DIFC Statutory Framework

Unified digital interface for DIFC Laws and DFSA Rulebook Modules. Strictly derived from official legislative texts.

Legislative Hierarchy [Image of legislation hierarchy]

UAE Constitution & Federal Law
(Civil/Commercial Exemptions apply per Art 121)
Dubai Law No. 9 of 2004
Founding Law of the DIFC
DIFC Laws
Enacted by Ruler of Dubai
DIFC Regulations
Enacted by DIFC Authority / Board
Regulatory Law (DIFC Law No. 1 of 2004)
DFSA Rulebook
Enacted by DFSA

Regulatory Ecosystem

DIFCA

DIFC Authority

Strategic Development
Administration of Non-Regulated Laws

Registrar of Companies

ROC

Incorporation
Filings & Returns
Companies Law Admin

DFSA

Dubai Financial Services Authority

Financial Regulation
Licensing (AUT)
Supervision & Enforcement

DIFC Courts

Judiciary

Dispute Resolution
Insolvency Oversight
Common Law Jurisdiction

Corporate Lifecycle Flowchart [Image of corporate lifecycle]

1. Formation Companies Law Art. 8-12 Reg 2.1
↓
2. Authorisation (If Financial Service) Regulatory Law Art. 41-42 DFSA AUT
↓
3. Operation & Governance Companies Law Pt. 7-10 Operating Law
↓
4. Reporting & Disclosure Reporting Entity (Mkts Law) DFSA GEN/MKT
↓
5. Restructuring or Winding Up Insolvency Law Art. 50+

Master Legislation Index (Uploaded Sources)

Statute / Rulebook Ref No. Primary Function Key Module/Part
Companies Law DIFC Law No. 5 of 2018 Incorporation, Governance, Duties Parts 1-14
Companies Regulations 2018 Administrative procedures for Co. Law Returns, Filing, Fines
Regulatory Law DIFC Law No. 1 of 2004 Establishes DFSA powers Part 2 (Objectives), Part 3 (Powers)
Insolvency Law DIFC Law No. 1 of 2019 Rehabilitation & Liquidation Voluntary Arrangement, Administration
Markets Law DIFC Law No. 1 of 2012 Securities, Offers, Listing Offer of Securities, Disclosure
DFSA Rulebook: GEN General Module Core rules for Authorised Persons Management, Systems, Controls
DFSA Rulebook: AUT Authorisation Licensing criteria Financial Services definitions
DFSA Rulebook: AML Anti-Money Laundering Financial Crime Compliance Risk Based Approach, KYC

Cross-Law Interaction Preview

Director Duties

Primary: Companies Law (Art. 73-85)

Impact: General duties of care, loyalty, and diligence.

Insolvency Link: Shift of duty to creditors upon doubtful solvency (Insolvency Law).

Accounts & Audit

Primary: Companies Law (Part 11)

Impact: Duty to keep records and file accounts.

Regulatory Link: Specific audit requirements for Authorised Firms (DFSA GEN/AUD).

Ultimate Beneficial Ownership

Primary: UBO Regulations

Impact: Maintain Register of UBOs.

Operating Law Link: Requirement to maintain Registrar updated.