In the dynamic business environment of the UAE, companies frequently revise their legal structures, ownership, and other foundational aspects. One essential document in this process is the Memorandum of Amendment. Whether you’re expanding operations, adding partners, or modifying business activities, getting this document correctly drafted and notarized is crucial for legal compliance and future-proofing your company.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
What a Memorandum of Amendment is
Why it’s important in UAE company law
How to draft and notarize it professionally
Where Al-Hamd Legal Translation comes in
What is a Memorandum of Amendment?
A Memorandum of Amendment (MOA Amendment) is a legally binding document that records any changes to the original Memorandum of Association (MOA) of a company. In the UAE, this document must comply with the regulations set by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and, in some cases, free zone authorities.
Common changes requiring a Memorandum of Amendment:
Change in company name
Change in business activity
Adding or removing partners/shareholders
Adjusting capital structure
Relocating the company address
Key Takeaway: Without an updated and notarized MOA Amendment, your changes won’t be recognized by government authorities.
Legal Requirements in the UAE
In the UAE, all amendments to a company’s MOA must be documented, legally translated into Arabic, and notarized by a public notary.
Required steps include:
Drafting the amendment in legal language
Getting the document legally translated
Submitting it for attestation at the notary public
Updating the trade license accordingly
| Step | Requirement | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Draft legal amendment text | Company / Legal Expert |
| 2 | Translate amendment into Arabic | Al-Hamd Legal Translation |
| 3 | Notarize the document | Al-Hamd / Notary Public |
| 4 | Submit to DED or Free Zone Authority | Company or PRO |
How to Draft the Memorandum of Amendment Professionally
Here’s what a professionally drafted MOA Amendment should include:
Clear identification of the existing MOA
Specific clauses being amended
Details of changes (new shareholders, capital, etc.)
Date and place of drafting
Legal representative’s signature
Pro Tip: A poorly drafted amendment may lead to rejection or future legal conflicts. Always use certified legal experts.
Importance of Notarization in the UAE
In the UAE, notarization is mandatory for any company document amendment. The notary verifies:
Identity of the signatories
Accuracy of the document
Compliance with UAE commercial law
Without notarization, the MOA Amendment is not legally binding.
Why Trust Al-Hamd Legal Translation for MOA Amendments?
Al-Hamd Legal Translation is a leading name in certified legal translation and notarization support in the UAE. With over 10+ branches across 4 countries, we bring:
MOJ-approved legal translators
Specialized business setup support
Arabic-English legal accuracy
Fast turnaround and PRO assistance
We handle the entire process from drafting to notarization, saving you time and avoiding costly errors.
Common Questions Answered
Q1: Can I amend my MOA without a notary?
No. In the UAE, notary attestation is legally required.
Q2: Do I need to translate the document into Arabic?
Yes. All legal documents must be in Arabic or have an official Arabic translation.
Q3: Can Al-Hamd assist with free zone company amendments?
Yes. We handle amendments for both mainland and free zone companies.
Final Thoughts
A Memorandum of Amendment is not just a formality—it’s a legal shield that protects your business decisions and structure. When done right, it streamlines company updates and maintains compliance.
Don’t take risks. Let Al-Hamd Legal Translation handle your MOA amendments with precision, professionalism, and speed.
Click here to get expert legal translation in Dubai