Competition & Antitrust Law in UAE
Professional advisory covering investigations, compliance programs, merger control support.
Competition Law in UAE: Regulation and Compliance
Competition and Anti-Trust Issues are common problems faced by many businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They are concerned about heavy fines, long delays in deals, and investigations by the government. These problems often arise when examining contracts, considering acquisitions (acquiring other companies) or attempting to grow into the market. This leaves uncertainty and delays critical business decisions.
Our Legal experts at Moores Rowland in Dubai help businesses with Competition and Antitrust law in the UAE. We clarify the rules, minimize your risk and assist you in mergers, partnerships and new agreements. We are here to guide your business in a safe and fair manner. You can focus on growing your business — we take care of the compliance.
What is Competition Law in UAE?
Competition Law in UAE ensures fair and open competition in the markets. It helps to stop anti-competitive behaviour that can damage consumers, businesses and the economy. The main law is Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2023 on the Regulation of Competition.
It replaces the old Federal Law No. 4 of 2012 (repealed law) with new, tighter merger control and enforcement provisions. All economic activities within the UAE are subject to the law. It extends to actions taken outside the UAE if it impacts the UAE market. The Ministry of Economy is the main authority. They check compliance, investigate violations, and approve mergers and acquisitions (economic concentrations)..
The most common questions asked by business owners are:
Our Dubai and Abu Dhabi legal experts offer clear, practical answers to help you achieve your business goals. We help you stay secure, mitigate risks and focus on growing.
- Are my agreements with suppliers or distributors compliant?
- Do I need government clearance for a merger or acquisition?
- What to do if a competitor is using unfair practices?
- What do I need to do to remain compliant?
Why Choose Moores Rowland for Competition & Antitrust Matters in Dubai
We work with businesses because we provide simple and transparent legal services based on Competition & Antitrust Law in the UAE, without unnecessary complexity. Our strengths are:
- Simple explanations of complicated rules of competition.
- Practical advice that matches your commercial objectives.
- Experience with local and international clients in various sectors
- Efficient transaction support and proactive risk management.
- Strong focus on timelines that matter to your business.
- We work with businesses who are looking for clear and reliable legal support that enable growth and help them stay compliant.
Key Prohibited Practices Under UAE Antitrust Law
UAE Antitrust Law (Competition Law) prohibits any form of conduct that distorts, restricts or prevents free competition in the market. These are the key areas businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should consider:
1. Restrictive Agreement:
These are agreements between businesses that reduce competition. Examples include:
- Price fixing
- Market sharing
- Bid rigging
- Limiting production
- These can be written contracts or even informal understandings.
2. Abuse of Dominant Position:
A business with market power shall not exercise its power in a manner which is detrimental to competition. This may involve unfair pricing, refusing to trade for no justified reason or imposing restrictions on the suppliers or purchasers.
3. Economic Concentration Operations (Mergers, Acquisitions & Joint Ventures):
Before doing any transactions, many businesses look for “merger control UAE”. Under Cabinet Decision No. (3) of 2025, notification to the Ministry of Economy is required if:
- Total combined sales in the relevant UAE market are more than AED 300 million in the last fiscal year, or
- The combined market share is more than 40% of the relevant market.
Assessing early avoids delays and ensures the transaction closes smoothly. We cover these restricted practices so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Who We Serve – Businesses Benefiting from Competition Law Services in Dubai
Moores Rowland helps businesses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with Competition & Antitrust Law. We assist various clients which include but not limited to:
- SMEs that need help reviewing supplier contracts, distribution deals or franchise agreements.
- Growing companies looking to expand, form joint ventures or partnerships that require regulatory approval.
- Mergers & Acquisitions Teams needing merger control notifications and economic concentration checks.
- Companies operating in competitive sectors such as retail, logistics, construction, manufacturing, technology, food & beverage and professional services.
- International companies and free zone companies to ensure that their global policies are aligned with UAE regulations.
- Start-ups and new market companies concerned about unfair competition from larger companies.
- Companies facing investigations or complaints before the Ministry of Economy.
- GCC and foreign investors establishing or acquiring operations in Dubai and the wider UAE.
- No matter your size — local business, regional group, or international company — our team understands the real pressures of operating in the UAE market.
Merger Control and Economic Concentration Services in UAE
Under UAE Competition Law, certain mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures are required to be notified to the Ministry of Economy in advance.
Our Dubai team will help you:
- Determine if your deal qualifies – either by meeting the AED 300 million turnover test or the 40% market share test.
- Prepare and send the notification to the Ministry of Economy.
- Manage review period, which is typically up to 90 days before closing.
- Structure the transaction so as to minimize regulatory issues.
- Dealing with joint ventures and asset deals that could give rise to competition issues.
- Timely legal support reduces uncertainty and keeps your transaction moving smoothly.
Competition Compliance Programs and Risk Management
Proactive compliance protects your business from unexpected problems. We help clients build effective compliance frameworks including:
- Internal policies on pricing, contract and market conduct.
- Providing necessary legal assistance for management and sales team
- Regular contract review for any anti-trust risks
- Market research and dominance assessment.
- An effective compliance program shows good faith and can help reduce penalties if problems do arise.
Handling Competition Investigations and Complaints in UAE
If the Ministry of Economy initiates an investigation, or a complaint is filed, prompt and professional action is required. We help businesses by;
- Handling of investigations and information requests.
- Preparing clear submissions and gathering evidence.
- Defence against claims of restrictive agreement or abuse of dominance.
- Handling appeals as required.
- Protecting your reputation when dealing with the authorities.
- We are practical, results-oriented and we always explain things in layman's terms.
Take the Next Step – Protect Your Business Today
As markets become more competitive and regulated the role of Competition and Antitrust Law in the UAE continues to grow in importance. If you’re planning a transaction, reviewing agreements, building a compliance system, or facing a regulatory issue, you can move forward with confidence under the right legal guidance.
Discuss with our competition lawyers at Moores Rowland in Dubai. We represent your interests, manage the legal process and ensure that your business objectives are met, while remaining fully compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Competition & Antitrust Law in UAE.
1. What is the present competition law in UAE?
The main law currently regulating fair competition and economic concentrations is Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2023 on the Regulation of Competition.
2. When do mergers need notification?
Notification will be required if combined UAE relevant market turnover is more than AED 300 million or combined market share exceeds 40%.
3. Are the free zones covered by competition law?
Yes. In general, UAE Competition Law applies across the UAE, including most free zones, with some sector-specific exemptions. DIFC and ADGM are generally excluded from the scope of the federal law. As they do not have their own equivalent competition rules but the federal law may apply where their activities have an impact on the wider UAE market.
4. What are the ways we can make our agreements compliant?
We review contracts and agreements to identify, prevent and minimize potential antitrust issues.
5. What can I do if I am a complainant in a competition?
Don’t hesitate to get professional assistance early on to act in a timely manner and to safeguard your rights.
Looking to protect your company? Call XYZ in Dubai for practical support on Competition & Antitrust Law in UAE.