What Is a Memorandum of Association?

The memorandum of association UAE—commonly referred to as MOA—is a mandatory legal document for most company formations in the UAE, especially in the Mainland. It serves as the company’s constitutional document, defining its identity, ownership structure, and operational scope under UAE corporate law..

Why It Matters in the Formation Process

The MOA isn't just paperwork—it determines how your company can legally function. Without an approved MOA, you cannot secure your DED license, open a bank account, or proceed with shareholder registration. The document is reviewed during the licensing process, and any inconsistency with business activity or ownership details can lead to rejections or penalties.

Key Elements of a UAE MOA

A standard MOA Dubai includes the company’s name, registered address, business activities, capital structure, shareholding breakdown, management roles, profit and loss distribution, and decision-making authority. It also outlines how partners can exit or dissolve the company. For foreign investors, clarity in profit-sharing and voting rights is critical to protect ownership interests in future disputes or restructuring.

Types of Businesses That Require an MOA

While some sole establishments or freelance licenses do not require an MOA, any company formation UAE involving multiple shareholders—such as an LLC or civil company—must submit a notarized MOA. Even Free Zone companies, depending on the zone, may be required to submit a variation of the document aligned with the specific authority’s rules.

Common Drafting Mistakes

Errors often occur when generic MOA templates are used without adjusting clauses to match the business’s actual operations. This includes discrepancies in shareholder roles, activity coverage, or capital contribution clauses. Legal terms must be translated correctly, and the document must be reviewed in Arabic by a certified notary to meet DED requirements.

How 28Group Ensures MOA Accuracy

At 28Group, we take MOA drafting seriously. Our legal experts ensure the document matches your business license type, intended operations, and ownership agreements. Whether you're setting up in Dubai Mainland or in a Free Zone, we deliver fully compliant MOAs tailored to your business structure and sector. In the context of business setup UAE, a precise MOA protects you from future disputes and regulatory rework.