Partners:

• Valid passport copies and Emirates ID for all partners

• Trade name reservation certificate from the Department of Economy and Tourism

• Initial approval from the same department

• Signed draft MOA (in Arabic or bilingual), signed by all partners or their legal representatives

For Corporate Partners (UAE-based companies):

• Attested copy of the parent company’s trade license

• Copy of the parent company’s MOA

• Board resolution approving the formation of a new company in Dubai and authorizing a representative

• Passport and Emirates ID of the authorized signatory

For Foreign Corporate Partners:

• Commercial registration or trade license (attested by the foreign ministry in the home country, UAE embassy, and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

• Attested and translated copy of the parent company’s MOA or Articles of Association

• Board resolution with the new company’s name and signatory authority

• Legal Power of Attorney for the signatory (fully attested and translated)

• Passport, personal photo, and Emirates ID (if resident) of the authorized signatory

Steps to Prepare and Notarize an MOA in Dubai

Private Notary Dubai offer streamlined assistance for memorandum of association Dubai services:

1. Submit the MOA draft, including all mandatory clauses (we can assist in drafting it)

2. Provide all required documentation

3. The notary reviews the legal eligibility, verifies the parties’ consent, and ensures full comprehension

4. Signatures are obtained in person or via remote video notarization

5. The notary signs the document, making it an official legal record

6. Upon payment, the client receives a certified hard copy or digital version via email

Get in touch with us to finalize your company’s MOA quickly and legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the MOA be amended after company registration?

Yes, provided all parties agree. Learn more about the amendment process here.

2. Can a minor be a partner in a MOA?

No. All partners must have reached the legal majority age.

3. Must the MOA be in Arabic?

Yes, the UAE law requires the MOA to be drafted in Arabic. Certified translations may be provided for reference.

Get Your Memorandum of Association in Dubai Done Right

Drafting and notarizing a memorandum of association in Dubai is a legal necessity that sets the foundation for your company’s legitimacy and governance. Partnering with a professional notary office ensures accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.

Reach out to our experienced legal team to draft and certify your MOA in Dubai or any other emirate, quickly and professionally.