{"id":21706,"date":"2026-04-12T04:16:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T04:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=21706"},"modified":"2026-04-12T04:20:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T04:20:50","slug":"force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"Force Majeure in UAE Law Explained: Contracts, Form F &amp; Legal Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction-force-majeure-uae\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Contractual obligations may become difficult to perform due to unforeseen external events that disrupt normal commercial operations. In recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and various geopolitical tensions, the term \u201cforce majeure\u201d has come under increased scrutiny in the realm of business agreements.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Legal_Framework_of_Force_Majeure_Clause_and_Exceptional_Circumstances\" >Legal Framework of Force Majeure Clause and Exceptional Circumstances<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Force_Majeure_Under_UAE_Law\" >Force Majeure Under UAE Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Conditions_For_Applying_Force_Majeure\" >Conditions For Applying Force Majeure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Exceptional_Circumstances_Hardship\" >Exceptional Circumstances (Hardship)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Application_of_Force_Majeure_Clause_in_Form_F_Real_Estate_Agreements\" >Application of Force Majeure Clause in Form F Real Estate Agreements<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Consequences_of_Breach_in_Form_F\" >Consequences of Breach in Form F<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Dispute_Resolution_Process\" >Dispute Resolution Process<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Conclusion_Evaluating_Force_Majeure_Clause\" >Conclusion: Evaluating Force Majeure Clause<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Key_Factors_for_Evaluating_Force_Majeure_Clause\" >Key Factors for Evaluating Force Majeure Clause<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/force-majeure-in-uae-law-explained-contracts-form-f-legal-impact\/#Facing_a_Property_Dispute_in_Dubai_Talk_to_Awatif_Mohammad_Shoqi_Advocates_today\" >Facing a Property Dispute in Dubai? Talk to Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates today.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, businesses are now meticulously examining their contracts and assessing the adequacy of their \u201cforce majeure\u201d provisions in light of the risks posed by these tensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, force majeure is only available in certain situations and cannot be invoked merely because performance has become harder or more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The doctrine works within certain legal limits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its application depends on whether the event makes performance absolutely impossible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Historically, the doctrine was codified in the Civil Code under Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, which established the legal framework governing circumstances that prevent or significantly hinder contractual performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UAE approved a new set of laws called Federal Decree-Law \u211625 of 2025 on Civil Transactions, which is set to come into force on 1 June 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the new law keeps the basic rules on \u201cforce majeure\u201d and \u201cextraordinary circumstances&#8221;, it also clarifies the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When performance is impossible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When performance is still possible but too difficult<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to understand the difference between these two terms when deciding whether geopolitical factors can justify breaking or changing a contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-framework-force-majeure-exceptional-circumstances\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Framework_of_Force_Majeure_Clause_and_Exceptional_Circumstances\"><\/span>Legal Framework of Force Majeure Clause and Exceptional Circumstances<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The doctrines of force majeure in the UAE law (Civil Code of 1985) under Article 273 and exceptional circumstances under Article 249 provide legal ways to deal with cases where events beyond the parties\u2019 control make it impossible to perform the contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both theories are based on unexpected events that neither party could have predicted. However, they are very different and should only be used in certain circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"force-majeure-definition\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Force_Majeure_Under_UAE_Law\"><\/span>Force Majeure Under UAE Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When an unexpected and uncontrollable event makes it objectively impossible to fulfil a contractual duty, this is called \u201cforce majeure\u201d in UAE law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a contract has a \u201cforce majeure\u201d clause, the problem will be addressed according to the terms of the contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Article 273 of the Civil Code also covers situations where performance is impossible because of \u201cforce majeure&#8221;, even if there is no specific clause in the agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A party cannot reasonably be expected to fulfil an obligation that is impossible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In bilateral agreements, the contract may automatically end<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partial impossibility affects only part of the contract<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can act as a legal defense against liability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conditions-force-majeure\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conditions_For_Applying_Force_Majeure\"><\/span>Conditions For Applying Force Majeure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Condition<\/th><th>Description<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Unforeseeable<\/td><td>The event must not be predictable at contract formation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unavoidable<\/td><td>Cannot be prevented despite reasonable efforts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Impossible Performance<\/td><td>Must make performance impossible, not just difficult<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exceptional-circumstances-hardship\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exceptional_Circumstances_Hardship\"><\/span>Exceptional Circumstances (Hardship)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The concept of exceptional circumstances, which is sometimes called hardship, is different from force majeure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This idea is used when performance is still technically possible but too hard to do because of unexpected public events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Performance is possible but excessively burdensome<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Courts