Electronic Signature Legality in the UAE
The UAE recognizes electronic signatures under Federal Law No. 1 of 2006, with additional frameworks in DIFC and ADGM. SigPDF creates valid electronic signatures processed entirely in your browser — no file uploads, no cloud storage.
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Legal Framework for Electronic Signatures in the UAE
The UAE's primary e-signature law is Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 on Electronic Commerce and Transactions. Free zones like the DIFC and ADGM have their own common law frameworks that also recognize electronic signatures for commercial contracts.
Key Legislation
- Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 — primary UAE e-signature and e-commerce law
- DIFC Electronic Transactions Law No. 2 of 2017 — applies in Dubai International Financial Centre
- ADGM Electronic Transactions Regulations — applies in Abu Dhabi Global Market
- Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 — UAE personal data protection law
Documents signable with electronic signatures in the UAE
- Commercial service agreements and contracts
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Employment contracts and offer letters
- Purchase orders and commercial agreements
- Consultancy and freelance agreements
- Corporate agreements between private parties
Documents excluded from electronic form in the UAE
- Personal status matters (marriage, divorce, wills) under Personal Status Law
- Real estate transfers and mortgage registrations
- Negotiable instruments requiring original signatures
- Documents requiring notarization or court attestation
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electronic signatures legal in the UAE?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally recognized in the UAE under Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 on Electronic Commerce and Transactions (and its amendments). The law establishes that electronic documents and signatures have the same legal standing as their paper equivalents for most commercial and civil purposes.
What is Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 in the UAE?
Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 on Electronic Commerce and Transactions is the UAE's primary legislation governing electronic signatures and documents. It provides that electronic signatures are legally valid, grants electronic records the same evidentiary weight as paper records, and establishes rules for electronic contracts.
What about free zones like DIFC and ADGM?
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) are independent common law jurisdictions with their own laws. The DIFC Electronic Transactions Law (No. 2 of 2017) and ADGM's Electronic Transactions Regulations also recognize electronic signatures for most commercial contracts. SigPDF-created signatures are generally valid in these jurisdictions for commercial agreements.
Is a SigPDF signature valid for UAE business contracts?
Yes. For most commercial contracts — service agreements, NDAs, consulting agreements, purchase orders, employment contracts — an electronic signature from SigPDF is valid under Federal Law No. 1 of 2006, provided both parties consent to using electronic means for the transaction.
Which documents are excluded from electronic signature laws in the UAE?
Federal Law No. 1 of 2006 excludes certain documents from electronic form: personal matters governed by the Personal Status Law (marriage, divorce, wills); real estate transfers and mortgages requiring registration; negotiable instruments (bills of exchange, cheques); and documents requiring notarization or witness signatures by law.
Does SigPDF upload my documents to any server?
No. SigPDF processes your documents entirely in your browser. Your files never leave your device. This supports compliance with the UAE's data protection framework, including Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection.
Is Docusign or SigPDF better for UAE contracts?
Both are valid for UAE commercial contracts. SigPDF offers stronger privacy — no document uploads — and lower cost (from €2.08/month vs DocuSign from $15/month). DocuSign provides audit trails and multi-party signing workflows. For signing your own documents privately, SigPDF is the better choice.