Legal Glossary.

The Abu Dhabi Global Market — a financial free zone in Abu Dhabi with its own common-law framework and courts.

The Astana International Financial Centre — a common-law free zone within Kazakhstan modelled on the DIFC.

A private dispute resolution process where parties agree to have their dispute decided by one or more arbitrators outside of court.

The Dubai International Financial Centre — a financial free zone with its own civil and commercial laws, courts, and regulator (DFSA).

A comprehensive investigation of a business or asset before entering a transaction, to verify facts and identify risks.

A clause excusing performance when extraordinary events beyond a party's control make performance impossible.

Gulf Cooperation Council — a regional union comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

A court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act, often used to preserve assets pending a full hearing.

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority — the government agency that regulates the real estate sector in Dubai.

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — Dubai's dedicated regulator for virtual asset service providers operating outside DIFC.