may intervene to restore fairness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contract continues instead of terminating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Doctrine<\/th><th>Meaning<\/th><th>Outcome<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Force Majeure<\/td><td>Performance impossible<\/td><td>The contract may terminate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Exceptional Circumstances<\/td><td>Performance difficult<\/td><td>Contract adjusted<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"force-majeure-dubai-real-estate-form-f\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_of_Force_Majeure_Clause_in_Form_F_Real_Estate_Agreements\"><\/span>Application of Force Majeure Clause in Form F Real Estate Agreements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Dubai Land Department (DLD) issues Form F, also known as the Unified Sale Agreement or MOU, as the standard contract that documents the mutually agreed-upon terms between the buyer and seller in a property transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Purchase price<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security deposit (10% in most cases)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Completion date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Broker\u2019s commission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obligations of both parties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If a force majeure event occurs in Dubai real estate practice, the parties may be excused from fulfilling the terms of the contract, and the contract may be terminated without penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Form F in Dubai real estate does not always include a comprehensive force majeure clause in most of the transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of its absence, the UAE Civil Code principles continue to be applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"breach-form-f-consequences\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consequences_of_Breach_in_Form_F\"><\/span>Consequences of Breach in Form F<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Scenario<\/th><th>Legal Outcome<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Buyer defaults<\/td><td>The seller may retain 10% deposit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Seller defaults<\/td><td>The buyer may claim compensation or a refund.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Force majeure proven<\/td><td>No liability for breach<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dispute-resolution-process\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dispute_Resolution_Process\"><\/span>Dispute Resolution Process<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review Form F contract clauses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issue legal notice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seek completion or termination<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approach UAE courts if unresolved<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The court will determine if the circumstances meet the criteria for force majeure and whether the deposit should be returned or handled under legal rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion-force-majeure-evaluation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Evaluating_Force_Majeure_Clause\"><\/span>Conclusion: Evaluating Force Majeure Clause<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When UAE courts apply the concept of force majeure, they are very careful and go no further than the law allows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Must show direct link between event and non-performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Event must make performance impossible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher cost or loss of income is not enough<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must prove event was beyond control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Situations such as transport disruptions, airspace closures, or trade restrictions may qualify if they genuinely prevent contractual performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-factors-force-majeure\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Factors_for_Evaluating_Force_Majeure_Clause\"><\/span>Key Factors for Evaluating Force Majeure Clause<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scope of clause and covered events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notice and procedural requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Governing law and dispute resolution clauses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The party must also show the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The event directly caused the breach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reasonable steps were taken to mitigate impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Good-faith actions were taken<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proper notice was given<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"property-dispute-dubai-legal-help\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Facing_a_Property_Dispute_in_Dubai_Talk_to_Awatif_Mohammad_Shoqi_Advocates_today\"><\/span>Facing a Property Dispute in Dubai? Talk to Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates today.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Real estate transactions in Dubai \u2014 especially Form F agreements \u2014 can quickly become complex when disputes arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mrs Awatif Al Khouri and the team at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates &amp; Legal Consultancy assist buyers, sellers, and investors in resolving property disputes, contract cancellations, and deposit recovery cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speak with our legal team today to protect your investment and take the right legal steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>End-Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>https:\/\/www.alrowaad.ae\/knowledge\/legal-articles\/property-law\/force-majeure-clauses-in-contracts-a-special-reference-to-form-f-in-dubai-real-estate-transactions\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction Contractual obligations may become difficult to perform due to unforeseen external events that disrupt normal commercial operations. In recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and various geopolitical tensions, the term \u201cforce majeure\u201d has come under increased scrutiny in the realm of business agreements. Consequently, businesses are now meticulously examining their<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1195,"featured_media":21705,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[394],"tags":[3717],"class_list":{"0":"post-21706","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uae-laws","8":"tag-uae-laws"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/03302026-2.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1195"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21706"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21706\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21875,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21706\/revisions\/21875"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21705"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}