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A Corporate Governance Document sets out the rules and practices for how a UAE company is directed and controlled. It details how the board of directors makes decisions, protects shareholder rights, and ensures transparency in line with UAE Securities and Commodities Authority requirements.

This essential framework maps out everything from board composition and committee structures to internal controls and risk management. For UAE companies, especially those listed on local exchanges, it helps meet regulatory compliance while building trust with investors and stakeholders through clear accountability measures and ethical business practices.

UAE companies need a Corporate Governance Document when expanding operations, seeking investment, or preparing for public listing. It's particularly crucial during board restructuring, when bringing in new directors, or establishing committees for the first time.

This framework becomes essential before major corporate decisions, mergers, or when facing increased regulatory scrutiny. UAE-listed companies must have it ready for Securities and Commodities Authority inspections, while private companies benefit from having it during investor due diligence, partnership negotiations, or when scaling operations across Emirates.

• Basic Governance Framework: Sets core board structures and decision-making processes, ideal for small to medium UAE companies
• Comprehensive Corporate Code: Detailed version covering advanced governance mechanisms, risk management, and ESG policies for listed companies
• Family Business Governance: Specialized structure addressing succession planning and family council integration within UAE family enterprises
• Subsidiary Governance Model: Tailored for UAE companies with multiple business units, defining group-level controls and reporting
• Islamic Governance Framework: Incorporates Shariah compliance elements alongside standard corporate governance principles

• Board of Directors: Responsible for approving and implementing the Corporate Governance Document, setting strategic direction, and ensuring compliance
• Company Secretary: Maintains and updates governance documentation, coordinates board meetings, and ensures proper record-keeping
• Legal Counsel: Drafts and reviews the document to ensure alignment with UAE regulations and SCA requirements
• Shareholders: Protected by and bound to the governance framework, particularly regarding voting rights and transparency
• Executive Management: Implements day-to-day governance practices and reports to the board on compliance

• Company Details: Gather full legal name, trade license number, and ownership structure documentation
• Board Structure: Map out current board composition, committees, and reporting lines
• Regulatory Compliance: Review UAE Commercial Companies Law and SCA governance requirements
• Internal Policies: Collect existing risk management, audit, and compliance procedures
• Stakeholder Rights: Document shareholder voting mechanisms and minority protection measures
• Decision Framework: Define clear approval processes and authority limits for different transaction types

• Board Structure: Clear definition of board composition, member qualifications, and term limits per UAE Company Law
• Committee Framework: Detailed roles of audit, nomination, and remuneration committees
• Shareholder Rights: Voting procedures, dividend policies, and minority protection mechanisms
• Risk Management: Internal control systems and compliance monitoring procedures
• Disclosure Policy: Transparency requirements and reporting obligations to SCA
• Code of Ethics: Conflict of interest policies and professional conduct standards
• Governance Review: Annual assessment procedures and update mechanisms

A Corporate Governance Document differs significantly from a Environmental, Social and Governance Compliance Framework in several key aspects. While both deal with organizational oversight, their scope and application serve different purposes in UAE companies.

• Primary Focus: Corporate Governance Documents concentrate on board structure, decision-making processes, and shareholder rights, while ESG frameworks specifically address sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental impact
• Regulatory Requirements: Corporate Governance is mandatory for UAE listed companies under SCA regulations, whereas ESG frameworks are often voluntary but increasingly expected by stakeholders
• Implementation Scope: Corporate Governance covers internal control mechanisms and board operations, while ESG frameworks extend to external stakeholder relationships and sustainability metrics
• Reporting Structure: Corporate Governance focuses on financial and operational oversight, while ESG frameworks require specific environmental and social impact measurements