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Ali Saeed Al Shamsi

Corporate & Contract Law

Voidable Contracts in the UAE: When Can a Contract Be Set Aside?

Voidable Contracts in the UAE: When Can a Contract Be Set Aside?

The new Civil Transactions Law regulates voidable contracts and updates earlier contractual classifications. Avoid confusing avoidance for a defect at formation with termination of a valid contract for non-performance.

Identify the alleged defect, who may invoke it, the relevant dates and knowledge, and any later confirmation or performance. Preserve the original agreement, negotiation record and evidence concerning the party’s consent or capacity.

The appropriate claim, time limit and consequences depend on the legal ground. A general request to cancel a contract does not identify whether the issue concerns invalidity, voidability or breach.

Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025 entered into force on 1 June 2026. Check the dates, applicable special legislation and temporal rules for the particular case.

Official sources

Civil Transactions Law | Official explanation of the reforms

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