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A Due Diligence Checklist helps businesses in the UAE systematically evaluate potential deals, investments, or partnerships by mapping out critical areas for investigation. It acts as a comprehensive guide for examining financial records, legal compliance, business operations, and regulatory adherence under UAE federal and emirate-specific laws.

Companies and legal teams use these checklists to protect themselves from hidden risks, especially when dealing with matters governed by UAE Commercial Companies Law or free zone regulations. The checklist typically covers areas like corporate documentation, commercial licenses, employment contracts, intellectual property rights, and Shariah compliance requirements - helping teams spot potential issues before finalizing important transactions.

Use a Due Diligence Checklist before making significant business commitments in the UAE, especially during mergers, acquisitions, or major investments. It's essential when entering joint ventures with local partners, purchasing commercial properties, or taking over existing businesses - situations where overlooking details could lead to costly problems under UAE law.

The checklist becomes particularly important when dealing with free zone companies, family businesses transitioning ownership, or cross-border transactions requiring DED approval. It helps identify compliance gaps with UAE Commercial Companies Law, catches potential Shariah compliance issues, and reveals any missing licenses or permits before you commit resources or sign binding agreements.

• Financial Due Diligence Checklist: Focuses on reviewing company accounts, financial statements, and tax compliance under UAE fiscal regulations
• Legal Due Diligence Checklist: Examines corporate documentation, licenses, and compliance with UAE Commercial Companies Law
• Operational Due Diligence Checklist: Reviews business processes, assets, and operational permits specific to mainland or free zone requirements
• HR Due Diligence Checklist: Evaluates employment contracts, Emiratisation compliance, and labor law adherence
• Shariah Compliance Due Diligence Checklist: Assesses alignment with Islamic banking and finance principles in UAE transactions

• Corporate Legal Teams: Lead the due diligence process, customize checklists for specific transactions, and ensure UAE regulatory compliance
• Investment Banks: Use checklists during M&A deals, IPOs, and major transactions in UAE markets
• External Auditors: Apply these lists when reviewing company financials and compliance with UAE accounting standards
• Business Owners: Rely on checklists when selling their companies or seeking partnerships in mainland UAE or free zones
• Compliance Officers: Monitor adherence to UAE federal laws, emirate-specific regulations, and internal policies

• Transaction Scope: Define the deal type and industry sector to customize checklist requirements under UAE law
• Company Documents: Gather trade licenses, memorandum of association, and corporate approvals from relevant authorities
• Legal Framework: Identify applicable UAE federal laws, emirate-specific regulations, and free zone requirements
• Timeline Planning: Set realistic deadlines for document collection, reviews, and approvals from local authorities
• Expert Input: Consult department heads for sector-specific requirements while our platform ensures comprehensive legal coverage

• Corporate Information: Legal entity details, shareholding structure, and UAE commercial registration status
• Regulatory Compliance: Documentation of DED permits, free zone licenses, and industry-specific approvals
• Financial Review: Audited accounts, tax compliance records, and Zakat obligations where applicable
• Legal Documentation: Corporate governance records, contracts, and dispute resolution procedures under UAE law
• Asset Verification: Property ownership deeds, intellectual property rights, and equipment registrations
• Personnel Records: Employment contracts, Emiratisation compliance, and labor law adherence documentation

A Due Diligence Checklist differs significantly from a Due Diligence Report in both purpose and timing within UAE business transactions. While both documents play crucial roles in risk assessment, they serve distinct functions under UAE commercial law.

• Purpose and Format: A checklist serves as a planning tool outlining areas to investigate, while a report presents findings and conclusions from the investigation
• Timeline Application: Checklists are used at the start of due diligence to guide the process, reports are created after completing the investigation
• Legal Weight: Checklists function as internal guidance documents, while reports often become official transaction documents referenced in deal agreements
• Content Structure: Checklists contain categories and questions for investigation, reports provide detailed analysis and supporting evidence
• Stakeholder Usage: Checklists guide internal teams, while reports inform decision-makers and become part of transaction documentation