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MOU Drafting (Memorandum of Understanding) Dubai & UAE

An MOU is the point where deals become clear or risk complications later

Many view an MOU as a simple document to demonstrate intent and proceed.

In practice, an MOU is often the stage where:

  • responsibilities are assigned,
  • funds are committed,
  • timelines are established,
  • and potential misunderstandings may arise.

DY Lawyers and Legal Consultants drafts MOUs in Dubai and across the UAE that provide clear roles, straightforward language, practical protections, and eliminate ambiguity.

What an MOU should do (the short version)

A good Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should:

  • accurately reflect the agreement between both parties,
  • establish guidelines for collaboration before the final contract is in place,
  • protect sensitive info and commercial leverage,
  • reduce later arguments about scope, pricing, deliverables, and timelines.

And it should do this without turning the relationship hostile.

Identify your specific situation to ensure your MOU aligns with the deal.

Most MOUs we draft fall into one of these categories:

1) Business collaboration / strategic partnership

Two parties wish to collaborate (such as in marketing, distribution, referrals, or joint proposals) but are not yet prepared for a full joint venture or shareholders agreement.

2) Project or service-based arrangement

A company wants tA company seeks to initiate a project promptly while the final contract is being completed. This is common in consulting, technology, events, and vendor engagements.r deal progression

Parties wish to document commercial intent, timelines, exclusivity, and key terms while due diligence is ongoing.

4) Supplier / vendor understanding

Clarity is required regarding scope, pricing, delivery timelines, and responsibilities before issuing purchase orders or formal contracts.

If you tell us which bucket you’re in, the drafting becomes faster—and far more accurate.

Is an MOU legally binding in the UAE?

This is a common question, often raised after signing.

In practice, certain provisions of an MOU may be binding while others are non-binding, depending on:

  • the wording,
  • the obligations described,
  • the governing law/jurisdiction,
  • and whether the document is structured as a commitment or a guideline.

That’s why we draft MOUs with intent clarity:

  • what is binding (e.g., confidentiality, exclusivity, costs, dispute clause), and
  • what is non-binding (e.g., future commercial terms still to be negotiated),
    so you do not unintentionally commit to terms you did not intend.

What DY Lawyers and Legal Consultants include in a strong MOU

While each deal is unique, most MOUs require precise drafting in the following areas:

1) Scope and purpose 

Define the specific actions of both parties and clarify what is excluded from the agreement. Wherein no vague promises need be mentioned. 

2) Roles and responsibilities

Which Party in the contract delivers what and their roles and responsbilitied to specefically cited according to their conduct.

3) Commercial terms 

If figures are not finalized, we outline the methodology for pricing, payment terms, cost responsibilities, or how the final contract will determine these elements.

4) Timelines and milestones

Include not only key dates but also the conditions that trigger subsequent stages.

5) Confidentiality and non-circumvention 

These clauses are required when the discussion between the parties relates to the IP rights, JV’s, and other confidential business terms. 

6) Exclusivity (if any) and Term

If exclusivity is expected, it should be clearly defined in terms of scope, duration, and territory.

7) IP ownership (the clause people forget)

These clauses in the MOU must clearly state ownership of work products, proposals, designs, code, content, or methods created during the MOU period.

8) Liability positioning (without over-lawyering)

We always ensure commercial intent and sensibility while drafting the contracts and agreements. 

9) Termination and exit

Outline the termination process and address the status of completed work and incurred costs.

10) Dispute clause + governing law

So if things go wrong, you’re not improvising under pressure.

Our MOU drafting process is straightforward and efficient.

Step 1 Deal call (short and focused)
You tell us: what you’re doing, what you want, and what you don’t want.

Step 2 Drafting (clean, readable, deal-friendly)
We draft in straightforward language that business teams can actually use.

Step 3  Revision round (based on counterpart feedback)
Most counterparties push back on the same areas—exclusivity, liability, IP. We tighten the language without derailing the deal.

Step 4  Finalisation
The final MOU is prepared for signature, ensuring consistent definitions and clear formatting.

Information required for accurate MOU drafting

We require only the essential information:

  • Names of parties + trade license details (if applicable)
  • What the deal is (2–3 paragraphs is enough)
  • What each side is contributing (services, introductions, resources, payments)
  • Timing expectations (start date, duration, milestones)
  • Any sensitive concerns (confidentiality, exclusivity, non-circumvention, IP)

If you have a draft from the other party, please send it. Often, refining an existing draft is the most efficient approach.

FAQs

Do you draft MOUs for startups and SMEs?

Yes. In fact, SMEs benefit heavily from MOUs that prevent scope drift and unpaid work.

Can you review the other party’s MOU rather than drafting it from scratch?
Yes. Reviewing and providing markups is common, especially when timelines are tight.

Can you make the MOU partly binding and partly non-binding?
Yes. We draft the intent clearly so there’s no “surprise obligation” later.

Do you help with bilingual drafting?

When needed, we can assist in coordinating bilingual drafting to ensure consistency of intent across all versions.

Speak to an MOU Lawyer in Dubai

If you are considering starting a deal based solely on informal communication, we recommend formalizing the agreement in writing to protect all parties.

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

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