Yes. Under UAE law, company partners and shareholders generally have the legal right to access company accounts and financial records. This right exists to ensure transparency, protect ownership interests, and allow partners to monitor how the company’s funds and assets are being managed. However, the scope and manner of access depend on the company’s legal structure and its constitutional documents.
The UAE Commercial Companies Law provides that partners are entitled to review financial statements, accounting books, and related records of the company. This includes balance sheets, profit and loss statements, bank records, invoices, and audit reports, subject to the provisions of the law and the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). These documents often define how and when access may be exercised and whether prior notice is required.
The right to access financial records does not mean that every partner has unrestricted or continuous control over company accounts. Management authority typically rests with appointed managers or directors, and partners may not interfere with day-to-day operations unless they are legally authorized to do so. Access rights are intended for inspection and oversight, not operational control.
In practice, disputes arise when management refuses to provide financial information or delays disclosure without valid justification. Such refusal may raise serious legal concerns, particularly where there are indications of financial mismanagement, unauthorized withdrawals, or breaches of fiduciary duty. UAE courts generally view transparency as a fundamental principle of corporate governance and may intervene where access is unjustly denied.
If a partner is unlawfully prevented from reviewing company accounts, legal remedies are available. The affected partner may file a court application seeking an order compelling disclosure of financial records. Courts may also appoint an expert or auditor to review the company’s accounts and submit a report, particularly where allegations of misconduct are involved.
Partners must exercise their access rights in good faith and in accordance with confidentiality obligations. Financial information obtained through inspection cannot be misused, disclosed to competitors, or employed for purposes that harm the company. Abuse of access rights may expose the partner to legal liability.
Because access disputes often intersect with broader shareholder conflicts, careful legal handling is essential. DY Lawyers and Legal Consultants assists partners and shareholders in enforcing their statutory rights, obtaining court-ordered disclosure, and addressing financial transparency issues in compliance with UAE Commercial Companies Law.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.